How to wear a crop top (if you're not Miley Cyrus)

It has become one of those unstoppable trends seen on both the red carpet and on the streets of Cape Town, Durban and Jozi. Manufactured in various prints, textures, short sleeves, long sleeves, no sleeves, monochrome and even sheer – we kind of want to try this trend. With people wearing it in both summer and winter, we thought it clever to mentally prepare you to wear a crop top now, before summer hits - that’s if you’re too scared to try it just yet. Open up your mind to these possibilities...

1. Don’t over-expose

For most the thought of over exposing their midriff is rather daunting. Yup. Sounds about right. Get yourself some kind of ‘gateway crop top’ to ease yourself into this trend. That means one that’s a bit longer – that is, than those made famous by rake-thin Miley - and consequently covers more skin, like this metallic Oriental Crop Jacket (R395.00) by Spree.co.za.  



Image source: Spree.co.za


2. Choose the boxy kind

The boxy silhouette, like this one below by Mr. Price (R59.99), looks good on most, so try this rather than going for anything too tight or revealing. Go for material that’s a bit thicker and keep the neckline high for a more sophisticated feel.


Image source: Mr. Price

3. Wear it with a high-waisted skirt or trousers

Choose any high-waisted flared skirt or dark pair of trousers (no leggings or tight-fitting trousers) to go with this look, as seen with this Spree.co.za crop top (R295.00) in black and white.



Image source: Spree.co.za

4. Wearing this trend in winter

Pair a long or short sleeved printed crop with an oversized coat, a high-waisted flared skirt in navy or black, throw on some black tights and ankle boots. Voila!



Image source: Instagram (@garnerstyle)

5. Wearing a crop top shouldn’t be seen as very courageous

Actress and comedian Mindy Kaling was recently praised for wearing a crop top on the red carpet. Shortly after she appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel show, saying: "People were like, 'She's just so courageous [for wearing a crop top]. "But, really, aren't surgeons courageous?"

So true. Everyone should be able to rock this trend, no matter your size. There is always room for everyone in fashion.



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