Would You Wear… a Crop Top?
Lindsay Lohan, an Alexander Wang model, Audrina Patridge, and Whitney Port wearing crop tops
The 90’s have been over for almost 10 years now, but fashion-wise, the decade is on its way back in. Brace yourselves because it’s official: the crop top has made a comeback. Spotted on the runways at Alexander Wang and on celebs like Whitney Port, Lindsay Lohan, and Audrina Patridge, short shirts are fast becoming one of summer’s trendiest looks. But are they really wearable?
While I’m all in favor of a 90’s fashion resurgence (Clueless, after all, changed my life), I can’t help but think this is one trend that will disappear as quickly as it came back. To me, crop tops only work on a few individuals – dancers in 90’s videos, runway models, Carrie Bradshaw, and Britney Spears. That’s about the extent of it. Notice that normal people are not on the list.
I think there are also right and wrong ways to wear this look. A cropped tee worn with high-waisted shorts that cover your belly button (a la Alexander Wang)? Cute. Showing off your innie in a short tee paired with low-rise daisy dukes (a la Lindsay Lohan)? Not so cute.
Enough with my opinions, though – I want to get your takes! That is, after all, the point of this post.
Would you wear a crop top? Are you in love with the 90’s revival or will you be skipping out completely? Leave a comment – I can’t wait to hear what you guys think!
Posted on on June 8, 2009 / Filed Under: Would You Wear? / Tags: 90's Fashion, Alexander Wang, Audrina Patridge, Celebs, Lindsay Lohan, Shorts, Summer, Tops, Whitney Port
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Casha
I think this is a dreadful trend. I was in dance for years and this reminds me of the cut up t-shirts we use to wear over our leotards.
Catherine
I am definitely not a fan of cropped tops. Even if someone has a nice body this look just isn’t flattering. Just look at poor Whitney! That is awful. The line has to be drawn somewhere for 90’s fashion. You will not see me partaking in this trend.
dev
I adore them!
Emma
I just can’t see this one doing it for me. Whitney looks dreadful, totally sloppy.
anonymous
I am a “normal person” and definitely have the abs to work this trend. However, I won’t be wearing it because I don’t care to show that much skin. It’s not classy at all IMO. Mainly I am just dreading the fact that this trend will soon trickle down to masses…
For The Sake Of Fashion
I would love to, if… I had great abs. It looks nice with high waisted jeans or skirt )like Audrinas’) but I don’t think I can pull it off.
E
not cute. would never.
Caity
I will freely admit that I do not have the body to pull off a crop top. So I will not be subjecting anyone to seeing my flabby pale stomach in a crop top :-)
Kristen
definitely not!
rita
whitney.. LOOOOL
Joanne
Erm, def no! Crop top’s just look wrong!
Ali
Oh dear me no. I think it’s unbelieveably trashy and I’m not so thin, so I don’t think the world would want to see me in a crop top. Leave ‘em for the dancers. : )
myvogue
That’s a trend I wouldn’t wear. I don’t like how it looks and I hate short tops. Although I am skinny and I can wear such thing I still hate it. Plus these crop tops remind me for the time I was 12 and it may be trendy now, but still looks old-fashioned :(
Katie Breece
Ugh! I hate them. They make you look like a slob and are definitely not for normal people. I don’t think celebrities should wear them either. Whitney looks totally gross like she got her clothes out of a trash can! Crop tops are a definite style faux pas and should go back to the 90’s where they belong!
Alycia
EWWWWW!!!
Absolutely not. No way. Who the heck decided this was cute?
No way. Not even if you paid me a million dollars would I wear this even for 5 minutes. Ick.
Little Bow Prep
My mommy always abhorred showing skin on the stomach. She firmly believes that it will make anyone look heavier.
I don’t think I will wear this revival trend, but it doesn’t look too awful in the pics you have chosen.
Shana
I think this trend hasn’t been out long enough to be back in. However Audrina wears it very well. But then again, what doesn’t look good on her?
Lyd
Fashion wise =no, but to the gym or working out (it has to be one specifically designed for active wear) = yes!!!! I am a fan of crop tops as i like the freedom of movement
Bryannah
I think this whole “midriff, crop-top” style is cute, but A-list celebrities are the only people who actually are brave enough to pull off this daring look. :/
Most of the time, the crop-top doesn’t work.
But yes, about 10% of the time, it actually looks pretty good. :]
I would wear a crop top but I would NEVER wear it without a tank-top underneath.
