In the fast-evolving world of fashion, only certain clothing items go on to become timeless, versatile and literally the building blocks of a well-balanced fashion wardrobe. Crop tops have emerged as one of the most sought-after closet essentials in the last couple of decades. The bold silhouette of crop tops is not just loved for their daring style but also their functionality. But the big question is: how to wear crop tops?
Depending on the occasion and fashion preferences, you can style your crop top in numerous ways. One can achieve various crop top looks by pairing different crop top styles with different bottom wear or styling them with additional layers, accessories, and footwear options.
In this blog, we will share how to wear crop tops and how to style them for a fashion-forward look. But before we dive into that, let’s learn what a crop top is.
What is a crop top?
A crop top is a type of top that exposes the midriff due to its cropped hemline. Crop tops for women generally end just above the navel or the ribcage, unlike regular tops, which typically extend to the waist or hips. This particular style gained massive popularity during the 1980s and 90s, influenced by the cultural revolution and feminist movement. However, crop tops didn’t make it to the wardrobes of the masses or become a commercial success up until the early 2000s.
Since their resurgence, crop tops have become an indispensable part of women’s fashion wardrobes globally. With the evolution of crop top designs and their emerging popularity, these tops are no longer restricted to casual wear. Crop tops have transcended from casual wear to elaborate evening wear, suitable for red carpets and high-profile events. Crop tops are no longer restricted to generic designs and have evolved into style-evoking, exquisite pieces of fashion.
How to Wear Crop Tops: 10 Ways You Must Try
- With high-waisted bottoms: If you want to create a proportionate look with your crop top, it is best to style your crop top with a high-waisted bottom. Whether it is a skirt or a pair of trousers, opt for a high-waisted variant to achieve an elongated and balanced look that is both chic and elegant. Style your high-waisted crop top look with suitable footwear, bags and jewellery to create a cohesive look.
- With a skirt of your choice: If you want to create a feminine look, pair your crop top with your favourite skirt. Pick a length and silhouette which make you feel comfortable and at ease. Pair your crop black top with a flowy maxi skirt to achieve the perfect holiday or wear it with a short, layered skirt for a beach-ready ensemble.
- With an under-layer: If you are not as comfortable wearing a crop top but still want to explore the trending style, try wearing it with an under-layer. Pair your crop top with a contrasting tank top or slip underneath. This creates a distinct look that stands out and is perfect for casual outings. This trick helps you achieve a modest look while looking stylish and chic.
- With flared pants: How to dress crop tops to create a holiday-ready look? Pair them with flared linen pants for a sophisticated look or printed palazzos for an edgy take. Opt for frilled or bandeau crop tops to create Pinterest-inspired holiday looks. Check out the Garden of Wisteria crop top by Falguni Shane Peacock to create this look.
- With denim shorts: Create the perfect summer outfit by pairing your crop top or crop shirt with your favourite denim shorts. You can create different fashion aesthetics depending on the style and design of your crop top and shorts. Experiment with unique crop top designs and accessories to create looks that are edgy, fashionable and easy to carry.
- With cargo pants: Crop tops are best paired with baggy bottoms, and cargo pants are one of the best picks to do that. The relaxed fit of cargo pants complements the cropped length of the top to create a balanced look. The best types of crop top styles to pair with cargo pants include basic tees, tank tops, cropped sweatshirts, button-downs, bandeaus and bralettes.
- With a dress: Who knew crop tops could be paired with dresses to achieve looks that are both distinctive and polished? So, how to style a crop top with a dress? You can layer crop tops both as an underlayer or wear them over your dress for extra coverage. Wear your fitted cropped tops or tees under your slip maxi or midi dress to create a minimal yet modest look, or pair it with a boxy cropped shirt for added dimension and texture.
- With paperbag waist shorts and trousers: Paperbag bottoms are fairly popular among the fashion-loving crowd and are a great option to create versatile looks for various settings. Paperbag waists are designed to create a cinching effect, creating an hourglass silhouette. Cropped tops are the perfect accompaniment for this particular style, especially fitted cropped tees and cropped bralettes, as longer tops will create a bulky appearance.
- With a blazer or long coat: Create sophisticated looks for corporate settings or formal occasions by layering your crop top with a blazer or jacket. If you are planning an office-appropriate look, it is best to stick with crop tops that are comparatively longer and modest-looking. Pair your crop top with formal trousers or your favourite pair of jeans and add a blazer as a final touch.
- With joggers: Create a laidback look perfect for lounging by styling your crop top with your favourite joggers. The key to creating a casual athleisure look lies in balancing the proportions with the right combination of crop top and joggers and pairing them with suitable footwear and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Dress Crop Tops:
Are crop tops office-appropriate?
Crop tops are loved for their casual aesthetic but can also be worn in formal settings when styled appropriately. Start with a pair of formal trousers, and pair it with a basic cropped tee or shirt to create a formal yet solid base. Finish off your look with a structured blazer, dainty jewellery pieces and suitable footwear for a classic office look.
How to wear crop tops without showing your belly?
Crop tops are designed in a way to show off your belly at least a little bit. But there are several ways to wear a crop while showing minimum skin. First, get a crop top that is long enough not to show much of your skin. Pair your crop top with high-waisted bottoms only. This will allow you to wear your favourite tops with minimal skin showing.
Can I add layers for modest coverage?
Yes, you can add layers to create a modest crop top look. Blazers, cardigans, shrugs, jackets, coats, etc., are great layering options to create modest coverage and add more dimension to the attire. You can pick a suitable layering option depending on the occasion and preferences.
How to transition a crop top from day to night?
Stick to a style that is a classic, such as a basic cropped tank or a sophisticated lacy number. For daytime, pair your crop top with a sophisticated blazer or elegant cardigan. To make it more night-time appropriate, switch to a leather jacket or just remove the extra layer altogether.