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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