Showing that much of my skin would make me seriously uncomfortable. :[
I would love to a get a crop-top in white, then layer maybe a bright, summery tank top in colors like pink or sky blue underneath. It would look very effortless, yet cute and doesn't show off any skin! :]
:] I love this post!
xoooxoxoxxo
Jackie
I would not wear one. I have the abs but I am just so much more modest than that. I would not feel comfortable in something that showed my belly unless I was on the beach, where it’s acceptable lol.
Linda
No. Not in public.. but it does remind me of my dance clothes…
Kellene
I might be fit, but I still wouldn’t be caught dead in one of these tops. I just think it looks cheap and tacky.
Anna
I think it can be cute, but not very practical. Especially in Boston where people still give you dirty looks for wearing leggings or gladiator sandals!
Nokomis
Okay…so I think it can be cute if done correctly….but in a more casual sort of way….and with the right shirt/shorts or longer skirt combo….and the right shoes….Whitney on the end there is just bad. Anyway…I actually probably will wear the trend.
Kayly
Many may disagree with me but I think that to wear a crop top without looking alkward and sloppy a large bust is a must, I’m a very very petite person and am thin enough I could get away with wearing one, I think that without any boobs to balance it out it just wouldn’t look right.
jen
Whitney Port looks like someone I would have made fun of in junior high…
Maria
Whitney looks terrible. The nicest one on the pic is the Wang model. Right shorts right shoes. Since I don’t have the abs (working on it, lol) I would never wear this without a tank top underneath. But even with the tank this trend is hard to pull off – wrong shoes or shorts can only lead to disaster.
Franny
I highly doubt this trend will stay around for long, so it is just not worth your time or money. Even though I’ve got the body for it I definitely wouldnt wear cos it looks slobby and is just not realistic. Also it has that whole 90s exercise gear vibe going on and that is just wrong.
Brittney
You know how some fashion trends you just look back and say “what the hell was I thinking?”. Yeah, this is one of them. Doesn’t work on ANYONE.
Sabiha
if you have a flat and toned stomach then yes, if not then no… i think if you where just out with your friends wearing them it would look a bit odd…i would not wear them, dont think they are going to last long
crystal
omg…I’ve been seeing this out A LOT since I live in Texas where it’s already quite hot. Brings back memories of my high school years…we wore crop tops (midriffs we called them) all the time. I like the way Audrina Partridge wears it, but I just don’t know if I’m ready for this trend to be back. I could pull it off (especially with a high waist skirt or shorts), but do I want to? Not so much.
Michelle
No way. ’90s fashion is cool, but I’m not a fan of this look. Look at Whitney? Doesn’t she pride herself in the fact she’s a fashionista? I wouldn’t wear her look, not even to the gym! I love the way the model is wearing it, but again, she is extremely thin. Average sized women would not be able to pull that off. I’ll be happily skipping this “look.”
Ahaja
90s fashion is out for a reason.
Lol i wouldn’t wear any crop tops.
Jorinde
NOT
Kelly
I seriously think only annorexic models can pull of this trend. Average people look terrible in cropped tops, especially the picture on the far right (should not be worn as sweats!)
That’s just my opinion. Of course if I was extremely skinny, and toned like super hero then I would love this trend, but once trends like these come out everyone thinks that they can wear it, and believe you me they can’t!
Kind of like the leggings as pants trend. Not everyone can pull it off, and some people should just not even attempt it.
*these are just my opinions so if you’re reading this and you don’t like it, don’t take them to literally because once again, this is just my opinion*
la petite fashionista
I like it! II agree it can look less 90’s cheesy paired with something high waisted. As for those who don’t want to spend money on it, you can easily cut off an old tee to try the look out.
I reallyyy like Audrina’s outfit :X perhaps it’s the 90’s child in me?
Jenna
Big NO NO for me!
This trend looks a little too much for me. I guess it’s the type of trend that does not suit everyone.
Jojo
I highly doubt this trend will end well … I can picture people that don’t have the bod trying to wear these, and I can also picture LITTLE GIRLS wearing shirts like this, which IMO is not appropriate.
I don’t think they look classy at all. I like Audrina best, but it would look 100 x better if it wasn’t see-through. Call me old fashioned, but w/e.
Hopefully this goes out as fast as it ‘came back’
Jessi
I don’t know. If this becomes a trend, I can easily see it turning into something like Anne-Margret in the “Bye Bye Birdie” movie. You know, that dreadful scene where everyone is flapping around like animated scarecrows and singing about how they’ve “got a lot of living to do?”
