• Style Guides
    • All Style Guides & Tips
    • Boho Style Essentials
    • Classic Style Essentials
    • Edgy Style Essentials
    • College Wardrobe Essentials
  • College
    • All College Articles
    • Dorm Bedding 2021
    • College School Supplies Checklist
    • Dorm Color Scheme Guide
    • Dorm Organization Tips
  • Outfit Ideas
    • All Outfit Inspo
    • College Outfits
    • 21st Birthday Outfits
    • Cold Weather Outfits
  • Sorority
    • All Things Sorority
    • Sorority Rush Essentials
    • Sorority Rush Outfits
  • Shopping
    • All Shopping Guides
    • Best Budget Fashion Stores
    • Where to Buy Sweaters
    • Best Online Thrift Stores
    • Timeless Jewelry Guide
    • Amazon Favorites 2021
  • Beauty
    • All Things Beauty
    • Makeup Essentials Guide
    • “No Makeup” Makeup
College Fashion
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Write for us

How to Wear a Crop Top

Last Updated on October 9, 2019 by Liza - University of Minnesota
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Crop top

Pexels

With summer coming to an end and fall semester quickly approaching, most of us have just a few weeks left to try one of the hottest summer trend: crop tops! With scorching August temperatures still going strong, now is the perfect time to show a little extra skin.

I know many of you think crop tops are hard to wear, but I’m here to prove you wrong: They can be versatile AND flattering when styled correctly. Read on for my tips for wearing crop tops, as well as some sample outfits to get your inspiration going!

Tips for Wearing Crop Tops

  • Pick a length. Crop tops come in a variety of shapes and lengths, and depending on how daring you are, you can pick a top that shows only a sliver of your stomach or one that bares your belly. Daring? Try a top that hits above your belly button (as seen above). More conservative? Opt for something that grazes the top of your jeans. When picking the length of your top, you should also consider what you’ll be wearing it with, and where you’re going!
  • Pick and choose the rest of your look wisely. Crop tops are cute, but they can either look amazing or awful, depending on the outfit you wear them with. Each piece you pair with your top will evoke a different look. A higher waisted bottom paired with a crop top, for example, will limit the amount of skin you’re showing and can actually look sophisticated and fashion-forward.
  • Add a tank. Not into showing your tummy in a tiny top? Don’t! You can still get that crop-top vibe by wearing one with a tank underneath. You can match your tank to your crop top, try a neutral, go for a color contrast, or just wear a nude tank underneath for the illusion of skin.
  • Keep it classy. This is a perfect end-of-summer trend to try since, after all, crop tops really aren’t appropriate for work or class, and they’re a bit odd and out of place for a trip to the grocery store! They’re perfect, however, for the gym, the pool, and music festivals. Style your crop top right, and you can even wear it to a party or on a date. Just keep a fun, casual vibe in mind and consider your venue and you’ll be good to go.
  • Try it out! Still afraid to incorporate crop tops into your summer wardrobe? Try wearing one on the beach over your bathing suit! It’s an effortless, but totally tend-conscious choice that will have people talking! Still not convinced? Layer, layer, layer! You can spice up a long-sleeved tee or a tight dress by wearing a cropped top over it as a layering piece.

Three Outfits for Inspiration

1. Cute & Casual

Cute and Casual Crop Top Outfit

Product Information: Friendship Bracelets, Asos. Canvas Wicker Tote, Tory Burch. Curved Hem Pocket Crop Top, Topshop. J Brand Roll-Up Shorts, Bird. Glamour Ruffle Underwire Bikini, American Eagle. Saahara Sandals, Steve Madden.

This outfit would be perfect for spending time at the beach or a summer music festival! The crop top featured here is slightly sheer and has a baggy fit, making it perfect to wear over this adorable vintage-inspired bikini. Denim shorts are a classic summer staple, while the bright bag and shoes add a fun pop of color!

2. Surprisingly Chic

Chic crop top outfit

Product Information: Biker Jacket, Oli. When In Doubt Crop Top, Modcloth. Nine West Rocha Pumps, Lori’s Shoes. U.S. Polo Assn. Watch, Endless. BCBG Max Azria Textured Tube Skirt, Zappos. Tank Top, J.Crew.

