Crop Season: Four CLASSY Ways to Wear a Crop Top

By: Susanna Heller

Spring is finally upon us here in Syracuse. The weather has consistently reached a balmy 50 degrees, the possibly possessed black squirrels have reappeared, and you can finally make the leap into your transitional jacket. If we’re being real, however, there is only one true way to embrace spring in Syracuse: exhuming your favorite crop top from the dusty depths of your closet and baring your still-tan-from-spring-break-but-not-really toned-because-of-late-night-Jimmy-John’s stomach for the world to see. While self-love and body positivity are the most important things, you can—believe it or not—wear a crop top without looking trashy.

Crop top from Forever21, harem pants from Ovoloo, biker jacket from H&M, sunglasses from Saint Laurent, watch from 2b Stores, bag from Kate Spade, flats from bluefly.com

The trick to translating a crop top from night to day is high-waisted bottoms. These loose harem pants compliment the tight crop top very nicely. With some day makeup and a light jacket, this look is both casual and comfortable enough to get you through a busy day.

Crop top from Forever 21, shoes from ASOS, skirt from fashion-conscience.com, sunglasses from Illesteva Leonard, bag from DSW, necklace from bodycentral.com, bracelets from Nasty Gal

A good maxi skirt is a springtime staple. Pair a pastel maxi skirt with some strappy sandals and a slouchy tote to show everyone just how artsy and bohemian you really are. For this outfit, don’t be shy with accessories: stack up those Alex and Ani bracelets like they’re Kandi and you’re having the time of your life at a rave—even if you’re just sitting in a Philosophy lecture.

Crop top from Forever 21, overalls from Hollister, oxfords from gravitypope.com, sunglasses from 80spurple.com, fedora from Forever 21, tote from Free People

Say what you want about overalls, but Lindsay Lohan isn’t the only fossil from the 90s making a comeback this spring. Show off your playful side with overalls, and then remind everyone of how “cool” you are while donning a fedora. This outfit is flirty and shows off some skin, but is still modestly reserved. Bonus points for not wearing high-waisted shorts or a flower crown—individuality is fun sometimes.

Crop top from Forever 21, Jacket from H&M, bag from Rebecca Minkoff, shoes from newlook.com, necklace from ModCloth, skirt from Helmut Lang

This may be the only time when it’s acceptable to bear it all. Kidding but not. The outfit itself is pretty basic, so when it comes to accessories, go big or go home. After all, crop tops really only come out for one reason…to be perfectly accessorized, duh.

Let the record show that it is possible to wear a crop top while still maintaining a shred of dignity and looking cute. Who would’ve thought that was possible? Stay classy Syracuse.