Crop tops have come a long way from cheesy ’80s gym attire. Fashion houses, like Chanel and Calvin Klein, featured the look in their resort collections. And as these street stylers show, the look is just as chic dressed up with a maxi skirt as it is paired with laid-back jeans. Now that the crop top is firmly in high fashion’s repertoire, you can expect much more sophisticated options than those barely-there, skin-tight versions from your glorious teen days. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites.
Tips: How to pull off a crop top
A veteran crop-top wearer and editor for CR Fashion Book, Shiona Turini gives us a few tips on how to wear the intimidating piece — no matter what size you are.
The crop top is your friend, honestly
“Not enough women take advantage of the fact that crop tops are actually quite flattering, no matter your size. The area between the rib cage and belly button is usually the slimmest for a woman with an hourglass shape. A crop top accentuates this in a good way. You just have to find a cut that works for your body. Try on a few and stick with a shape that you are most comfortable with — loose, fitted, sporty or sexy.”
They’re made for high waists
“I never wear a crop top with anything low-rise — it’s too exposed and definitely a look for a younger girl. I love a small to medium slither of skin showing, so I usually wear mine with high-waisted, wide-legged pants, or shorts and skirts with an A-line shape.”
But there are rules
“Stick with a slither of skin versus being nearly naked. Cover up on the bottom with either a longer length skirt or pants that are not too tight. If not, you’ll just look vulgar or way too ’80s, which is never the goal!”
