Why wear tops?
Harvest peaks have been one of the biggest summer fashion trends for a couple of years now, and it doesn't look like they're going to go away anytime soon! Even if you are not very trendy, crop tops are a great way to show off some skin in a more discreet way than a deep neckline or super-short skirt. They can fit all types of styles, and despite what you may think, there is a crop out there for every body type!
5 top tips for carrying crops
- If you are nervous about testing crop tops, cover elsewhere to avoid showing too much skin. Wear a super high waist skirt under your crop top, or even layer it over a dress to get the trendy silhouette without flashing any midriff at all. You can also try a long sleeve crop top, or wear your crop top with a maxi skirt.
- Balance the proportions correctly. A baggy top with a baggy bottom probably won't flatter you, while a super-tight crop top and tight skirt may not be the best look for everyone! Try a fitted top with a full skirt or a loose crop top with a pencil skirt.
- Show what part of your torso you like best. If you are not satisfied with your stomach, choose a crop top that shows the bottom of the rib cage and wears a high waist to cover the areas you would rather show. If you have incredibly toned abs, try a longer crop top with low-rise housing.
- Keep it weather-friendly! Harvest peaks are definitely best during the summer months. That's not to say you can't test the trend for the rest of the year – just make sure to put it together, or maybe try a cropped sweater.
How to choose the right crop top for your body shape
Long and thin
If you have a long, slim figure, you may be looking to shorten the body a bit so that everything looks proportionate. A crop top that hits your natural waist, with a skirt or pants a few inches lower, will really flatter you, especially since you have the space to show off a lot of skin without looking too short! A strapless bustier top can look really good on tall women, especially if you pair it with a high waist, knee-length skirt.
Curvaceous
For a curvy body shape, try a shorter crop top with a high waist skirt. This shows off the slimmest part of your body, so no stomach worries! It is a brilliantly elegant way to show just one ham of the skin. Make sure your top fits well and look for textured pieces to foam rather than stick. Remember, if you want to stay a little more covered, the long-sleeved crops are incredibly flattering!
Slim hips and broad shoulders
Try using a crop top in halter form to draw the eye towards the neck, rather than towards the shoulders. An entire skirt is also a great way to balance broad shoulders. Otherwise, follow the same tips as elsewhere on this page and just pay attention to your favorite part of your torso!
Hourglass
To best flatter an hourglass figure, choose a crop top that hits the natural waist, with just one disc in the skin before a high waist midi skirt. This look was quite designed for your figure, and will give you a little waist and fantastic curves. Avoid loose, baggy or boxy crop tops, as well as longer lengths, as skimming over the waist can make you look much more bulky.
Busty
Remember, the crop tops can actually offer as much coverage as you want! If you are a busty lady like that has to wear a bra, try a crop top with a higher neckline. You can also wear a long sleeve crop top to look a little more covered. Mounted shapes will also be very flattering on you, for both tops and bottoms – avoid anything too vague, as it will make you look shapeless. It is probably also best to avoid crops at high, busy pressures.
Petite
One of the best ways to visually add length to the body is to wear a crop top with a case that rises to the front. You can also try wearing the crop parts and skirt in a full-length print to lengthen the body and avoid the broken effect that the crop tops can have.
Pear-shaped
The best tip for pear-shaped women is to choose a top that is lighter than the bottom half of your outfit, to pay attention to your shoulders and bust rather than the hips. Choose a crop top that hits the slimmest part of the body, which will make everything else look slimmer and more streamlined. A crop top with ruffles, patterns or pockets also helps to draw attention upwards.
toned
If you are super toned, you probably have no worries about wearing tops! A shorter style will show off your amazing abs, but a longer, looser crop top may actually be the most flattering style for you, worn with skinny jeans.
Rectangular
If you have a straight up-and-down body that you want to add curves to, crop tops are definitely your friend! A loose crop top and fitted skirt make the waist immediately smaller than the bust and hips. Alternatively, a full, pleated skirt is a great way to add curves to your lower half. If you are small-bodied, a livelier crop top can be really flattering – and why not take advantage of the fact that, unlike many ladies, you can wear this trend comfortably?
Different styles of crops
There are so many different types of crops, and so many ways to bear them. Regardless of your personal style, you will be able to find a crop top that suits you perfectly! Check out some of these styles for inspiration – these are just a small fraction of the many ways you can wear crop tops!
Vintage Crop Tops from the 1950s
Harvest tops are fantastic for creating a silhouette in the 1950s with a nipped waist and full skirt, as they avoid adding extra bulk to the waist. Try high-neck ladylike styles with long sleeves and pair them with A-lines or circle skirts for a glamorous, retro style with a modern twist.
Boho Crop Tops
Harvest tops are one of the ultimate staples for the summer wardrobe, making them an excellent addition to any bohemian style outfit. Look for draped lacy crops, or pair simpler styles with your boldest boho prints. Harvest tops are also good to wear with printed maxi skirts or harem pants, as they help keep the overall look streamlined and balanced.
Polished and stylish tops
Harvest peaks can also work in the office! Choose structured shapes and high quality heavy fabrics to keep the crop top formal. Try to put them over dresses or shirts so you don't avoid flashing a midriff. Neutral colors and details such as shirt collars also help to make crop tops in the office suitable while still looking refreshingly modern and elegant.
90s Style Crop Tops
The 90's were definitely decades at the harvest peak! The '90s fashion has been revitalized lately, so why not take advantage of this and grab a green top in vintage style? Slim t-shirts and sweaters were the style to choose from – you can try this trend on cheap by just chopping the bottom of an old thin fit t-shirt! Match with other 90s classics such as plaid jeans or high waisted jeans, and you instantly have a way forward way to wear a crop top.
Sexy cropping tops
Let's face it – it's incredibly sexy to throw midriff into a crop top. A stylish crop top and pencil skirt is one of the sexiest night out combinations you'll ever find, but in the right colors and textures it can also be very sophisticated and elegant.
Sporty crop tops
Harvest peaks are also a great way to try athletic-inspired trends. Harvest tops inspired by either sports bra or sports jerseys are a brilliant combination of sporty and sexy and are excellent for looking good while still being comfortable.