Work, Weekend, and Night Out: 3 Ways to Spice Up a Simple Tube Top
Thanks to the overwhelmingly positive response to my last post on 3 ways to wear a gray dress, I’ve decided to continue with another “one piece three ways” article.
This time, I took a cue from one of the comments you guys left me, and decided to have a look at another really versatile piece: the tube top! Tube tops come in a lot of different shapes, the most common being the curve-hugging variety, which I decided to use today. I opted to go with the curve-hugging style because I think it’s probably the most frequently mis-worn.
So, here it is:
A tube top is really revealing, being as there are no sleeves, so there are two ways you can make it work proportionally: you can either cover up the top part of you with a little sweater or jacket, and then wear shorts or a mini skirt, OR you can cover up a bit more on the bottom to balance out the top.
Look 1: Work
Product Info: Blazer, Pants, Bag, Bracelet, Shoes
The first look I put together is work (or interview)-appropriate. The tube top under the blazer doesn’t look quite as stuffy as an oxford shirt would, and if it’s really hot on your way to/from work, it’ll stop you from baking in your own clothes.
I love this blazer, because it’s so much fun! Florals are really popular right now, and this is a cute alternative to the floral skirt. It’s an interesting piece that doesn’t require much jewelry or other accessories, because it stands out on its own. I tried to match the bag I picked to the pink flowers on the blazer, but if you’re not sure, it’s always okay to go with a neutral colour (like black, white, or gray, in this case)!
Look 2: Daytime
Product Info: Jeans, Earrings, Necklace, Hat, Bag, Shoes
The second look that I picked out is a more relaxed and beach-ready look. It’s also my favorite!
I am kind of obsessed with moccasins right now, and because this look is meant to be both cute and comfortable, I couldn’t not include them! If moccasins aren’t your thing, feel free to substitute them for your favorite sandals! Because the top I picked is white, I tried to add fun and funky accessories, like the floral bag, and the tea cup necklace. For sitting in the sun, or even walking around at a festival, I love this big floppy hat! It’s chic in an “I’m not trying” way. The bag is also big enough that if you were heading to the beach, you could throw your towel, sunblock and a book in and head off!
Look 3: Night Out
Product Info: Sweater, Jeans, Clutch, Shoes, Earrings
The third look I picked is really cute for a night out, whether you’re on a date, or going to a party. Because you’re not at work, it’s totally okay to show off your shape in more fitted clothes!
Just a word of caution, though: make sure your jeans and your top really do fit. If both are too small, it can make for a really uncomfortable time, and a really unsightly muffin-top effect! If you’re not comfortable with the skinny jeans AND fitted top, you can always substitute trouser jeans or a straight-leg pair for these. They will create an equally sleek silhouette.
As for the accessories, I feel like I went a little Katy Perry on you here… I found the shoes and ran with them! They’re really fun, and I wanted the rest of the outfit to be fun too. I echoed the strawberries on the shoe in the earrings, which are just small studs, and pulled from the green trim to find the clutch.
So, what do you think?
What’s your favorite way to wear a tube top? Which outfit is your favorite? Do you have any tips for rocking a tube top without looking trashy? Let me know in the comments!
Posted on on August 14, 2010 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Budgets, Fashion, How To, Outfits, Shopping
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Maranda
Adorable.
Lizzy
I really like outfit #2! I love the idea of the tube top to work/interview, never imagined that would be appropriate – but I’m not crazy about the blazer only cuz Im not a floral fan lol. Not super crazy about the accessories from #3 – you went very cutesy for a night out to a party or club where I’d have gone more sleek with silver jewlery and maybe just ONE cutesy thing. I would have picked either the shoes OR the studs but not both – gives way to much of a “Strawberry Short Cake” look. The cardi is cute but for my own tastes I’d go with one of those new angled cardies where you could let it hang to your sides or tye it up (not sure if I described that well enough, sorry). Over all I like the concept – could this work with a black one too??
kd
i’m sorry, thumbs down for this one. the blazer in the first outfit looks like it was made from someone’s grandmothers old couch. same with the bag in the second one…a simple canvas tote or something from j crew or banana republic would have looked SO much better and you could have brought color to the outfit by wearing a cool scarf or something. the third outfit.. the earrings, the shoes, the bag…i agree with lizzy. if you were going to pick any of them you should only pick one but not all of them at once. lizzy nailed it with the strawberry short cake look. i agree with her on the drape-y cardigan idea. that, paired with the skinny jeans, some t-strap or beaded sandals and a plain colored clutch would look a lot better.
nicole
the jacket and purse in the first one look a bit tacky. the 2nd outfit is really cute.
