4 Ways To Wear Crop Tops - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Wear Crop Tops PDF download Download Article A style guide to help you look and feel your best Co-authored by Stephanie Fajardo

Last Updated: October 14, 2025 Approved

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  • Choosing the Right Crop Top Style
    • |
  • Keeping It Casual
    • |
  • Creating a Party Look
    • |
  • Making Your Crop Top Professional
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Fajardo. Stephanie Fajardo is a Personal Stylist based in Portland, Oregon. Stephanie has over 17 years of styling experience in personal consulting, television, photography, and film shoots. Her work has been featured in Esquire Magazine and Portland Fashion Week. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 228,766 times.

Crop tops are bold, fashion-forward and––believe it or not––flattering for every body type. As fun and stylish as these summer staples are, it’s normal to feel a little nervous if you’re rocking one for the first time. Finding your favorite length and fit and keeping the look balanced with high-waisted pants, shorts and skirts will make these trendy tops perfect for any occasion.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Choosing the Right Crop Top Style

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  1. Step 1 Choose a crop top length. 1 Choose a crop top length. Some crop tops fall to just below the bra-line, while others stop right above the belly button. Longer crop tops can cover most of the belly and just leave a small strip of skin above your waistband. Paired with the right bottoms, any length can suit just about any occasion and body type, so go with whatever makes you feel most comfortable.[1]
    • For the most flattering fit on any body type, go for a crop top that lands just above your natural waistline. Highlighting the narrowest part of your torso will give a sleek, slimming effect to your overall look, especially when paired with high-waisted bottoms.
  2. Step 2 Decide on a fit. 2 Decide on a fit. A tight crop top will look best with a looser pair of pants or skirt, although it can be paired with a tighter bottom if you’re planning a night out. More relaxed, loose t-shirt or tank styles pair nicely with high-waisted jeans or shorts for more casual or edgy looks. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Go with whatever style makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. 3 Go with whatever style makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. Some conventional wisdom says that shorter, fitted crop tops are best-suited to thinner girls, but a few social media or Internet searches will show you that crops tops of all lengths and fits can suit any body type. If you see a crop top you like, just try it on. You may be surprised by what flatters you!
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Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Keeping It Casual

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  1. Step 1 Choose a relaxed tank or tee crop top. 1 Choose a relaxed tank or tee crop top. Go for a solid, striped, or graphic design with a loose fit that either hangs straight or tapers around your waistline.
  2. Step 2 Pair it with high-waisted shorts for a flirty, beachy look. 2 Pair it with high-waisted shorts for a flirty, beachy look. The loose crop top skims over your tummy while the shorts accentuate your waist for a casual but figure-flattering look. You can tailor the waistline of your shorts based on how much skin you want to show. A high-waisted pair with a loose, longer crop top could cover your whole torso, while a shorter top and lower-riding shorts could reveal a strip of skin.
  3. Step 3 Wear a sweatshirt crop top and high-waisted jeans for colder weather. 3 Wear a sweatshirt crop top and high-waisted jeans for colder weather. Long-sleeve crop top sweaters are a great choice for the chillier months of the year. This classic and figure-flattering pairing hardly needs any embellishment--except for a longer coat, if it’s really cold!
  4. Step 4 Layer a short crop top under overalls for a playful vibe. 4 Layer a short crop top under overalls for a playful vibe. Unbutton the sides of your overalls to expose some peek-a-boo skin on the sides of your torso, creating a look that’s retro, modest and fun. From the front, you won’t even be able to tell you’re wearing a crop top![2]
  5. Step 5 Wear casual sandals or sneakers to finish the look. 5 Wear casual sandals or sneakers to finish the look. Keep your look relaxed with casual shoes, like flat sandals or sneakers.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Creating a Party Look

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  1. Step 1 Choose a printed top and bottom set for a put-together look. 1 Choose a printed top and bottom set for a put-together look. A printed crop top and skirt (or slacks) set is a trendy, flattering style perfect for parties or even school dances.
    • If you pair a printed top with a printed bottom, make sure the prints match exactly! Patterns that are even slightly off will clash.
  2. Step 2 Try a tie-front top for a summery, more conservative look. 2 Try a tie-front top for a summery, more conservative look. Tie-front tops give a cute, retro vibe and cover a bit more skin than the usual crop top--just a bit of skin will show over your bottoms.
    • You can also make your own tie-front top by tying up a button-down shirt. This is a great way to ease into the crop top look, since you can make the top as short or long as you want.
  3. Step 3 Wear a long, loose skirt or high-waisted pants. 3 Wear a long, loose skirt or high-waisted pants. A loose, maxi- or midi-length skirt looks lovely with a short, fitted crop top. Look for one that sits above your belly button on your natural waist for a flattering look for all body types. Looser, high-waisted pants can also pair nicely with a short crop top.[3]
  4. Step 4 Pair your crop top with heels or wedges. 4 Pair your crop top with heels or wedges. Nude or matching high heels or wedges are a must to make your crop top work for a nice party.[4]
  5. Step 5 Accessorize with pretty jewelry. 5 Accessorize with pretty jewelry. Add elegance to the look with tasteful jewelry, like pearls or a thin necklace and bracelets.
  6. Step 6 Go with a dark, fitted crop top and bottoms for a night out. 6 Go with a dark, fitted crop top and bottoms for a night out. An all-black crop top plus dark leggings or jeans makes for a sleek look, perfect for a night of going out. Pair it with a sporty, zip-up jacket to cover up a bit more, and finish the look with some high black boots.
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Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Making Your Crop Top Professional