She wears a hot pink LONG SLEEVED crop top with awful frilly layers and pairs it with high-waisted LEGGINGS of all things.
I’m not sure if 21st century fashion should be infiltrated by what was once considered cool by 1958 rebels.
Tara
I’m definitely a fan of 90’s fashions being revived. I grew up in that decade so it’s pretty cool to have my childhood memories come back like that. By the way, we used to call crop tops belly shirts or half shirts when they were trendy in the late 90’s/early 2000.
I actually kind of like crop tops, but I agree that only certain people can pull them off. I also agree that it depends on how they are worn.
Another factor to take into consideration is the environment they are being worn in. I think it is acceptable to wear a belly shirt to the gym , on the beach, at the pool, to a barbecue, or for hitting up clubs/bars. You may even be able to get away with wearing a half shirt on a date, depending on where you’re going. But is it appropriate to wear a belly shirt on a normal day out consisting of shopping for groceries, going to the mall, etc.? Probably not so much. And it’s definitely not appropriate to wear a crop top to work or job interviews (or even school, for that matter).
Leah
NONONONONONONONO!!!!!!!!
Okay, now that my little freak out session is done, I don’t think anyone can pull them off. Maybe when you’re working outside, or as a swimsuit cover up. Just like sweats in public- don’t expect to be taken seriously.
Tasnim
just no :)
Annue
It does work with a tank top underneth, preferably in a bright color, it looks great!!! I wear it all the time :) It’s a huge trendXD
Perfection Is Human
Croptops? Me? Never!
Despite that fact that I’ll always enjoy watching ’stylish’ young celeb carrying out the fashion risks on my behalf, this is one aspect of the 90’s that I don’t want to reunite with :(
Besides, now I have an urge to watch one of those oh so cool 90’s teen shows..hang time, anyone?
Pasadena Shopping
For me they’re kinda hot!
STEPHANIE
My boyrfriend and I just saw a girl wearing this last night in Laguna Beach! I thought to myself…”where the hell did the rest of her shirt go,” meanwhile my boyfriend gave me a look as if to ask “what was that?” and then we both laughed. And it was night time and only the more upscale restaurants are open at this time and I was hoping she wasn’t going to one of them…I mean common…it looks really trashy for nighttime aparrel.
nikki
It was so 90s I was watching 90210 and Tori Spelling wore them in every color and style. I would never wear the shirt even if I had a six pack I think it;s a dont
mani
Zephyr, you totally hit the nail on the head. It’s definitely a trend limited to certain body types and people (ahem, like Carrie Bradshaw was EXACTLY what I was thinking) but I don’t know if I could stand wearing it out in public. It’s just really not my style :P
Lindsay
ewww
they are sooo ugly!
leah
No. Just no.
Aileen
No one looks good in crop tops. Anorexic models? Maybe a little. But I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t be caught dead wearing that in real life, while walking down the street. The cut of crop tops just carries a naturally awkward and off-kilter quality to it. Which could work in any other circumstance, and is an aim many pieces of clothing have–but not this one. No.
Rose
I think crop-tops can look nice if they A. are worn on the right body and B. look like they’re supposed to be short, not as if someone cut the botton of your shirt or it’s a few sizes too small.
Janell Necole
Okay I lived though the 90s and they looked HORRIBLE then and they still look cheap cheap cheap…
Wear them at the pool but not to buy groceries… tacky.
kiki
i like them, but i dont wanna look like i bought a size too small, if the trend get stronger ill wear it.
Samantha
i figure its way better than showing tons of cleavage. The stomach and back can be both sexy and conservative. and all of those have a pretty high neck. I don’t particularly like the baggy style but crop tops are definitely good in my book and not at all trashy.
Alex
they look…tacky. so nope. =)
Carolyn
I don’t know, I think I’m going to have to go against the grain on this one and say……I kind of dig em. I recently bought 2 crop shirts and they don’t look half bad, even though all of my friends compare me to Kelly Kapowski. They’re a fun trend to rock during hot, summer months.
Miley
I would but I’d kinda be scared of what people think. I think I’d wear it with a high waisted skirt or shorts. That’d be cute.
Emma
So cute. I wear mine with a vest underneath…. ta-da! No flesh on show!
