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Best ways to style a crop top

The best ways to style a crop top, inspired by the street style set

Here's how all the cool-girls are wearing crop tops this season...

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Lauren Ramsay
Fashion and Lifestyle Writer
Updated: August 16, 2024
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Online shopping is all fun and games until the seemingly perfect piece blindsides you with a sneaky cropped fit. Cue a trip to the post office. We've all been there.

But there's actually a lot to be said for leaning into the Gen Z-adored crop top. Like it or not, it's here to stay, and embracing its power only expands your wardrobe repertoire. 

Granted, baring your entire midsection isn't for the fainthearted. If the thought of a super low-rise trouser makes you recoil in horror, it is probably best to explore slightly more 'grown-up' alternatives.

Hello! Fashion shares how to style a crop top this season:

: A guest wears black sunglasses, gold necklace, bright red cropped long sleeve sweater, shiny black leather handbag, black mini skirt, shiny red cowboy boots leather shoes, outside Gestuz, during the Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024-2025 on August 8, 2024 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)© Getty

With coordinating footwear

This look is giving us major transitional weather season inspo. Injesct some dopamine dressing into your street style attire by pairing a colourful cropped knit with matching knee-high boots and a muted-tined mini skirt.

A guest wears black sunglasses, gold earrings, gold necklace, black shirt, black oversized blazer jacket, white midi skirt, white socks, white black striped Adidas Originals Sambas, outside Marimekko, during the Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024-2025 on August 8, 2024 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)© Getty

With a white midi and trainers

This look proves the power of a monochromatic look. Pair a simple black crop with a white skirt, your favourite Sambas and a wide-shouldered jacket - cool-girl-coded to the max.

Lea Naumann wears black leather jacket, skirt, Miu Miu bag, cropped top outside Munthe during day four of the Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) SS25 on August 08, 2024 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images)© Getty

With a grungey leather maxi

Everything about this look oozes rebellious glam: the double leather ensemble, the satin bralette, the Miu Miu bag and the razor-sharp Edna Mode-approved bob.

Fia Hamelijnck wears hite shorts, long black boots, white top, sheer shirt and green black and white camouflage bag outside the Marimekko show during day four of the Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) SS25 on August 08, 2024 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images)© Getty

With a pair of long shorts

Jorts have been a key shorts style this season, and this look proves a crop for the same colour pallette creates the ultimate summer look. We love the addition of a crochet shirt and black knee-high boots for a rebellious touch.

Fashion week guest wears crop top and orange skirt © Getty

With a reworked jacket classic...

Who's to say that sequins and dripping crystals can't work for everyday? Get some extra wear out of that party crop top by layering it under a classically casual fabric. The denim tones down the glitz, redefining the notion of 'smart casual'

MORE: The 10 best crochet bags for holiday chic

RELATED: The best summer dresses that are perfect for your 2024 holiday

Fashion week guest wears crop top and low-rise trousers © Getty

With ultra-low-rise trousers...

The strapless, scarf-style crop top is a bona fide summer classic. Simultaneously effortless and calculated, this layering combo deserves a recreation. The V-shaped hem draws the eye to the hips, but swimwear-inspired trunks create a sense of depth and provide a pop of colour. 

Fashion week guest wears crop top and flared trousers © Getty

With statement silhouettes...

Wanting to dip your toe into the trend without baring your entire midriff? Teaming your crop top alongside high-waisted trousers is the way to go. This black bralette is in itself minimalist, but a flowy, flared silhouette and billowy sleeves work to dial up the drama.

Fashion week guest wears crop top and hip volume skirt © Getty

With a statement skirt...

Hip accentuation is all the rage right now, and if you need persuading, let this look sway you. The top has a boxy shape, and yet the micro cropped length and chrome detailing allows it to retain a distinctly feminine feel. The frayed-edge maxi has a laidback, summery vibe and I adore the orange accents. 

Fashion week guest wears crop top and yellow skirt © Getty

With French-girl accessories

High-impact collars can give the crop top a smarter, daytime feel. This look is relatively simple, and yet effective. The pastel yellow against the inky denim creates a pretty contrast, and the midaxi skirt length keeps the ensemble grown-up and elevated. 

Fashion week guest wears crop top and shorts and tights © Getty

With shorts and tights...

Thought you'd seen the back of the shorts-tights combo in the 2010s? The fashion set would beg to differ. Sheer, feather-light denier tights are everywhere right now, and this look allows you to layer a crop top under a boxy jacket and leave your lower half - complete with of-the-moment ballet flats - to take centre stage.

Fashion week guest wears crop top and denim skirt © Getty

With 3D florals...

Larger-than-life blooms have trickled down from the runways and onto the streets, and we couldn't be gladder. This simple, strapless bodice is elevated to new heights with the addition of rosette-style adornments. A super easy way to tap into the trend is with a statement choker - they're all over the high street.

Fashion week guest wears crop top and mini skirt © Getty

With a motorcycle jacket...

The moto jacket has come roaring back into fashion, and we're here for it. Layer your crop top over a high-octane piece, flashy metallic colourways work really well, and a matching mini skirt for maximum cool-girl biker energy. 

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