Crop tops are a huge trend for spring, appearing on designer runways such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Diane von Furstenberg, Thakoon and Alice + Olivia. This stylish piece is a must-have for any collegiette’s fashion arsenal. While you may think this is a tricky or risqué trend to pull off, Her Campus is here to show you a multitude of ways to rock this trend. Since crop tops are so versatile, every girl can find a way to sport one in a way that’s comfortable for her!
1. Wear it with a circle skirt
A circle skirt is fun and flirty—perfect for spring! A tight, long-sleeve crop top is a good contrast to the flowy skirt because circle skirts often show a bit of skin. This style also looks great with a shirt with a higher neckline because of the contrast in lengths. This Circular Skirt from H&M ($14.95) comes in a ton of fun patterns and colors that will pair wonderfully with a crop top for summer.
2. Try it with a bandage skirt
Bandage skirts are gorgeous and sexy, and they’re all the more amazing when worn with a crop top. Because both items are on the tighter side, it’s best to only show a sliver of your midriff so you’re not overexposed. Try out S.Y.L.K’s Tangerine Banded Ribbed Knit ‘Stella Rose’ Mini Skirt ($34.97) with a crop top to your next party.
3. Match it with a midi skirt
Midi skirts are another huge trend for spring 2014, as showcased by designers such as Rebecca Minkoff during Fashion Week. The shin-length skirts may seem conservative, but matching one with a fun crop top makes the look modern and young. ASOS’s Closet Full Skater Skirt ($56.46) is fun, flirty and guaranteed to look amazing with a patterned crop top.
4. Be business-ready in a blazer
Add some contemporary edge to a typical work outfit by wearing a crop top with your blazer. When you wear a crop top with high-waisted, tailored pants, you’ll be the most fashion-forward person in the office. This look is best in a more laid-back office, but it can also be worn to a nicer dinner with your parents. The Textured Open Front Blazer from Forever 21 ($29.80) is a good pick for this look because it’s a slightly oversized blazer, so it will look incredible paired with a fitted, longer crop top or even a turtleneck crop top. The baggier nature of this blazer gives the look a little more coverage.
5. Make it flirty in a maxi skirt
A fun, patterned maxi skirt is a must-have for this spring and summer. Paired with a solid-colored crop top, it’s an easy look to dress up or down. Adding statement jewelry to this look will instantly dress it up. A Lost Spring Maxi Skirt ($47.60) comes in a pretty spring and summer color that would go well with a lace or crocheted crop top.
6. Add a Statement Necklace
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Adding a statement necklace to a crop top makes the look stylish and effortless. A statement necklace instantly glams up a look; it’s an easy way to take a crop top from day to night. It can be worn with a shirt with a high neckline or even with a simple cropped tank for some more dimension. Check out Forever 21’s statement necklaces for some jewelry inspiration.
7. Wear it with high-waisted shorts
High-waisted shorts are one of the easiest looks for spring and summer. When you pair high-waisted shorts with a crop top, you’ll be both music-festival- and beach-ready. Denim shorts are a classic look, but you could also try a printed pair that’s perfect for warm weather, like these Aruba Denim Shorts from SABO SKIRT ($48). You can wear a lot of different types of crop tops with high-waisted shorts, such as a bustier top or a cropped tee.
8. Flaunt it in a peplum pant
Peplum pants are a unique fashion choice that not many collegiettes may have in their closet. However, these pants are a super-chic style that’s perfect for a summer cocktail party or a nice dinner. The peplum adds some shape to the look and breaks up the top and bottom of the outfit. Nasty Gal’s Peplum Skinny Pants ($58) are super cute for the summer. Pair them with wedges and a V-neck crop top and you’ll be ready for any summer event.
9. Prep it up with tailored shorts
This J.Crew-esque look is perfect for a summer at your favorite beach club or getaway. A crisp, white, boxy crop top paired with pastel shorts and white brogues is an effortless way to add a prep-school twist to a crop top. J.Crew’s Pleated Short in Cotton Piqué ($59.50) comes in fun summer colors and would go perfectly with a boxy crop top.
10. Under overalls
Flash some skin with a pair of overall shorts. Wearing a simple T-shirt crop top under overalls adds a feminine edge to the look. The overalls don’t necessarily have to be the traditional denim ones—you could try ones in a lot of different materials and patterns, like Urban Outfitters’s BDG Geo Denim Overall Short ($39.99). When you add ankle booties to this look, you’ll completely forget overalls were once reserved for the farm.
11. With your favorite boyfriend jeans
Looking for a way to amp up your favorite slouchy denim look? Wear it with a cropped chiffon blouse that ties in the front so you have control over how much midriff you show. It’s a comfortable, relaxed look that’s still feminine and put-together. Pick up a pair of This City Boyfriend Jeans from Nordstrom ($48) to try out this style.
12. Be chic in palazzo pants
Palazzo pants are comfortable, flowy and versatile, and they’re complemented amazingly by a crop top. Try a bustier top to take the chic pants to a new level. Arden B.’s Striped Floral Wide Leg Pants ($59) worn with a white crop top are ideal for any warm-weather festivities.
13. Add some flair with flannel
Wearing a neutral crop top under your favorite big flannel shirt will give your look a totally chill vibe. This is a cute look for those cool summer nights when your daytime crop top isn’t warm enough. By throwing on a flannel like this one from Forever 21 ($17.80) over a T-shirt crop top, you can both look good and be comfortable on those summer nights around the bonfire.
14. Throw it on over a dress
Throw a loose, cropped tank over a bodycon dress. The contrast between the loose top and the tight dress underneath can have a super slimming effect. This look is also great for those who want to wear a bodycon dress but feel uncomfortable in something so tight. A looser crop top like this one from Express ($24.90) would look amazing over a white or black bodycon dress this summer.
15. Pair it with a pencil skirt
You might think your pencil skirt should only be reserved for the office, but think again! A patterned pencil skirt that hits at the knees and above the belly button can be a super chic look when paired with a crop top. Because you’ll be covered up below the waist, you can wear a riskier crop top, perhaps with some daring cutouts. This Peach Lace Insert Skirt from Miss Selfridge ($44) comes in a fun summer color and looks youthful with the lace inserts.
16. Match from top to bottom
A crop top and a skirt in a matching pattern is a cute look for spring. Try a bustier top with a pencil skirt to find that balance between conservative and modern. Forever 21’s Romantic Rose Skirt Set ($24.80) is a perfect example of how to rock this trend.
17. Toss on a vest
Try throwing on a vest over your favorite crop top this spring. Adding a denim vest over a bustier top or tank crop top is an easy way to jazz up your outfit. To try out this look, we suggest H&M’s Denim Vest ($29.95).
18. Layer it
Crop tops are great for layering, and one of the best looks is under a sheer top. A sheer top and a crop top can be daring choices on their own, but when put together, they create a more conservative and tasteful look. Urban Outfitters’s Pins And Needles Lacey Sheer Top ($29.99) is a great example of a cute shirt that needs another layer underneath. A tight crop top under a shirt like this is the perfect way to stay a little more covered up but still show some skin.
19. Glam it up
When done right, crop tops can even be formal attire! A gorgeous metallic top or an elegant black top can be sophisticated enough for a nice date or formal event. When you accessorize with the right jewelry, you’ll be ready for a night out. This Embellished Mock Neck Crop Top from Charlotte Russe ($4.99) is gorgeous, glitzy and a beautiful way to dress up what is typically a more casual item of clothing.
How do you plan on rocking a crop top this spring and summer? Let us know in the comments below!