How to Wear: Crop Tops

Crop tops have been everywhere this season, from the city streets to the runways at Jill Stuart and Michael Kors. Personally, I love this springy trend. When done right, the crop top is sexy, chic, and sophisticated all at the same time. But it’s also a tough one to pull off…

If hearing the word crop top conjures up scary images of belly-baring ‘90s pop stars, you’re not alone. It’s certainly not the easiest trend to style, and it takes a somewhat daring fashion sense (not to mention atoned tummy). But pulling off the crop top doesn’t have to be so intimidating. For one thing, a crop top doesn’t automatically mean a bared bellybutton. There are plenty of ways to style a crop top so that you are showing only a demure hint of skin, and not your whole stomach.

Here are a few of my tips for wearing a crop top the right way…

1. Play With ProportionsLike so many other styles, wearing a crop top is all about proportion play. To strike a balance with your tinier top, wear a high-waisted skirt or high-rise trousers on the bottom. That way, only a sliver of skin will be showing and you can keep this trend feeling ladylike. Definitely no low-cut jeans! (Again, this isn’t the ‘90s.) This Alice + Olivia look is right on point. 

2. Pair with a PencilAnother key to pulling off the crop top is pairing it with a more conservative bottom. Since the pencil skirt is the epitome of sleek and sophisticated style, I love how it looks with a crop top. Think of it as ‘party on the top, business on the bottom.'

3. Box it off

Wearing a boxy, cropped sweater might feel a little less scary than a skin-tight top. Luckily, there are so many cute styles of cropped sweaters this season. I love this one from Top Shop, with its layer of lace along the hem.

4. Cover UpIf your tummy feels too exposed with a bare midriff, try layering an open cardigan, jacket, or blazer over your top so that only a hint of skin is showing in the front. Not only will this make you feel a little more covered up, but it’s also a great way to keep this look weather appropriate during the cooler spring months.

5. Leave it to LayersWant to take part in the crop top trend without showing any skin at all? As I shared in my February Style Tips post (see no. 9), I love the look of a cropped sweater with a crisp button-down shirt underneath. Flat abs or not, anyone can pull off this chic look.
There you have it! I hope these tips help you to feel a little more confident about trying out the crop top trend.