Try a KNITTED TANK TOP

Fashion expert Alyson Walsh shows how to wear this contemporary layering piece

In fashion circles, this lovely sleeveless knit is now referred to as a sweater vest. But as someone who grew up in the 1970s, I still prefer to call it a tank top. I fondly remember wearing a snazzy teal blue and red striped version with my Oxford bags and cherry print blouse, back in the day, and more than 40 years later, the tank top remains an excellent layering piece. From Ali MacGraw in Love Story to Phoebe Waller-Bridge in the 2021 Harry Styles music video Treat People With Kindness, the sleeveless tank has enduring style.

There are many ways you can wear a multitasking tank top. At this time of year, I'm quite partial to blending different fabrics together, hence the textured marl knit from Toast layered over a slinky blouse with statement sleeves, tactile corduroy trousers and my old velvet boots. The versatile knit can be slipped on over fine knit jumpers, classic shirts, a favourite dress, jersey roll neck or Breton top.