Whilst I was writing up my TCA round up the other day, it became glaringly obviously that the trend for bare midriffs is not going anywhere. Now I don’t know about you but I’m deeply self-conscious about my stomach, and whilst Taylor Swift and Chloe Moretz may feel confident daring to bare it on the red carpet it can be a bit daunting to try out the crop in real life.
Never fear, the solution is all in the styling.
silk bomber jacket, The Outnet//black singlet, Monki//neon crop top, Topshop//grey singlet, Monki//maxi skirt, Topshop
Depending on how brave you’re feeling there’s a crop top styling solution for everyone. If you’re blessed with abs that would make Ellie Goulding weep, don’t be afraid to show them off (I know I would!), but take a leaf out of Moretz’ TCA styling and protect some of your modesty – and keep away the chill! – with a smart but eye-catching jacket. Alternatively balance out the material with a minimal style maxi skirt.
flower tank top, Weekday//orange crop top, BooHoo//high-waisted jeans, H&M//pencil skirt, Jane Norman//white skirt, Calvin Klein//red crop top, River Island
If you’re not so comfortable with showing off your skin, the key to working this trend lies with what you wear on your bottom half. Try a high-wasited skirt or trousers to balance out the crop and to show off a sliver of skin just above your abdomen.
crochet top, Topshop//pink crop top, Fashion Union//t-shirt crop top, Pull & Bear//grey skirt, Oliver Bonas//leather shorts, Alexander Wang//high-waisted shorts, Monki
Another alternative for the not so brave – and my favourite solution – is to meet midway and find a crop top with a tented cut that sits just above your belly-button, much like Nina Dobrev’s look from last week. Again, a high-waisted skirt will keep you feeling more comfortable and balance out the look.
So there you have it. You really have no excuse now! Dare to bare ;)
