14 Ways to Style the Crop Top

Crop tops exemplify fashion resilience. Case in point: They majorly worked it out in the 1980s cult classic Flashdance; they showed off Madonna’s washboard abs time and time again; and they regularly clothed (we use the term loosely) our favorite teen idols Britney, Christina, and the Spice Girls. Then they disappeared for a while, probably off to vacation in Tulum like the rest of the world.

But now, the crop top is back.

When the sea of crop tops initially reappeared, we wondered: Did a perpetrator come in and hack off the bottoms of every shirt in this store? Isn’t it too revealing to show so much skin? We felt slightly aghast, a little shy, but all the while: curious. Could we pull off this trend, too?

But during its time on the sidelines, crop tops evolved in a major way. They laid their former aerobics and teenybopper ties to rest and grew up to become a chic fashion staple. Here are 14 ways that may sway you to the cropped side—or if you’re already here, convince you to stay.

Since the hem of your top is cut short, add height to the waist of your bottoms so only a coy glimpse of skin is on display.

Credit: Framboise Fashion

A voluminous midi in a vivid color steals attention away from the crop top and any visible skin.

Credit: Style Cue

If you'd rather stay on the more modest end of crop tops, look for one made of a thicker, sweater material and/or one with a slightly longer length. 

Credit: Born Lippy

Another more modest route is a crop top with long sleeves, which also adds a sense of balance to the shorter top.

Credit: Hallie Daily

Crop tops don't need to be skintight! One with a baggier fit might decrease any crop top induced nervousness. 

Credit: A Little Dash of Darling

Testing the waters? Grab a top you already own, and give it a DIY crop by tying it up. 

Credit: Collage Vintage

Some tops are simply a teensy bit shorter in length, but not quite a true crop top. Those don't show skin all the time—only when your arms are raised. 

Credit: Creators of Desire

A crop top that is short in the front but longer in the back enables more coverage for the crop shy.

Credit: Walk in Wonderland

Another daring fashion trend, culottes class up the crop top with their loose silhouette. 

Credit: Girl with Curves

Matching separates are as darling as can be, which makes the crop top much more ladylike. 

Credit: A Pair & a Spare

Not comfortable with exposing your stomach? Only the sides of your upper body will peek through when pairing your crop top with overalls!

Credit: Ring my Bell

No need to retire your crop tops come cold weather—layer them over longer tops for an effortless, relaxed look.

Credit: Peace Love Shea

The addition of a no-nonsense and sophisticated blazer elevates the crop top just enough.

Credit: Crimenes de la Moda

A ground-skimming skirt in a deep jewel tone is clearly the star of the show, while the crop top is the perfect supporting cast member.  

Credit: Happily Grey