As a fan of slightly nerdy knitwear: traditional Fair Isle, classic cardigans, the perfect polo neck – I have been looking for a knitted tank top (or sweater vest as we’re now calling them) for some time. When the tendency is for brands to skimp on sizing and you have a long body, that’s not as easy as it sounds. I do not want to look like I’m wearing a woolly crop top… Success at last. The navy, knitted waistcoat from Me+Em is an ideal length, good quality knit and has a Diane Keaton vibe. Even though I’ve gone a bit Advanced Style with this outfit, the sweater vest would look equally cool with a white shirt, jeans and loafers. Pared back or far out. Take your pick.
Knitwear designer and author Debbie Bliss believes that a tank top is the perfect style solution to help overcome a hot flush. Layering a sweater vest over a simple, white t-shirt or fancy blouse is the answer for women in midlife and beyond. ‘I’m on medication and have been going through hot flushes again,’ the 68-year-old says over the phone, ‘I’ve found that if I suddenly have to strip, it’s easier to pull a tank top off. Fortunately, one of my patterns is for a sideways cable knit with no side seams and lots of menopausal through-draft!’ (The Harriet Tank Top Knitting Pattern, £3.50, LoveCrafts). Being an experienced knitter, Bliss owns a selection of handmade tank tops, ‘They’re great as a body warmer when we take the dogs out – some of my jackets have quite narrow sleeves and you get the extra warmth without the bulk.’
Will you be getting tanked up this spring?
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STYLE NOTES: The Merino Button Vest is the from Me+Em. The Botanical Anna blouse is from Boden. And the Super Wide Leg Ponte Trousers are also Me+ Em. All clothes loaned and returned. The suede sneakers were a generous gift from Grenson. Earrings from Auree Jewellery.
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