My very stylish friend Jennifer in Brooklyn asked for a tank dress roundup after I styled up the Lululemon Brunch & Back dress here a few weeks ago. Black tank dresses are definitely a staple for me in warmer weather, so it was time for a revisit to see what’s currently out there and to help my girl out.
Summer Outfit Staple: A Black Tank Dress Try-On Sesh
We are all obsessed with the Lululemon dress right now (so much so that it is currently sold out…but we’ll keep an eye on it), but I wanted to see what other fabrics in the black tank dress I could find for warmer days, too. The other tank dresses are slightly thinner fabrics and have a few other special little details or differences that drew my attention.
1. Z Supply Rib Dress | The One With A Sexy Front Slit
Oooh, this one! I knew this black ribbed tank dress looked cute online, but didn’t expect to love it so much! That front slit is just ooh la la and something different when it comes to this style dress. Most of the time you have to search dressier fabrics to find that cute detail. But Z Supply gave it to us in this comfy rib knit. It’s also under $70, making it less than the lululemon or Michael Stars in price.
Fit Notes: I will say I so so wish this had a racerback top because that’s so much more flattering on me, but this is so cute from the front I don’t mind. The straps also allow for wearing a regular bra with it…I know. Such a bonus.
The fabric is quite soft but not thin and in the black color it’s nice and flattering. It’s definitely less hold-you-in than the Lululemon dress below. The straps also run slightly long, but I’m shorter in my upper chest, too. Wearing a small here, my typical size in knit dresses.
2. Michael Stars Racerback Midi Dress | The One With The Ruched Waist
at Nordstrom | at Revolve (more sizes) | at Verishop (more colors)
I’ve been wanting to check out this Michael Stars tank dress for years now. Or did I previously? Haha. I might have tried it before, but forgotten how it fit, so here it is again. It’s been a popular style for a long time, and they tend to always have this dress in stock each year, but I’ve noticed it does occasionally to sell out.
It looks SO cute on. BUT…the length on me…I could only take baby steps, y’all. Haha. To me, that means this would only really be OK to wear for a dinner date or similar, and not an all-day dress like the others.
Fit Notes: Again, this midi dress is longer, and while it doesn’t seem like the fabric will stretch out annoyingly with wear, it also doesn’t leave room for having much of a stride. I’d be left behind in my fast-walker husband’s dust if we had to park any further than a block away from our destination. Ah…the number of times I have to ask him to slow his roll when we’re on date night due to fashion choices. He loves it. Heh. This fits a little on the small side. I’m wearing a small here, and it was quite fitted but not uncomfortable, outside of the walking issue.
3. DKNY Racerback Ribbed Tank Dress | The Sporty Option With The Built-In Bra
at Nordstrom | at DKNY | at Dillard’s
Well, I was hoping for this to be a real winner. It also has the convenience of a built-in shelf bra, the cute racerback top, and it’s only $59. BUT this one just didn’t fit me properly. I’d say it runs large, especially in the hips and stomach. It’s really comfortable so if you’re looking for a little more room, one that’s a bit shorter and at a great price, this is worth a try.
Fit Notes: Wearing a small here and could have probably sized down. The top/bra part fit pretty well but ever so slightly big, and the rest of the dress definitely had more room than the others. It is labeled as a sports dress, so perhaps the extra room is for movement reasons, which would make sense. I don’t think I’d rock a tank dress for sports beyond walking though, but that’s just me.
Shop More Black Tank Dresses
There are quite a few options out there right now, so if you’re still looking for additional options, I’ve rounded more up below. I wish I had tried this James Perse option on sale at Saks OFF 5th! Score. Their pieces are always some of my favs. Ooh or this ringer dress (currently 40% off!) from GAP. Like I said…so many options.
Since black tank dresses are such a go-to style, let me know if you have any favorites! You can tell I’m digging the knotted tee on top right now for styling it up a different way, but if you’re planning to take yours to work, finding a comfy white blazer to throw on top is my favorite dressed-up combo (see how I style it here). LOVE.
xo,
L
Would love to have you follow all my daily mom musings, donut pics and dance parties over on Instagram @laurajansenstyle. I try to keep it real over there, with a side of fun and a good dose of social justice, all from sunny Portland, OR. 😉
Marine Layer Lexi Ribbed Dress!!!!! Gotta include that in the round up!!!
Ooh ok!! Will add!
They all look great on you, Laura! I have the Michael Stars dress. I laughed when you said you had to take baby steps in it. I feel like Morticia Adams when I wear it. (You may be too young for that reference!)
Haha love it. Omg I’m gonna BE morticia this halloween. Ha! Not too young! But flattered you might think so 😉 I really want to be Wednesday but my daughter already called it.
I’ve had the Eileen Fisher tank dress in black for 3 years. It’s been an amazing work horse of a dress. I sized up to get a roomier fit, and have washed and worn it so many times, and in so many different places and occasions. Living in CA I wear it year round, adding a sweater and boots in winter. I loved it so much I bought it in blue. Highly recommend.
Oh thanks, Clare! I’ll have to check that one out! I haven’t tried many EF pieces but I know some of our team LOVES them.