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  1. Step 1 Choose a longer, structured crop top. 1 Choose a longer, structured crop top. Look for crop tops with arty, structured elements that aren’t too tight on your skin. Front ties, collars, and sweeping fabric will flatter your figure while maintaining a workplace-appropriate look.[5]
  2. Step 2 Pair your crop top with high-waisted trousers or a skirt. 2 Pair your crop top with high-waisted trousers or a skirt. High-waisted bottoms are a must for this look, since you don’t want to have skin exposed in a professional environment. Go for a solid colored pencil skirt or pants in a tapered leg or wide-cut style.[6]
  3. Step 3 Wear a blazer or long coat to cover up. 3 Wear a blazer or long coat to cover up. For an added fashionable flair or for colder weather, throw on a matching blazer or long coat. This quick and practical addition can easily make the look more office appropriate.
  4. Step 4 Step up the look with heels and simple jewelry. 4 Step up the look with heels and simple jewelry. Crop tops naturally look a bit casual, so use your footwear and accessories to keep the outfit classy. Heels are the best option, but a nice pair of pointed-toe flats can also dress this look up. Go for a simple necklace and stud earrings to add a bit of sparkle.[7]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question How do I make my crop top more modest? Stephanie Fajardo Stephanie Fajardo Professional Stylist Stephanie Fajardo is a Personal Stylist based in Portland, Oregon. Stephanie has over 17 years of styling experience in personal consulting, television, photography, and film shoots. Her work has been featured in Esquire Magazine and Portland Fashion Week. Stephanie Fajardo Stephanie Fajardo Professional Stylist Expert Answer Try layering your crop top over a long-sleeve T-shirt, then tie a scarf around your waist as a belt! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 31 Helpful 23
  • Question What if you have some belly fat and you really want to wear a crop top? Community Answer Community Answer Pair a crop top with high waisted pants or a skirt that sits at your natural waist, above your belly button. Then be confident and rock your crop top! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 121
  • Question Is it weird to wear a bra under a crop top? Community Answer Community Answer Not at all! For crop tops with sleeves, your bra will hardly be noticeable. For spaghetti strap or strapless tops, you have some options. A strapless bra would work, or you could wear a bralette with lacy straps and let it show. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 68
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/flattering-crop-tops
  2. ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com/what-to-wear-with-overalls-2016/slide4
  3. ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-wear-crop-tops/slide14
  4. ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-wear-crop-tops/slide14
  5. ↑ https://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/news/g8298/how-to-wear-a-crop-top/
  6. ↑ https://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/news/g8298/how-to-wear-a-crop-top/
  7. ↑ https://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/news/g8298/how-to-wear-a-crop-top/

About This Article

Stephanie Fajardo Co-authored by: Stephanie Fajardo Professional Stylist This article was co-authored by Stephanie Fajardo. Stephanie Fajardo is a Personal Stylist based in Portland, Oregon. Stephanie has over 17 years of styling experience in personal consulting, television, photography, and film shoots. Her work has been featured in Esquire Magazine and Portland Fashion Week. This article has been viewed 228,766 times. 3 votes - 67% Co-authors: 11 Updated: October 14, 2025 Views: 228,766 Categories: Shirts and Tops Article SummaryX

To wear a crop top, start by picking one that lands just above your natural waistline for the most flattering, slimming fit. Additionally, a tight crop top pairs best with looser pants or a skirt, while a relaxed, loose t-shirt or tank style goes well with high-waisted jeans or shorts for a casual look. For a party look, choose a printed crop top and a matching skirt or slacks or match a fitted crop top with a loose maxi skirt that sits just above your belly button. To make your crop top professional, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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    Cathy Roberts

    Jan 17, 2022

    "This article helped me a lot because at first I hated the thought of wearing cropped tops because I thought it was..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Stephanie Fajardo Co-authored by: Stephanie Fajardo Professional Stylist 3 votes - 67% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 11 Updated: October 14, 2025 Views: 228,766 Cathy Roberts

Cathy Roberts

Jan 17, 2022

"This article helped me a lot because at first I hated the thought of wearing cropped tops because I thought it was..." more Alisha Green

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"I read it and it was so interesting and I really enjoyed it. And when I read other people's questions, that..." more Cutei Pie Durba

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