CROP TOPS HOW TO GUIDE

Crop Tops: Showing Midriffs Are Back In

We all remember crop tops from the 80’s and when Britney Spears bared her belly back in the 90’s, but now the crop top bares a slightly differently look. While they still show off a woman’s midriff, they are worn a little differently then how we once remembered with different cuts in lengths, prints, and silhouettes. While crop tops are known for baring that midriff, that isn’t necessarily the case these day. Today’s crop tops flow away from the body rather than being skin tight, so pretty much anybody can get away with this look! To get the crop top pictured on Audrina, please go here.

HOW TO WEAR A CROP TOP: Find the Appropriate Length

The crop top today lets you feel more comfortable and sexy with a length that falls right above your waistline. You’re not showing as much skin and your tummy doesn’t have to be perfectly toned to pull off this look. But if you’re feeling like showing off your hard abs, by all means, go ahead with a shorter length! The only thing to remember with this trend is you have to be careful as to not choose a top too short, to where you can see your breasts coming out of the bottom of the top. If you like the look of the crop top, but don’t want to bare any skin, layer it with a tank underneath.

HOW TO WEAR A CROP TOP: Mix and Match

Instead of pairing a crop top with tight jeans or a mini skirt, try it with high waisted pants. This helps with any excess tummy issues as well, since it can hide and suck in the stomach area. Wear clothing that you wouldn’t normally associate a crop top with, like trouser pants and a blazer. Class up the look a little bit and look like you are heading to the office, but with a sexy and fun twist. Remember a crop top does not have to equal raunchy!

HOW TO WEAR A CROP TOP: Cut Your Own Length

In order to find the best length that you feel most comfortable in, you can cut your own. The best way to go about this is cutting up some old oversized tees to get a feel as to your liking. This way you can work with shirts you already have and can save a little bit of money, especially if you don’t want to spend money on a fad that may make its way to the back of your closet.

A crop top may not have had a great rap back in the day, but today it can be looked upon as fun and fresh. The thing that you should remember is to keep the outfit simple. This trend can be styled up or down so you’ve got a lot of room to work in your funky shoes and jewelry. In order to decrease the chance of any “muffin top” happening, do not wear really tight pants with a crop top, but instead stick to high waist pants or loose jeans. This look can work, just keep it cute and playful without trying too hard!

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Carissa Chesanek is a freelance writer who works with mainly women's issues that deal with fashion, beauty, health and relationships. She is currently getting her Master's degree in journalism, is an aspiring author and an active member of the International Women's Writing Guild. 

Contributing Editor: Yvonne Cao; Yvonne is a writer and graphic designer from Irvine, Calif.  She enjoys spending time with her dog, shopping, and learning about self-awareness and enlightenment.