4 Genius Ways to Wear a Crop Top Without Showing Any Skin

April 2, 2014

The introduction of a new silhouette, particularly one that seems difficult for the average woman to wear, can take time before being fully embraced by the public. Case in point: the crop top. The sheer variety available tells us this is a style that’s here to stay. So we thought we’d work what could be a “cruel and unusual” cut (that potentially serves to remind us of the six pack we don’t have) into something not only wearable, but covetable.

Behold: four looks that show how to wear a crop top without baring your midsection. And here’s a piece of parting advice: when it comes to playing with hemline and shape, keep your accessories to a minimum. Let the threads be the star of your cropped show.

Collage: The Layered Crop

Collage: The Layered Crop #1

1. Navy Floral Embroidered A Line Skirt $80 at River Island, 2. Ellery Himalayas Cropped Ponte Top $500 at Moda Operandi, 3. Chevron Perforated Wide Waist Belt $143 at Linea Pelle, 4. MSGM 110MM Floral Screen Printed Satin Pumps $435 at Luis Aviaroma
Collage: The Layered Crop #2

1. MICHAEL MICHAEL Kors Wide Leg Jeans $65 at Lord and Taylor, 2. Nic + Zoe Modern Blouse $75.60 at Nic + Zoe, 3. Bobble Lace Crop Tee $32 at Topshop, 4. Sevilla Sandal $268 at COACH
Collage: The Layered Crop #3

1. DKNY Step Hem Silk-Blend Blouse $255 at Matchesfashion, 2. Alexander McQueen Cropped Crepe Top $725 at My Theresa, 3. Stuart Weitzman Gladiator Sandals $398 at Beckley Boutique
Collage: The Layered Crop #4

1. Maison Martin Margiela Mohair-Wool Overalls $1115 at Stylebop, 2. Embroidered Top $119 at Zara, 3. Paul Green Vince Navy Leather $289 at Zappos

A contributing writer to theFashionSpot, Marisa has penned articles and features in over a dozen online and print publications. She's worked as fashion critic and creative director for papierdoll.com, been the managing editor for Caribbean-based Ocean Style Magazine, and worked with Set Magazine, a luxury lifestyle magazine based in Zurich, as a contributing editor. She splits her time between New York, Los Angeles and her hometown as a freelance fashion and cultural copywriter, editor and journalist. You can find out more at her site marisaswanson.com and follow her on Twitter @mraswan.