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As the weather begins to move away from 90 and balmy to a more reasonable temperature, I’m excited to remove my jeans and sweaters from their hibernation. It’s finally time to say goodbye to swimsuits and ill fitting rompers, and I couldn’t be happier. Fall is the perfect season to pull some fantastic fits and my little fashion heart cannot wait. While I’m craving the upcoming wardrobe options, I find myself filled with a hint of sadness as I prepare to put my crop tops away. They will remain unseen until I pull one out on a spring day next year when I ultimately end up undressed for the weather and shivering.
I was a little late on the crop top discovery. I owned a few Hollister originals in my teen years, but my lack of breasts and boyish frame wasn’t complimentary for the style. Not only did they look weird on me, I also didn’t fully grasp how to wear one. There is an awkward moment in my life where I vividly remember pairing a long ribbed tank underneath a lace crop top. I was called out on this faux pas by a less than kind friend and retired both pieces to the back of my closet.
As I got older, I didn’t spend much time thinking about my failed attempt at crop top glory. I found satisfaction in other subtly sexy alternatives. The deep V became my modus operandi throughout college, and I’ve dabble in the dark arts of bodycon for years now. I reached a bit of a eureka moment though where the crop top would re-enter my life via the two-piece set.
When sets came onto the scene I was instantly intrigued. After an online order from Forever 21 and a successful outfit outcome at a concert, I was hooked. The two-piece set was golden, but my exploration didn’t stop there. Was there really any reason I couldn’t swap out the matching mini skirt for any type of bottom? I paired the high necked crop with a pair of tuxedo pants the next weekend, and the rest is history. The crop top was back in my life.
There was this preconceived notion I had that these types of shirts were reserved for going out. An exposed belly button in the middle of the day doesn’t exactly scream, “I have my life together!” But the game was suddenly changed with the rise in popularity of high waisted pants. Now, I can easily throw on some mom jeans and a cut off tee without worrying that a huge chunk of my midriff is out for all to see. This look works for grocery shopping, going out to eat, whatever activities you’re in to. Sometimes a little skin does show, but it’s high fashion risqué, and completely invigorating.
Throughout the past few summers, my collection has blossomed into a source of joy. Various colors, fabrics, and patterns have worked their way into my life, and I love them all equally. I can happily boast that I pretty much have a crop top for every occasion. One of my greatest accomplishments is finding a way to incorporate crop tops into my work wardrobe. With some carefully examined outfit options that rely on the high waisted trend I previously mentioned and appropriate necklines, I’ve created new outfits that don’t require a visit from HR.
There are maybe a few seasonally appropriate weeks left for me to get in a last minute fix. I’m already planning to wear an adorable red floral boy for a beer fest next weekend. If the weather holds out, I would love to sport my cut off D.C. United tee shirt for a game I have tickets for. It’s not going to ruin my day if I can’t wear my planned combos, but I’d be lying if I said I’m not going to be disappointed.
Pumpkin decor and flannel scarves are peeking their heads around the corner and I am ready for their patchouli and amber embrace. But the crop top will live on in my heart during the colder months. They will remain unseen until I pull one out on a spring day next year when I can’t wait any longer to stop wearing sweaters. I’ll end up undressed for the weather and shivering, but I’m a firm believer it’s better to look good than to feel good. And crop tops, they make you look really good..
Image via Shutterstock
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Kell
future soccer mom of America (AKA I drive a Volvo.) Miracle is my favorite movie and it should be yours too.
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I’m not entirely sure why I read a crop top article to it’s completion as I literally cannot relate to any of this, but here I am. Knowledge is power.
I was able to relate to having a belly button.
Nice Work.. don’t want to ruin the 69 upvotes.
The ONLY good part about living in LA is that the girls wear crop tops year round which is glorious. Unfortunately, a lot of the men in west hollywood do too so…there’s that. To each their own though
Can’t forget the not having to clean off the car during the winter time. I think that’s my favorite thing about being in California
Goodbye crop top season. Hello yoga pants season. When one door closes, another door opens.
I’d French kiss the man who invented yoga pants.
Long gone are the days of girls risking hypothermia wearing crop tops to look good at parties, 20 degree weather be damned. I miss Penn State
Can confirm that I’ve walked through 4 inches of snow in a short skirt and crop top in State College
Opened toed heels and a body on dresses in blizzards
I still wear crop tops in the winter , they’re just long sleeved
This comment was so pointless wow I’m sorry
Is there an age that you should permanently retire the crop top? I’m holding out this summer because I fear it could be my last..
Great content you’re producing here. “This is what I’m wearing lately”. Brilliant, hilarious, insightful. You could work at Buzzfeed.
Obligatory “Sup”
And this folks, is why I live in Florida. Crop tops for days. Loving that all my favs from the 90s/early 2000s are back in business.