A night out on the town calls for an outfit that’s elevated and exciting. While basic tanks are great for laying low during the day, choosing the right dressy tank top can really take your evening style up a notch.
In this post, I’ll share my top recommendations for stylish, sophisticated tank tops perfect for pairing with everything from your favorite pair of jeans to a sleek pencil skirt. I’ll cover different necklines, fabrics, colors and embellishments to consider when shopping for tanks that seamlessly transition from day to a fun night out.
Key Features That Make Tanks Shine for Evenings
Not all tanks are created equal when it comes to wearing from desk to dinner. When selecting a top for evenings out, look for details and fabrics that feel luxe.
Fabrics
Aim for tanks in opulent fabrics like silk, satin, lace or lightweight knits. Tops made from these materials instantly read more polished and formal than basic cotton. Love cotton? Choose a cotton blend with spandex or modal for better drape and movement. And steer clear of cheap polyester that looks flimsy.
Details
Delicate embellishments take tanks from simple to standout. Look for ruffles, mesh cut-outs, shoulder ties, pearlescent beading and anything that adds interest. While played down during the day, fun details shine at night.
Necklines
Save basic crew neck tanks for casual daytime activities. For evenings out, choose deep V-necks, bandeaus, halter styles or off-the-shoulder necklines. Straps that tie in a bow or crossover add intrigue.
Length
Tanks meant for layering during the day typically end at your hips. But for nighttime, go for a slightly longer length that offers a bit more coverage for a classy cocktail-ready look.
Colors
Rich jewel tones, metallics, and black always feel appropriate for an elegant evening event. Look for these hues when selecting your dressy tanks. Keep pastels, neons and bright colors for daylight hours.
Layering
Ideal tanks for evenings out should be made of thin, fine fabrics. This allows you to smoothly layer under a jacket or cardigan for the office or when temperatures drop at night.
Now that you know what makes a tank top perfect for posh evenings out, let’s look at my top 5 recommendations for elevating your style for after-dark activities.
5 Stylish and Sophisticated Tanks for Evenings Out
Shimmery Halter Tank
Feel red carpet glam in this champagne gold halter tank top made of a silky poly-spandex blend. The luxe fabric shimmers under the lights and the skinny halter straps show off shoulders. Wear with black trousers and heels for gallery openings or birthday dinners.
Luxury Satin Halter Tank in Champagne, Macy’s, $39
Plunging Lace Tank
Date nights call for romance. This long black lace tank has a subtly sexy peek-a-boo cutout above the bust and a deep V-neckline. The slim straps are perfect for displaying a statement necklace. Pair with a midi skirt for instant evening elegance.
Scalloped Lace Plunge Tank, Nordstrom, $59
Silky Tie-Strap Tank
Cocktail hour craves something sultry like this blood orange satin tank with slim straps that tie in dainty bows at the shoulders. The vibrant color looks amazing on all skin tones. Wear with white jeans and nude heels for gallery openings or happy hour drinks.
Orange Satin Criss Cross Tank, Anthropologie, $68
Shirred Charmeuse Tank
Get ready to turn heads in this royal blue charmeuse tank top. The soft silk fabric features flattering shirring at the sides to cinch the waist. The square neckline trimmed in ruffles adds drama. Pair with a leather mini for date night or wear under a tuxedo blazer to instantly amp up basic black trousers.
Ruffle Square Neck Shirred Tank, Revolve, $88
Sequin Cowl Neck Tank
Add some shake and shimmer to your next night out with this razzle-dazzle tank covered in matte sequins. The cowl neckline and cut-out back add allure while the fitted silhouette flatters curves. Pair with faux leather leggings and block heels for a night of dancing or layer under a blazer for fancier occasions.
Silver Sequin Cowl Neck Tank, Lulu’s, $74
How to Choose the Perfect Tank for You
Now that you’ve got a list of lust-worthy tanks made for evenings out, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are some tips for choosing a dressy tank that matches your personal style and flatters your figure.
Consider Your Style
First, think about the looks you gravitate toward. Do you prefer feminine and flirty? Then a ruffled charmeuse tank could be perfect. Are you a fan of clean lines with a modern edge? Go for a sleek satin tie-strap style instead. Having a sense of your own style helps whittle down the options into a look that feels like you.