This outfit is a perfect example of a classy way to wear a crop top–without ever showing skin (note the nude tank on the right)! Tuck a crop top into a high-waisted bandage skirt for a classic look with minimal bumps and bunchiness, or leave it untucked and play up the rock star edge. Added bonus: this crop top can be worn open like a vest! It’d be adorable with jeans and a tank in a contrasting color.

3. Effortless and Easygoing

Effortless and easygoing crop top outfit

Product Information: Back Stripe’s Back Tank, Modcloth. Filigree Cross Double Finger Ring, Urban Outfitters. Military Jeggings, American Eagle. Peacock Feather Earrings, Forever 21. Splendid Bandeau, Net-a-Porter. Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals, Heels.com.

This crop top has a longer length than those in the previous outfits, making it perfect for those of you who prefer a less daring aesthetic. Not only does it boast a longer back and sides for more coverage, but its cropped length is just short enough to show a sliver of stomach. Comfy jeggings and metallic sandals top off this effortless outfit.

What do you think?!

Is this a style you’ve seen this summer? Would you wear a crop top? Have any advice for girls looking to try this trend? Let us know with your comment!

Tags : Crop Tops, How To, how to wear, Summer

28 Comments
Originally published on August 17, 2010
Previous Fashion Challenge: Borrow Something from a Boy’s Closet
Next Fashion Challenge: Wear a Monochromatic Outfit

Related Posts

How to Wear Low-Rise Jeans the 2020 Way | Image

How to Wear Low Rise Jeans in Spring 2020

Class to night out fur bag with black mini skirt, gold earrings, gold necklace, tan shirt, black heels, brown lipstick, and black tights.

Class to Night Out: Fur Bag

Folded clothes packed

What I Packed and Wore on a 5 Day Trip

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lizzy says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    Unfortunately I don’t think I’m going to be able to try this one… it’s a little plus size bias….

    Reply
  2. JuliaMit says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:22 pm

    I really think it’s a trend I’m going to avoid. But the clothes in the pictures are really nice. Especially the jacket.

    Reply
  3. Breanna says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:20 pm

    I like your picks and how the girls in the photo look like, but even though I guess my tummy is flat enough for me to sport this trend, I’ll rather pass.
    Sidenote: I’ve got identical pair of peacock feathers earrings for less than one dollar 😉

    Reply
  4. Maddie says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    These are cute, and I love them as cover-ups at the pool or beach.

    Reply
  5. Lalalina says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I don’t think I will be trying this trend either. Its not a classy look, no matter where you wear it.

    Reply
  6. Faith says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I like the second outfit, but most loose fitting crop tops make it look like your shirt shrank awkwardly in the wash, if you ask me.

    Reply
  7. Chelsey says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I love crop tops! I have actually tried wearing them all summer and I think my favorite trend was taking my brothers old band t-shirts and cutting them for a grunge look.

    Reply
  8. Socialite14 says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    Crops are so in right now love them.Definitely going to try Look 1 !!!!

    Reply
  9. Chelsea - University of Oklaho says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I love this article!! that outfits your put together are great!!!

    Reply
  10. Chelsea says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:20 pm

    Oh man, I hate this trend. Haha. It sounds harsh, but I just don’t think it’s a very flattering look for most people. When I do see people wearing crops, the best to me look is much like #2, which is much like what I’ve seen people wearing out (to clubs, bars, etc). Otherwise I think they tend to look a bit awkward as Faith said above.

    Reply
  11. Caitlyn - FIDM says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    Girls all over FIDM campus rock this look all the time and I adore it! I think it is super cute.. great post!

    Reply
  12. SupaWaifu says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    Crop tops in the real life work about as well as sheer blouses over lingerie. I could see pairing a crop top with a high waisted skirt, but that’s about it. Too trendy and fleeting for my tastes.

    Reply
  13. Jenn says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    Thanks for the article; I love the crop trend. Ever since watching ’10 Things I Hate About You’, I’ve been dying for it to make a come back. Once the weather warms up a bit (Aussie reader here!), I’ll definitely be working a few crops into my look.

