Ways To Wear: Knit and Crochet Tank Tops

One of my favorite wardrobe items to wear, and make, is a simple knit/crocheted tank top. I thought for fun I’d share a few ways I like to style them.

1. Classic

First up is a vintage 80s top I received from my cousin. Above I’ve styled it with another hand-me-along, this rust midi skirt, coordinating sandals and ring, a textured metal bangle from the 70s that used to be my mother’s, and a necklace from my late grandmother’s collection of jewelry (all of which she never really wore much at all). It’s hard to see in this picture, but the top has flecks of pastel pink, blue, and yellow and the rust color compliments this well.

2. 80s Inspired Vibes

Next I’ve paired the same top with these modern day mom jeans, obviously meant to have a vintage vibe. These are fast fashion, but I very carefully considered the purchase for my wardrobe and have already gotten many wears out of them in the few months I’ve had them. I’ve further styled the look with a shell butterfly pendant that I’ve had since high school, the same ring (my husband bought it for me at a local fair several years ago and I wear it often), and some simple burlap texture tennis shoes. I like the little front tuck here to show the high waist of the shorts, along with their pleated details. Also peep the handmade barrette – you can find similar ones in my shop here – further adding to the 80s vibe. (PS. check here for some more high-waisted shorts looks)

3. Embroidered Details

And here are the same shorts and accessories, but with my handcrocheted muscle tee tank (pattern forthcoming).  Minus only the butterfly necklace to let the embroidered details at the neckline shine.

4. High-Waisted Jeans and Flats

I’m all about tucking these longer tanks into a high waisted bottom, and here I’ve done so with a pair of dark wash jeans, cuffed. The mustard yellow flats compliment a mustard yellow French knot detail in the top’s embroidery.

5. Add a Flannel Button Up

To fit this outfit for the cooler mornings and evenings of fall, I’ve thrown a recent yellow flannel purchase over top. Again, fast fashion, but it filled a need in my wardrobe and I’ve already worn it tons. I like how the flannel coordinates with the mustard yellow shoes.

6. Tennis Shoes and a Longline Cardigan

Here, a different crocheted, embroidered top of my own (pattern also forthcoming), is styled with a longline cardigan that I got last year and some jeans I purchased last year but recently altered to slim the legs for a more skinny jean fit versus the slight bootcut flare they had. Again, both filled a wardrobe need (see more about my clothing buying process when it comes to fast fashion purchases, here). I’m also wearing a cameo locket that was my mothers and is something you’ve probably seen me wear a lot if you’ve followed along for a while. I left the top untucked here so as not to hide the floral embroidery. The tennis shoes give the outfit a casual vibe.

7. Swap Out Tennis Shoes For Dressy Flats

And finally, the same look but with the mustard yellow flats to dress it up just a slight bit. The color of the shoes also pulls from some details in the embroidery.

Knit and crochet tank tops are  really versatile and fun to style. There are many more ways you could style them than I’ve shown, like wearing one over a thin longsleeved tee or a dress, for example.

I love seeing others’ styling posts like this and I haven’t done one in a while, so I hope you enjoyed as well, and maybe found some inspiration for your own wardrobe. Do you have a fave look?