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Crop Tops for Fall? Yes, you read it right! Here's why

COVER STORY / 2021-09-13

Crop tops came into existence in the early 1940s. Though the trend only found a footing 1970 onwards, it massively came back around 2015. It is safe to say that crop-tops have not left the trends charts since then and are largely being worn by celebs and fashion influencers alike. 

Crop tops come in many forms these days, and many of them aren't as scary as you'd assume, especially when you factor in the high-waisted pants, skirts, and shorts you can pair with them.

As someone who's on fashion Instagram often, you might have noticed a common theme, and that's that crop tops have gone far beyond just being a trend—they're a full-blown year-round wardrobe staple. I'm willing to guess that many among us own as many crop tops as we do T-shirts. But for others who may find them intimidating, we’re here to provide you with fresh styling inspiration that proves otherwise. 

A touch of sophistication is led by designers like Peter Som and Dior, who showed vintage crop tops with long feminine skirts for a look that was more classy than provocative. Michael Kors designed a long sleeve crop top that seemed fashion-forward and sporty, exposing just a sliver of mid-section. And at Balenciaga, crop tops were designed with flattering boxy cuts that did not cling to the body.

With the persistent presence, one thing is clear right off the bat about this trend: There’s no season limit to owning and wearing a crop top. You should wear what you love as long as it makes you feel comfortable. 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, even during fall. 

Crop top + Jeans

Crop tops in sweatshirt material 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 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.

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.

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.

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!

Crop top + Desk-to-Dinner

For a crop top that can take you from the work desk to dinner, choose one with lace or billowy sleeves. The lightweight terry cotton material will let the gentle cool breeze hit your skin but keep you covered for cocktail parties at night. Finish the look with a structured bag for a daytime diva look and wear a bold pout and heels to feel like a night-time starlet!

Crop top + holiday vibes

outdoorsy activities that you can do right now. Stay casual in an earthy crop top that speaks to the colder weather and a pair of bootlegged denim. You can swap the shorts with jogger pants for a more chic look. You might be tempted to go with sneakers with this outfit, but try high gladiator sandals or ankle boots to get that ultimate street style vibe.

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