I’m Obsessed With This Summer Outfit Formula, Starring the Cutest $27 Tank EVER
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As a big fan of uniform dressing, I often lean on the same few outfit formulas when getting dressed. Whether I'm in a hurry or simply want to feel my best, a cute top and skirt — in either a midi or maxi length — is my absolute favorite outfit year-round, but especially in Summer when the living is easy and all I want to do is drape my body in languid silhouettes. I mean, who doesn't?
While I love simple tank tops and t-shirts and routinely style them with my favorite skirts, it's nice to mix it up and experiment with a slightly more unique silhouette. Enter: the POPSUGAR Smocked Tank Top ($27, originally $36) which perfectly fits the bill and is available in a range of colors and prints including basic black, light blue, bright red (witness it in action on my gorgeous co-worker Maria), and two darling floral prints in navy and green.
A new-for-June piece from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's, this tank top is my ideal basic-with-a-twist. As a smocked style, it's fitted and hugs my shape in a very flattering way without feeling tight or constricting. My favorite detail, however, is the sweet, bow-tie straps which give the tank a fashion-forward style element that still feels totally easy to throw on with anything (if you're not a skirt girl like me, reach for your favorite jeans or shorts). Since I rarely find snug articles of clothing to be comfortable (who feels me?!), I had to take this smocked top for a spin a few different times to really put it to the test.
Since I could wear a comfy top and skirt every day of the week, see how I styled my favorite combo three different ways ahead. Whether you're a skirt devotee like me or rarely slip one on, I guarantee you'll be inspired to try each of my looks on your own whether for date night, a Summer soiree, vacation, or beyond. And for more Summer outfit ideas, head over to The Outfit Bar at Kohl's, where you'll discover a range of affordable looks to get you through the Summer months in style.
The Outfit Formula: A Smocked Tank + Silk Midi Skirt
I love a good silk midi skirt, and this powder-blue style feels perfectly '90s with a black smocked tank, a lime green bag, and strappy sandals.
On Laura: POPSUGAR at Kohl's tank top; Arias skirt; a Staud bag; Zara heels; Agmes necklace.
The Outfit Formula: A Smocked Tank + Silk Midi Skirt
Since this outfit is fairly minimal, the feminine bow-tie straps give it that element of interest that keeps it out of boring territory.
On Laura: POPSUGAR at Kohl's tank top; Arias skirt; a Staud bag; Zara heels; Agmes necklace.
The Outfit Formula: A Smocked Tank + Silk Midi Skirt
I loved it so much, I couldn't help but twirl. Aka it's perfect for dinner, drinks, and all the dancing. I'd also wear it to work with a blazer or on the weekends while out and about with a denim jacket.
On Laura: POPSUGAR at Kohl's tank top; Arias skirt; a Staud bag; Zara heels; Agmes necklace.
Shop the Look
POPSUGAR Smocked Tank Top ($27, originally $36)
Arias Gathered Front Skirt
Arias Gathered Front Skirt ($695)
Staud Mini Shirley Croc Embossed Leather Bag
Zara Heeled Mules With Asymmetrical Straps
Everlasting Gold 14k Gold Hoop Earrings
The Outfit Formula: A Smocked Tank + A-Line Midi Skirt
One of my favorite skirt silhouettes is an A-line shape because it's comfortable and super flattering on a range of body types.
On Laura: POPSUGAR at Kohl's tank top; Saloni skirt; a Cult Gaia bag; Tamra Mellon heels; Chan Luu earrings.
The Outfit Formula: A Smocked Tank + A-Line Midi Skirt
I opted for the black smocked tank again (I'm a New Yorker, I can't help it!) to temper the vividness of this printed skirt, and I loved how the bow-tie straps kept the overall effect feminine. To avoid an overly girly situation, however, I reached for a pair of graphic black and white heels which felt cool and modern.
On Laura: POPSUGAR at Kohl's tank top; Saloni skirt; a Cult Gaia bag; Tamra Mellon heels; Chan Luu earrings.
The Outfit Formula: A Smocked Tank + A-Line Midi Skirt
For a streamlined finish, I went with a clear bag and modern pearl earrings.
On Laura: POPSUGAR at Kohl's tank top; Saloni skirt; a Cult Gaia bag; Tamra Mellon heels; Chan Luu earrings.
Shop the Look
POPSUGAR Smocked Tank Top ($27, originally $36)
Cult Gaia Acrylic Ark
Cult Gaia Acrylic Ark ($118, originally $168)
Tamara Mellon Shade Heels
Tamara Mellon Shade Heels ($450)
Chan Luu Freshwater Cultured Pearl Double Drop Earrings
The Outfit Formula: A Smocked Tank + Tiered Maxi Skirt
Print mixing is new for me, but I really wanted to amp up this floral-print top in a way that felt slightly out of my comfort zone. To me, this tiered maxi skirt was a match made in mixed-print heaven.
On Laura: POPSUGAR at Kohl's tank top; Chinti and Parker skirt; a Loeffler Randall bag; and Zimmermann heels.
The Outfit Formula: A Smocked Tank + Tiered Maxi Skirt
With feminine detailing in a micro-floral print, this smocked tank feels festive enough for a Summer party or a unique wedding-guest outfit. It's also an eye-catching (and Instagrammable!) vacation look for dinner or drinks.
On Laura: POPSUGAR at Kohl's tank top; Chinti and Parker skirt; a Loeffler Randall bag; and Zimmermann heels.
The Outfit Formula: A Smocked Tank + Tiered Maxi Skirt
Another skirt made for twirling, I kept the rest of my palette tonal yet summery by opting for a structured mini bag and rope sandals.
On Laura: POPSUGAR at Kohl's tank top; Chinti and Parker skirt; a Loeffler Randall bag; and Zimmermann heels.
Shop The Look
POPSUGAR Smocked Tank Top ($27, originally $36)
Chinti and Parker Parasol Skirt
Zimmermann Rope Tie Mid Heel
Zimmermann Rope Tie Mid Heel ($450)