Miss & Me: To Crop or Not
The Crop Top.
The crop top has moved quickly out of active wear and onto the runway in recent years.
It also has incredible staying power with this summer season continuing to showcase “cropped” looks. So no, tops and shirts aren’t shrinking – exposed waistlines are very on-trend.
Now, the crop top is usually associated with a taut stomach combined with a sprinkle of confidence.
In fact, there continues to be debate about:
- Who can wear crop tops?
- How to wear crop tops?
- The skin factor – how much is too much?
So if we think about famous crop top wearing enthusiasts, it’s quite varied. Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift are in their early twenties and have great figures for the look. In contrast, we’ve seen the curvier Kim Kardashian (35 year old mum) and slender/tall Amal Clooney who is 37 years of age also showcase the look – and quite well.
Now contrary to the usual advice; if you are comfortable and confident, you can wear most trends – I’m sitting on the fence with the crop top.
At my age and really anyone post 40, I think the tummy should be covered up no matter how good your abs are. However for our Miss Lacey (a lovely 24 year old), it’s a great look. I don’t mind a sheer top where there is the hint of flesh exposed……this is a personal choice though!!
Thinking about how high your top should crop, I think it depends on your body shape. I believe exposed belly buttons are better left for a Bikram Yoga session and a sliver of skin is much more elegant and in some cases – sexier……once again that’s an age and toned body thing!.
Now today, in order to answer the pending questions on the crop top, we’ve headed into Seed to show you how Lacey works a fresh, on-trend and youthful look with the crop top but also how I can work a similar item into my wardrobe and look elegant.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the looks we’ve put together. More details below 🙂
These are quite casual! Thoughts on the crop?
Kirsty says
Love your look Cindy! I’ve had my eye on this look for a while and I think you’ve sold me:-) x
Cindy Newstead says
Thanks Kirsty!!! I love it :), definitely give it a go!! x
Karin says
I would like to challenge the notion that women over 40 can’t have some exposed skin. Let’s stop body shaming. Age does not mean you can’t look elegant and sexy in a crop and show some skin. I guess it comes down to aesthetics. I have seen many a 20 year old in crop tops that don’t compliment their body shape. I would agree with keeping the belly button covered. I think a high waisted skirt with a crop can look very elegant on any age woman! I am still on the lookout for that perfect crop.
Cindy Newstead says
Karin…..well said! I myself wear a crop quite frequently with a higher waist…..showing my belly is not an option. Thanks xo
Louise says
I’m a huge fan of dressy casual and the white crop top is perhaps the most flattering seen on you Cindy. Off the shoulder is a bit too girly for me though you look fantastic in it.
Kind Regards, Louise