Fashion Challenge: Rethink a Cropped Top
It is blazin’ hot across America, and I don’t know about you, but when the weather is sweltering, I like to get away with wearing the least amount of clothes possible. Since running around in your underwear isn’t really an option (at least not where I’m from!) another light, cool piece to consider is a cropped top.
We’ve talked about these babies a few times before (check out this post, this post, or this post) but now is the perfect time to introduce them back into your rotation. The truth is, cropped tops are entirely possible to pull off, no matter your body type, and are a fabulous way to keep cool in the summer.
Need a little inspiration for rocking a crop top? Read on!
Tips and Tricks for Rocking a Cropped Top
- I love the look of cropped tops, but I, like many girls, am a little uncomfortable showing my stomach. If that’s you, too, don’t worry: There are many ways to wear a crop top but still stay covered up – try wearing a cropped top with a fitted tank top underneath, or with a high-waisted pair of shorts or a skirt.
- Another way to rock a cropped top but stay covered is to wear one over a simple dress. Be sure that the dress is fitted and not too patterned or busy for the best look.
- The free-spirited vibe a cropped top gives off will look amazing juxtaposed against a pair of really structured shorts.
- If you’re brave enough to show off your smokin’ hot abs, be sure to consider the venue. A picnic or concert with your friends is fine, but you might not want to bare your stomach while visiting your Grandma.
- Look for varieties that are cropped, but still long enough to only show a sliver of skin when you move — this way, you get the best of both worlds!
- Since certain cropped tops can cut your torso short, try pairing your crop top look with heels to elongate your entire body.
- This is a bold item, so be sure to pair it with tons of confidence for the best look.
Outfit Inspiration
Cropped Top, Espadrilles, Shorts, Ring, Earrings
A crocheted cropped top like this one is the perfect centerpiece for a fun summer outfit. Pair it with a classy pair of loose shorts and teal espadrilles for an extra pop of color. Finish the look with a crocodile ring and feather earrings for a playful summer vibe.
Cropped Top, Wedges, Skirt, Bangles, Necklace
Start this outfit off with a loose, striped cropped top and create contrast with a fitted white bandage skirt. Add a pair of wedges, and finish with fun accessories like this necklace with pair of glasses on it and color block bangles.
Rocked the Challenge? Send Us Evidence!
Did you fearlessly wear a cropped top this week? Send photos to fashionchallenge AT collegefashion.net along your your name, school, a description of what you’re wearing, the URL of your blog if you have one, and any styling tips you might have. We’ll feature your photo and pointers here, and drive a little extra traffic to your blog in the process :)
We can make you a celebrity overnight!
What Do You Think?
How do you feel about cropped tops? Have you tried them before? How do you like to style them? Let us know what you think by leaving us a comment!
Posted on on July 14, 2011 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Celebs, Crop Tops, Fashion Challenge, Mischa Barton, Tops, Trends, Whitney Port
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Leah
Thanks for the ideas! I love the edgy/boho vibes of cropped tops but never had the confidence to bare my belly. I’m gonna give the top over a fitted dress a go!
estella
thanks for the great outfit ideas! i have a cropped top but i didn’t know how to combine it. But i do now!
Jacqueline
The outits you put together are both extremely unique and practical! Thank for the great advice! Really neat article!
Alice
I love that cropped tops are back in style, they’re majorly comfy and cute for those 90 degree summer days out here in the midwest where the humidity makes it feel hotter.
Philicia
The outfit choices are great together. I have never thought about putting shorts, especially structured shorts, together with a cropped top. I also think that wearing one with either high-waisted jeans or flare/wide leg jeans would be adorable too, especially in cooler regions of the country.
laura
i always wear mine with high waisted bodycon skirts when going out. usually sheer or lace ones with matching coloured underwear underneath. during the day time it’s high waisted flowing skirts/maxi skirts or high waisted shorts. too scared to show much more skin although i bought a crochet one to stick over a bikini as a cover up for when i go away this year. wish me luck! x
brittany
I love the first outfit!
Alyssa Pritchett
The crop top is a summer staple! :)
Danielle
I love crop tops, but I am fairly modest with what I wear, too. I think they would look really cool with a maxi skirt if you are going for a more boho look. it also leaves some stuff up to the imagination if you are planning on exposing your stomach. :) beware of looking sloppy, though. there’s a pretty fine line between boho and bag lady sometimes!
Egg
A li’l midriff is okay but, please people, for the love of everything: wear your crop tops with something high-waisted!
You don’t want to be able to land a plane on there.
Taryn
I dig the idea of a cropped top, but I’m petite (5’3-1/2″) with long legs and a short torso. Is it possible to rock a cropped top with my body type, or should I just leave this trend to my long waisted friends?
Linda
I just bought a blue and grey striped cropped sweater from Kohls yesterday for $4.00!!!! I can’t wait for it to get cold so I can wear it with skinny jeans and my Steve Madden combat boots. Can’t wait! :)
Callie
I think these are great tips! I found an adorable little cropped tank a few months back at Kohl’s, but it has been hard to wear just because I don’t like the idea of showing too much skin. But the idea of layering it over a dress or something like that is definitely an idea worth trying.
Jaime
That’s not Sophia Bush in the picture on the right, right? I think its Erin from The City?
Linda
Thank you for the atrticle on crop tops. I wear my crop tops with low rise jeans and black ballet flats barefooted even when it is cold out, My belly button shows. I get many compliments on my outfit.