Ellie Prince
Summer vacation, here we come! Now that the weather is warm enough, we are wearing both our tops and bottoms up to there. The best thing about crop tops and Summer sets is that they are uber flattering. Cover up your tummy and expose your shoulders for a relaxing outfit that still lets the sun come in. This style is totally packable and allows you to create multiple outfits with just a few items.
Crop Tops Are Travel Buddies
Getting ready to go? Pack a shorts or skirt set in a trendy print like polka dots or gingham. This black gingham Lakely Top is so cute with it’s matching skirt! Crop tops are also perfect under a cool blazer and help you keep your body temperature just right. Take a look at our article on shorts suits and learn how versatile they are. A lightweight blazer keeps you warm or provides cover up when you’ve had enough sun. With a bandeau top underneath, you can grab a tan while you’re walking around sightseeing.
Little Top, Big Bottoms
The best way to rock this look is to stay minimal on top and then flare out at the waist. Take a look at our features on wide-leg pants and culottes and add a tiny top! You’ll freak out over UO’s Urban Renewal Remade Printed Tube Top. We always dig on upcycling and how cute is the print? High-rise pants with wide legs look amazing paired with crop tops or bandeaus. Bandeau tops are supreme farmer’s market and swap meet choices. Be sure to throw on sunscreen before you go and remember to pick up a churro for yourself.
Anchors Away
Last week, we showed you the best berets, lieutenant hats and sailor caps. Shorts suits with crop tops and stripes are just begging for a sailor cap to finish off the look. An extra wide crop top is the perfect bikini top cover up. Try and find one in a comfy cotton and relax while the captain does the driving. Urban Outfitters carries a cropped hoodie with a deep v-neck wrap. The slouchier, the better!
Bright + Monochromatic
Summer is the best time to bring out the bright colors. For a longer, leaner look, look for crop tops and skirt sets in monochromatic colors. Letting just a hint of your stomach show is best for anything you’re doing in town. If you are among the thousands of people who are digging our tie-front top article, you will love this Vermillion Flame skirt set with it’s center twist detail. The lightweight textured cotton is very forgiving and the center twist is totally figure flattering. Take a look at our focus on orange and yellow fashions and flame on!
How to Rock it at Work
If you’re trying to stay cool at work, but are worried about showing off your midriff, the proper pant is imperative. High-waist slacks and loose crop tops can be totally office-appropriate. Make sure the slacks have pleats or waist details, like buttons or wide pockets. Take a look at these lightweight striped pants from Free People. The print is definitely business casual and the wide leg invites sitting cross-legged at your desk. If you’re still feeling a little unsure, add a lightweight blazer and then rock the top during cocktail hour. You can do it! We especially love this look in all white; check out our monochromatic minimal outfit article for more inspiration.
Oh La La
For total French country girl charm, keep the details feminine and polished. Crop tops with wide straps or lace details look super sexy with a printed, a-line skirt. Right now, polka dots are totally on trend and tops with dot details are a perfect match. This Pretty Dayz Set from Free People takes the guesswork out of the equation. Wear a summer sandal (like espadrilles) or just rock it barefoot around the house. Super liveable.
Bare That Midriff!
The higher the cut on the top, the higher the waist should be on the bottoms. The exposure on your midriff should be minimal and that’s what makes this look so comfortable. Summer sets are perfect for traveling or for getting together with your girlfriends. Have fun and get some sun, already! (But most of all, stay classy.)