Who doesn’t want a one-and-done outfit piece, amiright? It’s for this reason that I adore jumpsuits. And, while I’m not always a dress gal, give me a cute tank dress and count me in.
The lululemon Brunch & Back Dress Is My Go-To Black Midi
So, when I ran across this lululemon Brunch and Back dress (with built-in sports bra) and a flattering racerback cut, I knew it needed a try-on! And what’s a try-on around here without a few styling ideas? So here we have it: lululemon Brunch & Back tank dress…tried, reviewed and styled up. Just the way we like it at TME.
OK, cute, right? And easy. While this dress is a definite mix of sporty (made from an almost swimsuit-type fabric) and cute (SUCH a great cut and shape) and has an oh-so-convenient built-in bra, it is a little unique. First off, it’s not really a sports dress like some we’ve featured in the past. The length is more of a midi, so you’re not gonna be playing tennis in this puppy. I’m firmly categorizing it as an ‘easy dress.’ This dress is that one-and-done thing I mentioned before…great for travel, great for those days when you wanna look cute running errands but don’t want to think about your outfit…those kinds of situations.
That being said, the built-in sports bra, while super convenient, doesn’t give the ol’ bust area a going-out/date night shape, if that makes sense. The sports bra here acts as a sports bra…and the girls are pretty flattened. Supported, but (at least for this 43-year-old mom who breastfed) flattened. BUT, I realized there are times when I don’t want to worry about which bra goes with my dress to such an extent that I really don’t care. AND I think for those of you who have larger chests (I’m a 32DD, so kinda in the middle) this dress would be such a nice supportive find. And easy. One. And. Done.
Fit notes: True to size. Size up if between. It’s tight going on over your head, and then it’s a dream to wear. I’m wearing a US 6 here, and that’s my typical dress size. I did try some padded liners from one of my other bras in this, too, and it added a little oomph.
8 Ways To Wear A Black Midi Tank Dress This Summer
OK, now for the fun part. This style of dress is one of my very favorites because it’s versatile, flattering in the shoulders, stays put (no slipping straps or whatnot) and looks good styled a ton of different ways.
1. With A Knotted Tee & High-Tops
Dress | Tee | Similar High Tops
Hi. I’ll be wearing this all summer, please and thank you. LOVE! This is such a great trick for mixing up a dress when traveling, too, so you can pack more minimally. Just pop your favorite tee on top with a knot at the waist et voilà…je ne sais quoi! (I realize this is not the ideal intended use of the phrase, but how could I resist.) I wish, wish I could find these tan Chuck Taylors anywhere for you but they’ve disappeared. The tan Nikes I linked to above are RAD though, or you could go with the natural colored Chucks.
2. Sporty With A Sweatshirt & Sneakers
Dress | Similar Sweatshirt | Sneakers
So yeah, decided to go full sporty with this one. I’ve been in love with my new Isabel Marant sweatshirt, which I’ve wanted forever, but here’s a cute under $60 alternative. And the bag…that bright strap is so fun, but sadly sold out. A great option is the orange strap and the vegan camera bag from Social Threads. They have lots of fun straps. (You may be able to grab one just like my Clare V above on eBay here.)
3. A White Blazer & Loafers To Take You To The Office
Dress | Similar Blazer | Similar Loafers
Hey office ladies…this one’s for you. Grab your favorite white blazer (yes, you need one in your closet! It adds such a fresh pop to any outfit in spring & summer!), some neutral snazzy loafers, and again with the voilà. I really love this one. Cute for Zoom meetings, too! Just swap out with slippers *wink*
4. Try It With Clog Sandals
I’m on the fence about whether clogs go with such a sporty dress, but I do adore these sandals! I think the look is fine, but perhaps not that exciting. Maybe these MIA Lunna flatform sandals I love would be cuter with it! (Ooh they’re on sale!)
5. Layer A Tank & Add Studded Sandals
Dress | ‘Cuterus’ Tank** | Similar Sandals
Some of my favorite tanks are this kind of raglan cut. I love, love them for wearing all summer long. (Think baseball tee with the sleeves cut off and length cropped) I sized up in this one, to a medium, from small batch, west coast biz Dazey LA (just type ‘cuterus tank’ in the site search…20% of sales go to Planned Parenthood!) Unlike a jumpsuit, popping a tank or tee over a dress is not totally inconvenient for bathroom trips. All the mamas say hooray! And it magically transforms your look.
7. Add A Military Jacket
Dress | Jacket | Similar Sandals
Here I grabbed, as usual, the Anine Bing Army jacket I love. So good and soft but structured. I talk about how it’s worth the investment here. The similar more budget-friendly options I find keep selling out, but this one from LLBean looks really close and pretty rad — surprisingly! And it’s under $100. This Levi’s jacket continues to be my favorite size-inclusive option AND it’s sustainable.
8. Or Keep It Chic & Simple With Mules
That’s pretty much it for this look. Simple, chic and easy. Throw any one of the jackets above on top to warm it up. Or even a pretty camel wrap like this cashmere one (on sale, no less) for a dressier look!
Shop More Midi Tank Dresses
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. 😉
 & a flattering racerback cut, I knew I needed it.){kind=link}
I mean, for the name of it alone I want to buy it! Who doesn’t need a perfect brunch dress?!? And I don’t need a bra?!? Sounds like the stuff of dreams. I love this and all of the ways you’ve styled it. I am seriously tempted with this one! Also, I agree…Nike Blazers are really rad! Thanks for sharing this!
Ah thanks, friend! It’s such an easy great find! And yessss to Nikes! xo
I LOVE the look of this dress, and immediately clicked through, but it only comes in black and I’m fair/olive skinned and look like a corpse in black… womp womp. I would love to see more tank dress suggestions in other colors, especially ones like this Lululemon dress that have a little more structure and support than just a thin tee dress. Such cute styling – would happily wear all of your looks 🙂
Ah yes got it! I’ve been considering a round up of them anyway since they’re my fav for summer. I’ll keep these thoughts in mind for sure! I hope I can find more thicker options out there. 🙂
These are my absolute favorite type of posts! I love all the creative ways you’ve styled it and intend to copy them! 🙂 I have a very similar dress from Athleta in navy.
Ah I’m so glad it’s helpful! Thanks so much!
Wow- that is really nice! Is it TTS for lululemon or TTS overall? Asking bc I’m a 4-6 in most clothes, but in in lululemon I’m an 8.
Ah good question. Yeah I haven’t had luck with Lululemon pants fitting me, but I’m typically a 6 in dresses and though a little tight to get on this was the right size for sure!
Laura – just wanted to let you know that I wound up buying the Universal Threads muscle tee dress thanks to this post (which inspired me) and it’s fantastic! I’m not a dress girl so didn’t want to spend the $ on the Lululemon, BUT the target option at 20 dollars was a steal and I’m so glad you included it as an option. Can’t wait to try out all of your styling suggestions. Thanks for this post!
Oh I’m so glad to have some options included that will work for you! I always try to find similar options at different price points! Sometimes tricky if I want to provide accurate dupes, but I try my best. Thanks so much for the feedback!