Wearing a daring crop top doesn't have to be a scary challenge.
Crop tops are daring enough as is, so there’s no need to amp up the sex appeal. The results will just be seriously tacky. “Do not pair a crop top with a mini skirt,” warns Monica Binetti, personal stylist from Share Some Style. “Remember Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman? Enough said. Instead, try a high-waisted skater skirt or a loose fitting tuxedo trouser.” A extra perk for pairing your crop top with a high-waisted skirt? You’ll have an easier time hiding your tummy and your confidence will increase.
Crop tops aren't just for super slim ladies. Curvy girls can also rock them with pride. “Kim Kardashian has been wearing this look to every appearance, outing, and business meeting,” says model and style expert Jaimie Hilfiger. However, it’s crucial to make sure that the overall outfit complements your figure, avoiding an unflattering look that could add on inches. “It’s important not to have extra pounds clinched, pinched, and bulging out the sides when wearing this look,” she warns.
Crop tops don’t need to bare all. A uniform look can make your appearance more polished and sophisticated, especially for daytime. “To keep the look elevated, I suggest going with a matching top and bottom from the same designer in the same color and fabrication,” Cooper says. “This gives the illusion of a dress with a small peek-a-boo affect.” While going for the same fabric and color will make the skimpy crop top appear grown-up, never choose this look for the office. Play it safe and save it for casual outings instead.
Sure, a modest skirt can be the perfect pairing for a crop top, but it's crucial that your overall ensemble is the absolute perfect size for your body type. “Pencil skirts should look smooth and even when standing up straight,” says style expert Hilary Kennedy. “If you have bumps or rolls, the skirt is too tight. Go up a size. It will make sitting or getting in and out of a vehicle a much more pleasant experience!”
You might want to have a tight tummy to feel bold enough to step out in a belly-baring crop top, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider this trend if you don’t have a so-called perfect shape. “Listen, a pregnant Kerry Washington took the crop top and made it hers!” says Binetti. “That’s really the secret trick with most trends. If they fit you and you feel confident wearing it, then it will be pulled off seamlessly. “
“The high-waisted skirt or pant will be your best bet,” says Binetti on a look that works for both slim and curvy ladies. “Remember, muffin tops are not welcomed anywhere so I can’t stress enough the importance of proper fit!” When in doubt, pay a visit to your tailor, who can ensure your skirt or pant has a custom-fit, which will avoid accentuating any problem areas. Binetti also suggests looking for oversized crop tops, which can better shield a significantly larger midriff. “I believe the key is to wear a bottom is that it's not form-fitting around your stomach because that is only going to highlight areas you may not want to accentuate,” she adds. “I would lean more towards maxi skirts, skater skirts, and peg/harem pants with this type of top.”
Having a straight, toned figure may make you the perfect candidate to wearing a crop top with pride, but if you’re looking to add curves to your shape, Binetti advises to consider a looser crop top with a skinny pant.
“To keep your crop top from looking too immature, only show a maximum of two inches of exposed skin,” says Kennedy. “To add more drama, throw a tailored blazer over your crop top.”
We get it, the sticky, sizzling hot days of summer are almost here and less is more to stay cool. The form-fitting crop top is on-trend, but sadly, this will only work best on those with a slim midsection. But even if you have the ideal body for this runway-ready ensemble, that doesn’t mean you should become lazy and not wear an appropriate size for the best look ever. “Make sure to purchase a top that is not too small because that will only accentuate your problem areas,” says Binetti.
Don’t think the crop top is right for you? There’s always the cut-out dress as a stylish option, which shows off some skin in the right places without revealing too much. “It’s flattering on most body types when the cutouts are strategically placed at the most attractive angles,” says Kennedy. “If love handles and muffin tops abound, aim for cutouts that are placed above the waistline.”