    Reply
  14. Ciara says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    i love the outfits, but they’re WAY too expensive for me :(… i think i will try this trend though, looks really cute 😉

    Reply
  15. Lisa says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    One of the hottest summer trends??? I haven’t seen a single person wearing a crop top in Toronto this summer. I have a cute belly but I crop top sends out a message that isn’t worth showing it off that way. I’d wear the third outfit though, since it’s not a crop top (which raises the question of what it’s doing there in the first place).

    Reply
  16. ChiCityFashion says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I’ve literally been living in crop tops all summer. However, I will only wear them with high waisted shorts or pants. I’ve gotten a bunch from American Apparel and they’re really versatile. I’ve even worn them over dresses to create a great layered look.

    Reply
  17. Chelsea says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    This trend is just not going to happen. No matter how you wear it, I believe it crosses most people’s line of modesty in public situations that do not involve the beach or a pool.

    Reply
  18. Karina says

    May 29, 2019 at 4:59 pm

    I think crop tops are excellent — not plain, but paired with a long tunic or tank underneath (the latter especially, as it shows the difference in sleeve length and still comes off as sophisticated and tasteful). I didn’t realize how much I liked this trend until I found a black & white polka dot one made of a satiny fabric. It looks great, and I wish I could find other cropped tops that are half as stylish as that one is. It really works well for layering.

    Reply
  19. Michellle says

    May 29, 2019 at 4:58 pm

    I love crop tops! So 90’s. More articles on it please?

    Reply
  20. Cindy says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:07 pm

    We offer a crop top that is to use a layering piece underneath your tops. With all of our optional sleeve length you can use your imagination and create the coolest outfits!!

    Reply
  21. Anna says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:06 pm

    Can’t wait to try your style suggestions. Especially the more formal ones. I didn’t know you can wear a crop top that way.

    Reply
  22. Angel says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:03 pm

    I have never wore crop tops before but i do want to start.
    Im just scared how it will look on me.
    Im skinny but i like to wear my jeans a little up above my waist.
    So how could i wear it then?

    Reply
  23. Meirav says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:49 am

    SupaWaifu is right. This is just compulsive bringing back of vintage trends- and this one is best left in the past.

    Reply
  24. Gyða Fanney says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:49 am

    I adore this trend! I love Chelsey’s tip about cutting up old band t-shirts for a grunge look. Definitely something I’ll try.
    I live in Iceland and although this trend is not exactly winter-friendly I plan to keep wearing my crops with some master layering!
    Love the blog btw.

    Reply
  25. Isabel says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:49 am

    I love this post! I’ve been looking for good crop tops and you provided some really practical and versatile ones! Loving the outfits. 😀

    Reply
  26. illona says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:05 am

    Umm I have this brown cropped sheer top from my grandma, and it’s vintage & really cute. But I have a problem pairing them. Any suggestions for the pants/ skirts?

    Reply
  27. Brittany says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:09 am

    I think they are very cute. I bought one a few days ago but i bought a tank for under mine. If i was a teen again i would of so rocked this with out a tank. but having kids now. I try not to show so much skin

    Reply
  28. Jen says

    April 15, 2019 at 3:49 pm

    personally I don’t think crop tops are important. People don’t need to be walking around showing their bellies. keep your body parts to yourself! : )

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • bloglovin

SEARCH CF

Get the latest CF updates! (Delivered weekly, no spam ever, unsubscribe anytime.)

Flat lay on light pink marble surface featuring planner, gold-colored pen, iPhone in pale pink case, and pale pink roses

The Ultimate School Supplies Checklist: What You Really Need for College

Here’s what should be on your college school supplies checklist.

I Dressed like Taylor Swift Eras for a Week and Here’s What Happened (Part 2)

In honor of Fearless (Taylor’s Version), I’m redoing my own work and dressing like Taylor Swift eras for a second time.

Copyright © 2007-2021 College Fashion LLC | Contact • Privacy Policy • Terms of Service • Disclosure • Write for Us