Flatter Your Body
Shape matters when selecting any garment, especially fitted tanks. Identify silhouettes that enhance your figure. For pear shapes, try a tank with a slimmer cut through the hips paired with a fuller skirt below. If you have broad shoulders, slenderize your upper half with spaghetti straps and luxe details at the neckline.
Choose Versatile Neutrals
Stick to versatile neutral shades like black, white, navy and grey that will coordinate with most of your existing wardrobe. Pops of color in a brilliant sapphire or ruby red offer versatility too. Just avoid limiting your wear by choosing takes in loud prints or very bright solids.
Mind the Fabric
Pay attention to fiber content so you know how best to care for your dressy tank. Silks, satins and lace often require hand washing or dry cleaning, which you’ll want to note before purchase. Going out tops see a lot of activity, so pick fabrics that can stand up to wear but still offer luxury.
Coverage and Support
Since evenings out usually don’t involve much layering, be sure straps and coverage offer adequate structure and support, especially if you’re busty. Halter straps and slim cami straps may not feel secure for an entire evening of wear.
Read Reviews
Don’t ignore reviews! They offer valuable feedback about fit and quality that photos can’t always convey. Check reviews to see how a tank runs size-wise and verify that design details like necklines or back cuts live up to their sophisticated styling.
Mind Your Budget
While higher price doesn’t always equal better construction, a $15 fast fashion tank likely won’t meet your expectations for elevated evening style. Expect to invest $50-100 in a quality top meant for nights out. Splurges over $100 should be justified by exquisite fabrics and detailing in addition to impeccable fit.
Consider Occasions
Know where you plan to wear your new tank most often. Are your nights out more casual brewery tours or formal weddings? The formality of events should guide just how fancy or embellished your tank purchase needs to be.
Your Top Questions on Dressy Tank Tops, Answered
You’ve got questions…and I’ve got answers! Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about wearing and caring for dressy tanks.
Q: What’s the best way to style dressy tanks for formal events like weddings?
A: Formal occasions call for upping the elegance even more. Opt for luxe fabrics like silk satin and pair with polished pieces like a floor-length skirt and statement earrings. A sequin tank under a lace cocktail dress also dazzles. An updo and bold lip add panache.
Q: Can I wear a dressy tank top to the office or is that too revealing?
A: The office calls for more coverage, so save low-cut, bare-backed, or beaded tanks for after hours. Look for simple solid tanks in fabrics like ponte knit or crisp cotton poplin. Add a blazer on top and it’s office-appropriate.
Q: What kind of bra works best under nicer tank tops?
A: Look for seamless, smooth cup bras in a nude or black to disappear under tank straps and fabrics. Wireless, strapless, and multi-way bras provide versatility. Avoid heavily padded styles – you want minimize lines under clingy fabrics.
Q: How should I care for silk and lace tanks so they last?
A: Always check the fabric care tag. Most silks and lace will say “Hand Wash Cold” or “Dry Clean Only.” Use a gentle detergent or soap made for delicates. Don’t wring or aggressively twist; lay flat to dry. If needed, use a steamer to gently remove wrinkles.
Q: Can beaded and sequin tanks work for daytime, or only nights out?
A: While they read dressy, beaded and sequined tanks can totally work for day with the right styling. Try pairing with cutoffs, jeans, or a maxi skirt. Sneakers and a denim jacket make it more casual. Just keep other accessories minimal.
Confidently Rock Date Night Style
The next time you’re invited out for a sophisticated soiree, don’t let outfit woes slow you down. Just slip into one of these recommended elegant tanks purposefully designed to elevate your evening ensemble.
Use the tips above to shop for dressy tank tops with confidence. Seek out luxe details, flattering fabrics, and silhouettes that complement your individual figure and personal taste.
Pair your glam top with everything from trousers to skirts to jeans. Then finish the look with shoes, jewelry and hair and makeup that make you feel amazing. Now go dazzle after dark in your stylish new tank that seamlessly transitions from desk to dinner and beyond.
Have an upcoming event you need the perfect outfit for? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to help you look and feel your absolute best for every sophisticated occasion.