Sarah
#2 is my favorite! I think the moccasins did it for me! I am not a tube top wearer, but more of a spagetti strap-er so I like the idea of mixing something up. I would probably try a tube top with a big maxi skirt to balance out the tight fit of the top. It could create a good cute and flirty vibe but more dramatic with the maxi!
Lizzy
I could see your idea Sarah, though I’d be worried it’d be very boho-esque.
Brittany
the second outfit is SO cute! not sure about the others, though…but it does give good inspiration!
Christina Wells
i loved this i have a tube top that i wore only once because i dont know what to do with it
Diane
Yuck to this entire post. The 2nd look would be okay without so many accessories. Maybe just the earrings with the big hat, but not a dangly necklace too. Plus why wear winter-y moccasins with a summery, floppy hat? The first and last looks are SO tacky I don’t know where to start.
Zippy
I’m really liking the pink purse, but I feel like tube tops should have died with the 90s. Good outfit combos, although the 3rd is marred by the bizarre Strawberry Shortcake heels- not my favorite!
Millie
that 3rd outfit is a catastrophe. no no no.
Vanessa
Yuck. Very tacky. Cant win them all. First whole post i don like
Kath
They’re not all my style but I love #2. The bag is so cute and I love the teacup necklace. Although I’d probably have to swap out the tube for a tank. I just don’t trust tube tops to stay where they’re supposed to!
Milana
The second look is cute – I like the idea!
Julie
suede moccasins on the beach? i’d have gove with flip flops or at least a show that wouldn’t be a royal pain to get sand out of.
I agree with some other posters about the tacky-ness of some of the shoes and accessories.
Rebecca
I liked parts of each outfit :)
Jennah-Li
these outfits are whimsy. and so incredibly adorable! liked #2 and 3 the best!
Jenny
your style is so beautiful! :)
Sam
Just wanted to chime in that I think the third outfit is really cute, even if the majority don’t like it.
kate
outfit #2 is my favorite. i like the ideas presented in each of the outfits and i think they are really creative ways to use a tube top. i don’t like some pieces of the outfits, but that’s why she said you could substitute. i could totally see katy perry wearing the third outfit! :)
liz
lol, some of you gals need to chill out. The outfit is a suggestion, and you can switch out the pieces for whatever you want. She’s just showing you possible ideas, now go wear it your way. That’s the whole point, right?
Good job on the article, even if i didn’t love every idea, you inspired me to try my own version, thanks!
Naomi
i honestly love this idea, and might even alter it to fit my blog! luv, luv LUV the second outfit which would be school appropriate with a cardi over. I agree on the last outfits choice, and think that it is a bit childish for a night out. btw, can u do this post with a cardigan instead?
Megan
Loved the first two outfits. The third was too much body clinging all at once but I’m glad you still suggested looser jeans. Everyone needs to chill a little… She is not telling you to go and wear these things exactly this way and only this way. Its just her representation. I really loved the post and enjoyed all the outfits.
Lizzy
Okay how about EVERYONE chill – people are just posting their opinions, don’t be rude to others that don’t agree with you or said it differently. It is JUST a post with JUST suggestions (most which are really good). Yes the 3rd outfit is Strawberry Shortcake-like … but maybe there are readers here (that have spoken) that LIKE that sort of kitchy garb. No big deal. Don’t loose sleep over it people. You like stuff or you dont. Don’t harp on others who don’t agree with you.
S.M
I dunno what kind of places you go out to but strawberries do not speak college chic. I don’t wear tube tops except when I wear them with skirts to go to clubbing in. Maybe layered under something. I like the 2nd look though, looks like a nice comfy look.
Also, for the people saying not to comment if they don’t like it or to chill out. I don’t see anyone’s comment being extremely mean. It’s important to read comments as a writer and improve from feedback. How else do you get better?
Charlotte - University of Birmingham
LOVE the first outfit. I would never have thought of wearing a tube top to something formal but you really make it work.
I love this series- I actually dug out my grey dress after the last one.
I hope there’s more to come :]]
Charlotte
xxx
Maddie
I felt the first look was kind of elderly, but the other two are very cute!
Brook
Personally i believe all of them were cute…each outfit had something that i would never have the guts to pull off!!! I love me some tubetops but not trashy…it’s summer ya know let loose a little!!!!! But i really LOVE the 2nd and 3rd one…but i would def rock the first one to a day of looking like i had something to doo!!!!
Tessa
I think the second one is adorable and it’s not like the moccasins have fur in them so basically they are just flats chill guys. Good job
Yvonne
While these are all very creative and cute ways to zazz up a tube top, I don’t own a single tube top. I’ve left them back in my denim “overalls” days.