Pivotal Pieces: The High Neck Tank Top

Welcome to the first entry of Pivotal Pieces, a series where I talk about pieces that shift my personal style in a pivotal way.

I’m obsessed with the pursuit of personal style. It mesmerizes me when someone’s personal style is so sharply articulated that it’s undeniably them. Style is a form of self-knowledge that comes with personal growth. It’s what I aspire towards, like someone else could own a replica of my closet but we’d still end up with different outfits because our styles are different.

My wardrobe strengths lie in my eclectic, whimsical, sensory pieces. I love unexpected details, tactile textures, things that are a bit grotesque - because cool necessitates a dosage of ugly. Color theory comes easily to me.

My wardrobe weaknesses are the core foundational pieces that keep my outfits balanced. I don’t like the term “basics” - it feels reductive, an overused marketing term.

Tibi uses the term Without Fails, which I’m partial to:

“Like our most trusted confidante, the person who knows you best, there are certain pieces of clothing or accessories that you turn to over and over again because they inexplicably tell the story of who you are.”

Enter the High Neck Tank Top. Specifically, the Eva Tank from Anine Bing, from TheRealReal (because you know I love the deals).

the tank

For a while I’d been reading about subversive basics and it spoke to me. I especially love Ottolinger.

Ottolinger Spring 2022. Source: Nylon

I don’t count my tank top as a subversive basic because the design isn’t pushed far enough, but it’s enough of a departure from my existing rotation that the impact is deeply felt.

Do you ever put on a piece of clothing and squeal because it’s so aesthetically affirming of who you are?

That’s what this tank did for me. The neckline is high which makes it ideal for showcasing layered chain necklaces and my Polly Pockets. The curved sides make me feel like a Zaha Hadid building. It’s kind of androgynous. The fabric has the right amount of weight and durability.

Zaha Hadid building. Source: Arch Digest

It works seamlessly with the rest of my clothes.

Here’s a jeans and blazer combo I would wear to cosplay as an art museum curator. It feels polished but still relaxed.

Jesse Kamm Sailors, Tibi blazer, Proenza sandals, Kozha Numbers bag

detail shot

Edna Mode’s SOUR album launch, anyone?

Here’s outfit #2 to show range, I played up the saturated autumnal 70s inspired colors with this Titanic-esque blue backdrop.

Maria Stanley Cardi, Tibi Pants, Santos by Monica Bag, Proenza Mary Janes

I like to wear cardigans off one shoulder

Daisy London Snake Chain, Vintage Polly Pocket :)

Have a great week everyone -

Viv