How to Wear Crop Tops

A style guide to help you look and feel your best

Co-authored by Stephanie Fajardo

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 Approved

Crop tops are bold, fashion-forward and––believe it or not––flattering for every body type. As fun and stylish as these summer staples are, it’s normal to feel a little nervous if you’re rocking one for the first time. Finding your favorite length and fit and keeping the look balanced with high-waisted pants, shorts and skirts will make these trendy tops perfect for any occasion.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Choosing the Right Crop Top Style

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1
Choose a crop top length. Some crop tops fall to just below the bra-line, while others stop right above the belly button. Longer crop tops can cover most of the belly and just leave a small strip of skin above your waistband. Paired with the right bottoms, any length can suit just about any occasion and body type, so go with whatever makes you feel most comfortable.^{[1]
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- For the most flattering fit on any body type, go for a crop top that lands just above your natural waistline. Highlighting the narrowest part of your torso will give a sleek, slimming effect to your overall look, especially when paired with high-waisted bottoms.
A tight crop top will look best with a looser pair of pants or skirt, although it can be paired with a tighter bottom if you’re planning a night out. More relaxed, loose t-shirt or tank styles pair nicely with high-waisted jeans or shorts for more casual or edgy looks.

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Some conventional wisdom says that shorter, fitted crop tops are best-suited to thinner girls, but a few social media or Internet searches will show you that crops tops of all lengths and fits can suit any body type. If you see a crop top you like, just try it on. You may be surprised by what flatters you!

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Keeping It Casual

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Go for a solid, striped, or graphic design with a loose fit that either hangs straight or tapers around your waistline.
The loose crop top skims over your tummy while the shorts accentuate your waist for a casual but figure-flattering look. You can tailor the waistline of your shorts based on how much skin you want to show. A high-waisted pair with a loose, longer crop top could cover your whole torso, while a shorter top and lower-riding shorts could reveal a strip of skin.^{[2]
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Long-sleeve crop top sweaters are a great choice for the chillier months of the year. This classic and figure-flattering pairing hardly needs any embellishment--except for a longer coat, if it’s really cold!
Unbutton the sides of your overalls to expose some peek-a-boo skin on the sides of your torso, creating a look that’s retro, modest and fun. From the front, you won’t even be able to tell you’re wearing a crop top!^{[3]
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Keep your look relaxed with casual shoes, like flat sandals or sneakers.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Creating a Party Look

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1
Choose a printed top and bottom set for a put-together look. A printed crop top and skirt (or slacks) set is a trendy, flattering style perfect for parties or even school dances.
- If you pair a printed top with a printed bottom, make sure the prints match exactly! Patterns that are even slightly off will clash.
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Try a tie-front top for a summery, more conservative look. Tie-front tops give a cute, retro vibe and cover a bit more skin than the usual crop top--just a bit of skin will show over your bottoms.^{[4]
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- You can also make your own tie-front top by tying up a button-down shirt. This is a great way to ease into the crop top look, since you can make the top as short or long as you want.
A loose, maxi- or midi-length skirt looks lovely with a short, fitted crop top. Look for one that sits above your belly button on your natural waist for a flattering look for all body types. Looser, high-waisted pants can also pair nicely with a short crop top.^{[5]
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Nude or matching high heels or wedges are a must to make your crop top work for a nice party.^{[6]
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Add elegance to the look with tasteful jewelry, like pearls or a thin necklace and bracelets.
An all-black crop top plus dark leggings or jeans makes for a sleek look, perfect for a night of going out. Pair it with a sporty, zip-up jacket to cover up a bit more, and finish the look with some high black boots.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Making Your Crop Top Professional

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Look for crop tops with arty, structured elements that aren’t too tight on your skin. Front ties, collars, and sweeping fabric will flatter your figure while maintaining a workplace-appropriate look.^{[7]
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High-waisted bottoms are a must for this look, since you don’t want to have skin exposed in a professional environment. Go for a solid colored pencil skirt or pants in a tapered leg or wide-cut style.^{[8]
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For an added fashionable flair or for colder weather, throw on a matching blazer or long coat. This quick and practical addition can easily make the look more office appropriate.
Crop tops naturally look a bit casual, so use your footwear and accessories to keep the outfit classy. Heels are the best option, but a nice pair of pointed-toe flats can also dress this look up. Go for a simple necklace and stud earrings to add a bit of sparkle.^{[9]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I make my crop top more modest?

Stephanie Fajardo
Professional Stylist
Stephanie Fajardo is a Personal Stylist based in Portland, Oregon. Stephanie has over 17 years of styling experience in personal consulting, television, photography, and film shoots. Her work has been featured in Esquire Magazine and Portland Fashion Week.

Stephanie Fajardo

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Try layering your crop top over a long-sleeve T-shirt, then tie a scarf around your waist as a belt!

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Question

What if you have some belly fat and you really want to wear a crop top?

Community Answer

Pair a crop top with high waisted pants or a skirt that sits at your natural waist, above your belly button. Then be confident and rock your crop top!

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Question

Is it weird to wear a bra under a crop top?

Community Answer

Not at all! For crop tops with sleeves, your bra will hardly be noticeable. For spaghetti strap or strapless tops, you have some options. A strapless bra would work, or you could wear a bralette with lacy straps and let it show.

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