Crop tops were a thing of the 90s and have come a long way since The Spice Girls era. Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang have all introduced us to this trend on the SS13 runways last fall and only one thing came to mind: WORKOUT! This summer they’re back in a mature, elegant kind of way. Crop tops, also known as short, cut off, midriff tops, are not suited for everyone, but when pulled together correctly, this trend can make your body shape look bang on. There are many different ways of wearing crop tops, from classic feminine, to the boho-babe; it’s all a balancing act.
Class Act:
A boxy crop top with high-waisted trousers adds definition and balance to this feminine look and makes it appropriate enough to wear in a professional setting.
Style tip: The floral trousers draw attention away from the midriff, which makes it office-worthy.
Mango Sheer crop top
Tibi floral pants
Celine Butterfly sunglasses
Saint Laurent black pumps
Valentino handbag
YSL lipstick
Globetrotter:
Fresh and flirty is what makes this look a winning combination. A fitted crop top and high-waisted cut off shorts can hug your body in all the right ways, giving you an airy, yet tasteful look. Yes, please!
TOPSHOP Mesh Panel Cut-Away Crop Top
The Row Oversized Round Sunglasses
Rag & Bone Wide Brim Fedora
Zara Light Denim Shorts and Bucket Bag
Chloe Flat Thong Sandals in Dirty White
House of Harlow Plectra Pendant Necklace
Off Duty:
Understated chic is what it’s all about. Long sleeve crops and boyfriend jeans give you more coverage, but still feel totally on-trend. Have fun with this look and go for easy comfort; after all, you are off duty, right?
Alexander Wang linen Blend Sweater
Rag and Bone Distressed Boyfriend Jeans
CHLOE Strappy Flat Sandals
Marc by Marc Jacobs Cross Body
Ray-Ban Classic Clubmaster Sunglasses
H&M Large Metal Ring
Date Night:
Go ahead and flaunt your ab sets! It’s totally up to you to decide on how much skin you want to bare, as long as it’s tasteful and not skimpy. Proportion is key; a bra-type cut-off works perfectly with a long high-waisted skirt and reveals just the right amount of skin. Sold! (He’s already thinking about date #2).
Alexander McQueen The Skull Lace Box Clutch
Saint Laurent Classic Paris Cape Toe Escarpin Pump
Rachel Zoe Wrap Skirt
Balmain Cropped Underwired Leather Bustier
David Yurman Gold Cuff Bracelet
Dior Show Mascara
Tom Ford Beauty Lip Colour Scarlet Rouge
So remember, ladies, crop tops can be fun, eclectic and sophisticated. It’s all about proportions and finding the right type of top that reveals your midriff in a classy way. If you got it, why not flaunt it?
Crop it, Gents
A little crop goes a long way for the gents as well. We’ve seen tailoring undergo major transformation in recent years, especially in classic menswear. This season is all about cropped, cuffed, rolled and even pegged pants, jeans and trousers. No, not the three-quarter length capris we all dreaded last year, but just a tad shorter and occasionally slimmer than your average pair of pants. The skinny fit effect is slowly merging into a more relaxed and comfortable cut, also known as ankle-cropped trousers. This trend can be tricky to pull off and may not look the same on everyone. The key is proportion, and an awesome pair of shoes. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Duty Calls:
In the office, keep it casual yet classic. Cropped pants look best with a fitted blazer and minimal accessories. A white oxford shirt gives your look depth and structure. V-necks work great as well, all depending on your professional dress code. Last but certainly not least, shoes are the most important piece in your outfit. They stand out the most and complete your look. Brogues are your best bet when wearing cropped pants; they add length, which makes for a perfect proportion.
Rag and Bone Rugged Briefcase
Bottega Veneta Whipstitche Oxford Brogues
Paul Smith Pointed Collar Cotton Poplin Shirt
Paul Smith Dark Navy Wool Kensington Jacket
McQ Military Poplin Peg Leg Pants
Oliver Peoples Square Frame Glasses
Chill out:
Cropped pants can be super comfortable and a great option for weekend escapes and lazy Sundays. They come in different fits, lengths and sizes, which sometimes require hand-rolling to give you the prefect length and that relaxed kind of vibe. A simple V-neck and espadrilles pull the look together, giving you a fresh and effortless appeal. Style tip: When purchasing cropped trousers go for fit versus length, so you have the option of rolling them up, which works great on less formal days. End result: same pants give a different look for different occasions, making your cropped pants work double duty. Genius!
Hermès Hats And Caps
Poeme Bohemien White V-Neck
Balenciaga Men’s Five Pocket Pants
White Toms
Mulberry Barnaby Leather Messenger Bag
Ray-Ban Original Wayfare Sunglasses
Anderson’s Woven Suede Fabric Belt
