Big up to Flashdance and all of the other wonderful 80’s aerobic fanatics for introducing us to the phenomenon that is crop tops. It has only been a few years since their massive comeback and began being a summer wardrobe staple to those who are not 90’s pop sensations but here’s to hoping they are going to stick around for summer 2014!
Dirty Dancing
Back in the day crop tops were usually seen as standard work-out attire or something controversial which had 90’s high school head teachers everywhere stressing out due to that Britney Spears music video. Now we live in a crop-friendly world with pieces for every occasion and all weather. Let’s face it, even though it is summer, in England we can’t always get away with the itty bitty bralet and may have to reluctantly opt for the clueless-esque cropped jumper. We love them just the same though.
It was the Madonna era in the crop world which made the most impact to me, closely followed by that sassy fashionista Kelly Kapowski (MAJOR girl crush). Kate Moss was also known to make the rounds in a cropped tee in the 90’s. Even Marilyn Monroe joined in the fun in the 50’s, doesn’t that say something?
Many girls think you need the abs of Gwyneth Paltrow or a figure of a 14 year old hipster girl off Tumblr to pull the look off which is simply not the case. Loose, fitted, plain, printed, embellished, short, long; you can find something that will flatter you. Remember there is always the options of layering on a light jacket or blazer to dress the outfit up to allow yourself to feel more covered. You don’t need to bare an entire torso circa 80’s to be involved with the trend.
There is the concern of not wanting to appear like a 90’s miss-popular cheerleader in a teenage chick flick or a doppelganger of Jessica Simpson in Dukes of Hazard. This is easily avoidable and it is simpler than you think to make crop tops wearable and tasteful: high waist, high waist, high waist! Skirts, shorts, trousers – they all work. The great thing about a crop top is that almost anything can become one – even a playsuit or dress. Got a shirt that’s too big and unflattering? Tie it up at the waist – think Baby in Dirty Dancing not Britney in Baby One More Time. Hacking at a top you don’t want is another option that will keep your purse happy as well as being completely unique.
Crop tops do not always have to be strictly for those summery, casual days and can be perfect for business-like attire or that sophisticated do you have coming up. Pair with a high waisted midi skirt or trousers and blazer and you are good to go (FYI Kim Kardashian is the one to take note of in this area of expertise).
There are no rules of how much skin to bare, which is what is usually the hot topic of the trend. Flash that belly button if that is your thing, get the measuring tape out to make sure you are not showing any more than 3cm if you feel you need to– whatever you do, you will be looking top of the crops this summer.
Shop the Look
American Apparel Off The Shoulder Crop Top
£26.00
Kiss The Sky Full Flight Layered Crop Top
£22.00
Featured image from Bryan Miraflor
Post Submitted by Laura Johnston
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