How To Wear Crop Tops As An Adult

Outfit Details // top | skirt (currently sold out but here’s another fun printed one!) | similar heels | similar sunglasses | necklace

We all remember it – that moment in the late 90’s when Paris Hilton started rocking the crop top, and every teenage girl wanted to be her, and every teenage boy wanted to be with her. Her look was so iconic that it wasn’t long until other big names (i.e. Britney Spears) caught on and began to make the look their own. Paired with hip-hugging flare pants or leather mini skirts, crop tops were known for their sexy vibe and primarily donned to clubs or concerts. Flash forward to current style trends, and the crop top is still very much a part of the popular crowd. I’ll admit I’m thankful for it’s evolution, as it’s much more likely to find a crop that suits my twenty-something wardrobe now than it would have been if I had tried the trend as an adult in the 90’s.

However, there are still some that say this iconic piece isn’t suitable for adults. I completely understand their concern. If you pay any attention to festival style, you’ll notice an onslaught of more skimpy, lacy crops worn with body chains, ripped daisy dukes, and glitter galore. That’s not what I’m gonna be chatting about. I’d like to introduce you to the perfect way to wear crop tops as an adult. You can still enjoy the style while remaining chic, modest, and mature! I’ve ditched most of my über-tight, stretchy crops, and I’m now completely obsessed with cropped blouses – such as the one shoulder piece I wore for this outfit!

My first tip for you, if you’ve passed 21 and still wanna rock the crop: find one that either hits below your belly button, or wear higher-waisted bottoms. I chose a high-waist midi skirt (already a very conservative piece) and paired it with my crop for a flirty summer ensemble everyone is sure to swoon over (truly – I wore this outfit on a date night recently and within 30 seconds of walking into the restaurant had 3 people compliment my look)! The second tip to remember: find silhouettes that are either looser, or create more volume up top. We’re not going to a rave, people. So leave the low-cut, skin-tight pieces behind. Think ruffles, bows, or a light amount of lace. I’ll leave one last tip with you: don’t wear it if you aren’t comfortable with it. This is the easiest tip to follow, but us girls sometimes make it harder than it needs to be. Just because it’s a trend, doesn’t mean we have to wear it. If you simply don’t care for crops, maybe opt for a fun bodysuit instead, or a blouse that can easily be tucked in. Don’t force it if you don’t love it!

For my ladies interested in some of my favorite adult-friendly crops, look no further. I’ve rounded up the perfect pieces at a bunch of different price points, and these are all guaranteed to add some serious fun to your summer wardrobe!