Crop tops are one of the hottest fashion trends this spring and summer, but wearing one can be challenging for some people. Designed to bare the midriff, crop tops can be hard to pull off, especially if you’re aiming for a more polished look. The short and sexy cut has been mostly relegated to mere gym wear, but there’s no reason to limit it to that setting.
With fashion taking a more creative turn, crop tops can be styled in a way that allows them to leave the confines of gyms and nightclubs. With the right pieces and styling, you can even make them look classy and sophisticated enough to wear at the workplace and at formal events. From pairing cute, high-waisted denim leggings with a black crop top to layering with structured blazers and accessorizing, here’s how to create polished looks with any crop top.
Try a High Waist
If you want a more modest outfit, you can show less skin by pairing your crop top with high-waisted bottoms. You can even make the crop top and the bottom meet, showing only a strip of your midriff. This styling trick elongates the legs and cinches the waist, creating a more refined silhouette. In addition, high-waisted bottoms tend to look more sophisticated than their low-rise counterparts.
Layer with Jackets, Sweaters, Blazers, or Vests
If you live in a colder climate, one of the best ways to make a crop top outfit less revealing is to throw on a jacket, sweater, blazer, or vest over it. Wear them on top of your crop top, and consider wrapping a brightly colored scarf around your neck to pull attention away from your midriff. You can also make a stylish statement by pairing a puffy or oversized jacket with a figure-hugging crop top.
Accessorize
The accessories you pair with your crop top should match the place or occasion for which you are dressing. However, you can follow a few general rules to elevate your outfit’s sophistication level. Statement necklaces or earrings, especially chunky pieces, can add a touch of glamor to your outfit, while a pair of sunglasses is just chic and cool. A stylish crossbody bag can hide even more skin while adding a functional accessory to your look.
Pair with Leather Trousers and Pumps
A monochromatic black look is an easy fallback when you’re looking to rock something polished and sophisticated with little effort. Pair a black crop top with black leather trousers, then keep it classy with a pair of stylish pumps. Amp up the rocker-chic vibe by donning oversized sunnies and a metal-studded leather handbag.
Try a Feathered, Fringed, or Tassel Crop Top
Feathers, fringes, and tassels on the bottom hem of a crop top add visual interest and help hide your midriff if you feel conscious about showing too much skin. These accents can elevate your look and make it look dressier for evening occasions. Try to keep everything else simple when wearing crop tops with ornamental accents; pair them with black, white, or neutral trousers or skirts and some simple earrings.
Keep it Modest with Sleeves
A long-sleeved crop top compensates for an exposed midriff with covered arms, which makes the outfit look more balanced. A current favorite are sleeved crop tops with turtleneck necklines or puffy sleeves. Pair them with high-waisted denim leggings or a midi skirt to complete the modest look.
Convert a Button-down into a Crop Top
It’s easy to turn a button-down shirt into a crop top just by tying the bottom ends. This is the perfect solution for a formal-looking crop top, since the collar and button-down details look more sophisticated and polished than regular shirts. To turn a button-down into a crop top, unbutton the top to the length you want it, then take the bottom hems and tie them together. Wear them with your favorite jeans or high-waist shorts for a cool summer look.
Go Oversized
A great way to compensate for a crop top’s revealing cut is to choose oversized pieces to go along with it. For instance, you can wear baggy pants or a flowy maxi skirt to keep the rest of the look conservative and modest. Oversized bottoms also offer an attractive contrast to tight-fitting crop tops. You can achieve the same effect during the colder months with oversized jackets or blazers.
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>…; you’re lucky enough to work for a company with a relaxed dress code, you might get away with wearing a crop top to work. Try styling your crop top with a power suit and leaving the jacket buttons open for a bold and edgy look. Throw in a classy pair of heels to amp up the elegance!
Making a crop top look polished and classy isn’t hard, but it requires careful consideration of your styling choices. By following these tips, you can elevate your crop top outfit to create a look that is tasteful, elegant, and appropriate for any occasion.