How to Wear a Crop Top Even If You're Not Skinny Minny

Crop Top Styles

The crop top trend is super adorable yet can seem so daunting to try and pull off. Baring the midriff can be risky in fashion but more than anything it scares the common girl, who doesn't have a stick thin body type, from trying it. However, the crop top trend is huge this season and while out shopping last weekend I noticed nearly half the tops sold in some young women's stores are in fact, crop tops. I figured if retailers are trying to sell them to the masses, in which the majority of young women do not have flat stomachs, then the trend could (and should) be worn by all. Of course, if you're not so keen on the idea of baring it all, there are different types and styling techniques than can be applied so you feel comfortable and confident rockin' the crop top trend!

Type of Crop: There are so many variations and styles of crop tops out there! From t-shirt, lace, crochet, fringe, bustier, low-high, and bandeau, there is a type out there that is sure to flatter every body. Choose the style that feels most comfortable for you. A tight-fitted style, like the bustier, looks best on toned tummies while more flowy low- highs and t-shirt styles that don't hug the body will conceal more of the tummy.

Wearing a low-high dELIA*s flowy crop top with a
high-waist circle skirt (left) and with high-waist
shorts and a staple belt (right)

High-Waisted Bottoms: The key to wearing a crop top right is to just show a sliver of skin. With high-waisted bottoms, either shorts, pants or a skirt, it balances out the proportions and keeps your look classy and sophisticated. A lace or crochet top with high-waist denim cut offs are adorable for summer play while a chic black bustier with a pencil skirt makes a great look for a night on the town. Another cute idea is to wear overalls or a jumper over a tight fitted crop.

Pair with a Cardi or Jacket: To cover up a bit throw an open cardigan, jacket or blazer over your crop top outfit. This will leave only a hint of skin showing in the front and is a great way to take the trend into the fall season. A cropped leather moto jacket is adorable when paired over a crop and skirt combo. If you are more curvy and want to create a slimming affect, wear a long cardigan, jacket or vest.

                                   

Overalls and crop top from Forever 21 (left) and crop top, skirt and moto jacket (right) from Nasty Gal. 

Layer a Cami Underneath: If you really don't want to show any skin, then simply pair your crop with a basic cami underneath. This is a great way to also play with colors and do some fun color blocking with two contrast colored tops. I chose to pair a coral maxi skirt and a crochet mint crop with a pastel pink cami underneath in the photo to the right.



Have you tried the crop top trend? 

How did you wear it?




Sources: 
http://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-wear-crop-tops/slide1
http://laurenconrad.com/blog/2014/03/how-to-wear-crop-tops-spring-2014-fashion/

Beat the Heat: How to Dress Cool While Remaining Conservative

Hello from Dallas. It has been over 2 months since my last post and since then I have graduated from Concordia College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication - Public Relations and a minor in Apparel, Retail Merchandising & Design. I spent a month traveling to see family and friends in Montana and Minnesota before making a big move to Dallas, Texas with my wonderful boyfriend. We've been in Dallas two weeks now and I suddenly have the urge (and time) to express my love of fashion once again. One of the most common remarks from people, upon telling them that I was moving to Texas, was about how hot and humid the weather would be. Thinking about the Texas sun didn't phase me (I am cold blooded) yet I wondered if I would only be wearing camis and short shorts. With the average temp being 90 degrees with some humidity since we have arrived, it has been perfect weather according to me. I have found out that although it is very hot, there is no need to dress skimpy. With the heat of summer approaching us in the coming months, I wanted to share some fashion tips on dressing cool and comfortable while remaining conservative and classy in your appearance. 

Fabric is key: Lightweight breathable fabrics should be your best friend for the summer. Think cotton, spandex, rayon, jersey, linen, silk and blends. Sundresses are often preferred in the summer because of their lightweight, knit fabric composition. Swap denim for linen pants and it will make a world of a difference. Choose fabric shorts and skirts and you will feel much cooler. If you are a business professional, Jeffers of Business Insider advises to wear suits with open weave fabrics like high twist wools, fresco, linen and cotton instead of the average worsted wool. Just look at your labels before purchasing to ensure the fabric type will be pleasing against your skin when it's 100 degrees outside. 

I wore a rayon blend maxi skirt with
a basic cami and fringe cover-up on
a hot afternoon in downtown Dallas.

Skimp on top or bottom, but not both: By skimp I mean quantity and tightness of fabric. To avoid showing too much skin, balance out your outfit by deciding on whether you want to showcase your arms or legs. Going sleeveless is one of the best ways to remain cool, so think tube tops, camis and tanks. If you go with a tube top, pair it with a longer pair of shorts or a skirt that is mid thigh to knee length. The next important factor is tightness. If your top is stretchy and fits snug, don't pair it with equally tight shorts. Instead go for roomy fabric bottoms. Fabric shorts, pants and maxi skirts in fun patterns and colors are great to pair with basic camis. However, if you choose a blousy top wear it with tighter fitting shorts. Black and white denim shorts with some spandex are perfect to have and should match most of your tops. Short shorts can also be worn with blousy tops or tops with sleeves. The key is to balance out the proportion of your clothing so you are showing just the right amount of skin.

I styled Jenna in a yellow polka dot bikini
with short shorts, a 3/4 length sleeve lace
top and aviators. 

Wear cover-ups until you hit the pool or beach: We've all seen those trashy pictures of celebrities or everyday people walking around in public wearing dangerously revealing swimwear. Avoid looks from unwanted passerby's by wearing a cover-up over your swimsuit when en route to your tanning/swimming destination. However, a little peek of your swimsuit underneath will be adorable, so opt for a pair of cutoff shorts or flowy skirt with just a cardi or sheer top over your bikini top. 

Have multiple pairs of sunglasses and keep them protected: Never leave home without your shades. Have at least a couple pairs of sunglasses on hand and keep one in your car, one in your beach bag and one on the counter so you will be ready for every occasion. One of the worst things is forgetting your sunglasses on a bright day, but you can avoid this by being organized. Invest in hardcover sunglass cases to keep the lenses and frame protected from damage. So often our sunglasses get easily broken by being tossed around with no case, but you will save money in the long run by taking care of them.  

I hope these tips are helpful in helping you choose clothing that will help you feel cool, comfortable and classy in the summer heat! What other tips do you have??


Sources: 
http://www.babble.com/latina/keep-your-cool-best-summer-fabrics/
http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-beat-the-heat-in-a-suit-2013-6?op=1