The recent crop top trend has me in a tizzy (yes, I used that word). I think it looks throwback fabulous on all of the A-listers and fashion bloggers, but really…can a thirtysomething mom of two pull it off? I was texting with my so-chic-it-hurts friend and asked her what she thought. Her response? “Go with your gut.” My response? “That is exactly what I would be doing.”
Here’s the trick- the skirt needs to be high-waisted and the fit needs to be precise.
I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on the top because, let’s be honest, when am I really going to wear it again after this summer?
There are some awesome celebs of all shapes and sizes who have successfully worked this style. How about the fabulous Mindy? In this who wore it better photo with Vanessa Hudgens, I would vote curvalicious Mindy hands down.
And so with that, I headed to the shops. Of course, I photo texted my fashion consultants S and T from the fitting room for input because that is what girls who are insecure about their fashion choices do.
There seems to be two different schools of thought on the crop. The overlap vs. the go-all-out, midriff-baring, dare to bare. I chose the latter.
(And no, that isn’t my belly button in the second photo. It is my scar from a knife fight…or maybe emergency gall bladder surgery, but I will keep the mystery alive)
And the grand total for this outfit? Let’s do the math:
Earrings– $5, Banana Republic Outlet
Necklace– $25, Second Time Around
Crop Top– $16, Forever 21
Skirt– $15, Ann Taylor (thanks to Zahra of Love Zahra for the suggestion!)
Shoes– $18, Nine West
Purse– $10, Aldo Outlet
Total: $89
Any time I can pull together a complete outfit for less than $100, I am a happy camper (glamper).
The hair? Here’s my secret to an effortless red carpet-worthy style. Wash and add something to give your hair texture and volume; John Frieda Volume Building Mousse is my go-to because I have thinner hair. (I then put it up into a spin pin bun all day because I don’t have the luxury of getting ready right before I go to an event anymore. The hair style has to last through both play and bath times). Right before I leave, I take my hair down, spray it with a light volumizing hair spray, add a mattifying powder to the roots to pump them up (OSiS Dust It rules), and gather my hair at the nape of my neck in a messy bun. I secure it with Goody Spin pins and spray again with hair spray. Voila.
Here is a close up of the accessories I pulled together; I chose a white clutch to pick up the white in the necklace as opposed to matching my shoes. I also tried metallic shoes with this outfit but the skirt was too busy to take much more.
How are you sporting the crop this summer?