Chiara
Only if I had the abs and it didn’t make me look dumpy.
danielle
I love them with high-waisted shorts, showing just enough skin to avoid trashy. I’m loving the 90’s revival stuff completely, as well. Adorable! And it’s kind of like getting to wear all the things I saw on TV as a kid but my mom wouldn’t buy me, or that the children’s-store rendition of sucked. So much fun.
patty
ummm nope that looks horrible i dont think any 1 looks good in dat
Erin
The crop top may be a sad revival of the 90’s, but for a quiet day lounging at home, I would deem them acceptable. But, for any other occasion: SCHOOL, WORKING OUT, SHOPPING, ETC. they are FAR too risque for anyone to be able to take you seriously. Unfortunately, everyone judges a book by its cover, subconsciously, or not, based on your physical appearance and even more especially, by what you wear. So, playing it safe and covering up ladies would be your best bet to avoid negative criticism on your behalf.
XOX
Maddie
love it, i don’t know i if i can pull it off, though.
Cassy
All of these pictures here show crop tops that are really loose at the bottom. That gives you a more boxy figure. The ONLY way to do this and flatter your figure is with a fitted top!
Jaylyn
I absolutely love crop tops, I am definitely not the thinnest person ever and i never thought I would be able to pull it off, but surprisingly I loved the way they look. I always receive compliments when I do wear them. I think they are made for people who are more daring in terms of fashion but I definitely think most people can pull it off if they give it a try!
Bethan
I think that crop tops are amazing! I’ve just bought one and i think it looks really cool with black skinnies and heels! Lindsay lohan rocks the look in the picture above and i think if you can pull it of then why not wear them! I think they look great :)
Jenny
I think it’s possible to pull it off, and look really good.
I know a few girls who their crop tops with a vest or long sleeve over the top – depending on what you’re wearing, it can be a great way to balance an outfit.
Amber
Any kind of style could work if one has the appropiate physique and know how to match. Personally I prefer form-fitting crop tops over the loose-fitting ones (I also dig crop top hoodies), and I more often see other women wear them with long pants than with skirts or shorts.
Amber
Whether or not I would wear a crop top depends on a few factors. Any style could work if one has the appropiate physique and know how to properly match their outfit. Personally I prefer form-fitting crop tops and crop top hoodies, rather than loose-fitting ones. Though I more often see other women wearing them with long pants than with skirts or shorts.
Charl
I like wearing them with skinny jeans and with a thin vest underneath, because showing my stomach, and the high waisted thing are really not for me
Avina
I see a lot of negative comments, I wonder what would be said 20 years from now about short shorts and low-cut blouses that everyone is wearing now. Crop tops are like shorts, they can look good if the size and style suits you but not if it is too tight or too short. Trendy or not, they are comfortable if you live in the South where its hot.
gabby
i like this look, however it doesnt look good in the pictures above.
Diana
I love the crop top! I have a very short torso, so crop tops actually cover all of my upper torso except for a very small sliver of skin, which “peeps” out just perfectly. Because I have such wide shoulders, small torso (and luckily flat stomach), and “curvy” bottom half , the boxy crop top looks great. I have had alot of compliments whenever I wear crop tops. I wear them with a nice pair of “straight” Levis, cute belt and boots.
country
i think the crop top is a great way to cover up a bathing suit or party on the beach at night with friends .. with a flat stomach and some denim it’s a great carefree look .. not recommended for wearing to a restaurant or anything along those lines though
Monica
The celebs are wearing it wrong! A cropped top with a high waisted skirt or shorts wouldn’t show any skin and would still look cute :)
lucielu
i LOVE the crop top trend. But i disagree that they look nice with high waisted items. If items are high waisted, it’s to show off the buttons/detailing on them and so the top you wear them with should be tucked in (basic fashion law). Crop tops look great with leggins (i wear them all the time) or even just with a bikini when on your jollys.
Merry
um, i wore a crop top from LaROK the other night, and i got about 10 comments on it saying how cute it was. If you can pull it off, go for. But, you MUST be able to be confident in it (which probably means a flat stomach) because if your not comfortable wearing it will not be fun. Crop tops are all about who can and who cannot pull them off. also, you have to be careful with what you wear them with. It can look classy or trashy. so choose your bottoms wisely!
lucielu
Who thinks you should wear high waisted with them?
Because i really disagree!
Merry
lucielu: i think it depends
basically models and tall skinny people can pull the high waisted look off.
but i’m short and skinny so i NEVER wear high waisted anything
i think its how you put your outfit together and your body type, thats what determines if it looks trashy or cute.