Everyone needs straight-leg jeans and a basic tank top.
Everyone should have an outfit they can turn to when they’re not in the mood to play dress up. It’s something you feel good in, works for multiple situations, and, ideally, can be layered to take it from day to night or from summer to fall. I personally have a few: wide-leg trousers and a T-shirt, a simple but chic ribbed maxi dress, and a combination that Blake Lively just wore.
When the actress was spotted walking around New York City arm-in-arm with husband Ryan Reynolds, she was wearing the easy outfit combination I reach for year-round: classic straight-leg jeans and a basic black tank top. Lively then paired those base pieces with mustard yellow Converse sneakers, honey-colored sunglasses, and a raffia Chanel bag, creating the perfect summer look.
Mother the Kick It High-Waisted Straight-Leg Jeans
Buy on Nordstrom $278 Buy on Motherdenim.com $278
Hanes Racerback Tank Top
Buy on Amazon $14
In my opinion, your seasonal uniforms should always lean more classic than trendy for a few reasons. For starters, re-wearing timeless pieces goes far more unnoticed than when you do it with this season’s boldest, biggest trend, but—and perhaps more importantly—it can become anything with minimal effort. Lively made her tank top and jeans summer day-ready by adding a light brown purse and bright sneakers. It was light, sunny, and simple. But by swapping those shoes for a pair of strappy heels and adding a leather jacket, the look can transform into something you’d wear to a late-night dinner and beyond.
While for the most part any wardrobe basics can help you achieve this, I particularly loved the ones Lively chose. Her straight-leg jeans never go out of style, but this year, they’ve become the ‘It’ jean. They’re flattering, offer the perfect amount of room—neither skin tight nor majorly oversized—and look good with everything thanks to the sleek silhouette that complements pieces rather than steals the show. I also love that she opted for a black tank top over your typical white one. It’s a simple swap but it makes the outfit chicer and, I’d argue, more expensive-looking, too.
Lively’s versatile two-piece summer uniform is something I think every wardrobe needs. Shop more jeans and tank tops inspired by her look, below.
Get the Look:
Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans
Shop now: $46 (Originally $80); amazon.com
Madewell Baggy Straight Jeans
Shop now: $98; madewell.com
Gap Favorite Tank Top
Shop now: $7; amazon.com
J.Crew Classic Straight Jeans
Shop now: $75 (Originally $148); jcrew.com
NYDJ Marilyn Straight Jeans
Shop now: $78–$109 (Originally $119); amazon.com
Vichyie Tank Top
Shop now: $19; amazon.com
Frame the Slouchy Straight Jean
Shop now: $268; nordstrom.com
Skims Cotton Jersey Tank Top
Shop now: $40; nordstrom.com