The rising cropped top trend has been exposing midriffs all the way from sunny music festival lawns and shady strobe-light dance floors to just about everywhere in between – including your couch on lazy Sundays.
And why not? The casual go-to look easily transitions from day to night, while its roomy shape provides a refreshingly aerated fit (that's right, I said it). And let's be honest, in the dead heat of summer, the breezy factor is one of the cropped top's most appreciated advantages.
Famous fans of the look hail from all corners of the fashion universe, including Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Lawrence, Zooey Deschanel and Katy Perry
And as the trend-of-the-moment's popularity teeters precariously on the line between hipster and mainstream, prepare yourself to embrace the belly-baring blouse. Odds are, the trendy style will be hanging in your own closet soon, if it isn’t already.
So, what's the secret to rocking a cropped top? After all, you want to wear it like an expert, not a fashion victim.
The cardinal rule is simply to pair cropped tops with shorts, skirts or pants that are high-waisted. The ultimate goal is to coyly show off the sliver of skin just above your belly button. However, a visible belly button won’t send the fashion police sirens wailing after you, either. It’s the total amount of skin showing that matters.
So keep in mind the unspoken Cropped Top Truth: No matter how golden your abs may be, most people don't want to gaze upon your entire stomach outside of the designated beach and pool area.
Nights on the town will allow the cropped top wearer a little more wiggle room, though. For an evening out, try a cropped bustier tank with a high-waisted skirt or dressy shorts. Sleeveless collared tanks that tie at the stomach work well with a statement necklace, dressier shorts or skirts, as well.
If it’s a warm day of classes, try a cropped T-shirt with some casual high-waisted denim cutoffs. A tight cropped tank and maxi skirt duo is another fantastic back-to-school look that emits a more bohemian tone.
And for those lazy at-home days, channel the 1980s. A baggy off-the-shoulder cropped top is the ideal loungewear choice for being comfy while remaining style-relevant.
So once you've decided what type of cropped top you want, where will you find it?
Check out trendy fashion meccas Forever 21 and H&M for the most inexpensive versions of the look, or for a tad more, Urban Outfitters.
