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You can Hate Them But You Can't Ignore Them in 2022: Crop Tops
COVER STORY / 2022-02-02
Crop tops have been around for so long, that it’s hard to keep a track anymore. This trend was originally huge, back in the 1990s and since the year 2005, we see the comeback of crop tops year after year. Fashion is cyclical, so you better get used to it! With the persistent presence, one thing is clear right off the bat about this trend: There’s no age limit to owning and wearing a crop top. You should wear what you love as long as it makes you feel comfortable. And well, crop tops are damn comfy, believe it or not. They come in all shapes and sizes. Crop tops can be a soft cotton tee or spaghetti-strapped bralette, a denim bustier, or even a scarf wrapped as a crop top! Whatever you choose, these pieces are perfect for easy dressing, especially during the summer season.
Let us address the number one worry that comes to mind while thinking of cropped tops – tummy show. We are currently a part of a health-conscious decade, where mostly everyone is trying to spend hours at gyms, lifting weights, doing sports and pilates, and eating healthy food. If anything, crop tops can actually motivate you to progress your body (if you want to, of course). Still, it’s true, not everyone has a flat stomach, that’s why you are free to choose different outfit ideas with this fabulous top-wear style. So we've selected some celeb and street style inspiration for how to elevate crop tops for date night or Netflix-and-chill at home. Ahead, 9 ways to bare your midriff in style.
1. Crop top + Jeans
Crop tops in the 90s were born this way! Crop tops with jeans serve as the ideal base for a statement crop top. You can go for a distressed, ripped, stone washed, embellished, low waist, high waist, flared, and even boyfriend jeans with crop tops. And remember, especially high-waisted jeans, are made for showcasing your crop top collection. Since jeans are more of a covered, casual wear item, you can feel at-ease showing a little more skin up top.
2. Crop top + High waisted bottoms
Crop tops and high waist pants/skirts go together like peanut butter and jelly. The combination gives the illusion of a longer torso since the bottom sits high on the hips. And if you want to take this daytime look up a notch, simply add heels. If you don’t want to display your midriff, then you can go for this styling. You can also sport a semi-formal, polished look by pairing a cropped t-shirt with a pant-suit.
3. Crop top + Black + Monotone
A black crop top can be styled in so many different ways. Also, the classic head-to-toe monochrome look never fails. Then, how about we combine the two? If you want to hit the refresh button to your default crop top + jeans styling, dress your top up with leather paper-bag trousers and an embellished leather jacket. For a more sporty casual look, swap the trousers with black leggings.
4. Crop top + Leisure
A graphic print crop top is a cool way to show off your laidback side. Depending on what color(s) it is, match it with an equally bright or neutral pair of sweatpants. You can also, literally trim down your softest and cutest tees and make crop tops out of them. It's all about expressing your creativity and putting comfort on top!
5. Crop top + Deck-to-Dinner
For a crop top that can take you from the beach to dinner, choose one with lace or billowy sleeves. The thin material will let the gentle ocean breeze hit your skin but keep you covered for cocktail parties at night. Finish the look with a structured bag for a day-time diva look and wear a bold pout and heels to feel like a night-time starlet!
6. Crop top + Square neck
The square-neck crop top is one of the “It” pieces for summer. It is also quite versatile. For example, when you pair these tops with a high-waisted skirt of the same color, it almost becomes a dress!
7. Crop top + Casual chic
Don't let busy prints and bright colors overwhelm your frame. Break up the look by revealing only a hint of skin via a black cropped tee. This is also the perfect scenario in which to show off those toned abs. Don’t forget to wear crop tops in the colors of all your favorite summer fruits. Take cue from Bella Hadid!
8. Crop top + Denim
Denim-on-denim is a great blend that gets an instant dose of hotness when matched with the crop top trend. Stars like Gigi and Bella Hadid are known for wearing this look, so don't be reluctant to channel your inward model whenever you go out. Break the monotony of denim by layering a crop top underneath. This style hack can transform any smart work outfit into a going-out look in under a minute.
