There are only so many ways we can style the ubiquitous cropped top before the fatigue sets in. If you have been feeling stuck in a rut when it comes to finding ways to dress up your top, this guide should help you out.
We looked up to these fashion mavens for some styling inspiration:
1. Jazz it up with a statement jacket
Japanese model and actress Rila Fukushima wore an adorable tweed jacket that has stained glass-like details on the sleeves and collar. The addition of the statement jacket gave this otherwise nondescript jeans look more punch.
Rila Fukushima in an adorable tweed jacket attends the Chanel show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2014-2015 on March 4, 2014, in Paris
Copy Her Look: Olcay Gulsen Strapped Back Crop Top, $290.00
Wear With: Saint Laurent Skinny Jean, $538.79 / Philipp Plein Lace Insert Denim Jacket, $1010.52 / Costume National Leather Sandals, $790.00 / B Brian Atwood Top Handle Clutch, $295.00 / Kismet by Milka Right Honeycomb Ear Cuff, $330.00
2. Team it up with a skirt suit
Look sharp like Elena Moussa by pairing a solid-colored cropped top with a classic skirt suit. Style it up further with a sleek pair of pumps and round sunglasses.
Elena Moussa wears a solid-colored cropped top at New York Women Fashion Week in New York on March 18, 2014
Copy Her Look: Giambattista Valli Sleeveless Crop Top, $1,040.00
Wear With: Ken Scott Vintage Skirt Suit, $511.25 / Salvatore Ferragamo Pam d’Orsay Pumps, $525.00 / Sunday Somewhere Yetti Sunglasses, $210.00
3. Instead of boyfriend or skinny jeans, wear your top with bootleg jeans
Get a cropped knitted sweater like what model Karlie Kloss is wearing here and pair it up with boot-legged jeans. The jeans are casual but are stylish enough to make a statement.
Karlie Kloss in boot-legged jeans at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week in New York on September 9, 2013
Copy Her Look: Jonathan Simkhai Kate Sweater, $365.00
Wear With: Paige Fiona Petite Jeans, $199.00 / Chloe Cross Strap Sandal, $658.52 / Alexander Wang Marion Shoulder Bag, $835.72
4. Pair your collared cropped blouse with a high-waisted midi skirt
The always fashionable Diane Kruger shows how striking the look can be. Opt for a cropped blouse with a collar for additional preppy effect. Cap off the look with a pair of Mary Jane pumps.
Diane Kruger wearing a collared white cropped blouse at The Grove to film EXTRA in Los Angeles on March 15, 2013
Copy Her Look: Proenza Schouler Cropped Poplin Shirt, $515.00
Wear With: PartySkirts Jamie’s Party Skirt, $295.00 / Jerome C. Rousseau Torri Pump, $795.00 / Gorjana Arc Large Hoop Earrings, $54.00
4. Black cropped top with pastel pieces
You don’t always have to create a pastel-on-pastel-on-pastel look. A black cropped top will serve to balance out a saccharine pastel look as you can deduce from Elle Fanning’s fresh spring ensemble.
Elle Fanning wearing a black cropped top outside the Bristol Hotel in Paris on March 5, 2014
Copy Her Look: Clover Canyon Scuba Bra Top, $110.00
Wear With: MSGM Floral Print Skirt, $482.51 / Dolce & Gabbana Boxy Overcoat, $3,475.00 / Dolce & Gabbana Blossom Print Pump, $592.67 / Rebecca Minkoff Leo Tote with Removable Clutch, $395.00
5. Flared cropped top with a printed high-waisted skirt
Play with silhouettes by opting for a flared or ruffled hem cropped top and mixing it with a high-waisted skirt. The effect is so undeniably romantic but still current and stylish as you can see from Anna Kendrick’s unforgettable look.
Anna Kendrick wore a floral Alberta Ferretti Spring 2014 two-piece at the London Film Festival premiere of ‘Drinking Buddies’ at Odeon West End in London on October 18, 2013
Copy Her Look: Karla Spetic Pleated Colette Top, $430.00
Wear With: Stella Jean Iris Printed Skirt, $448.99 / Valentino Garavani Rockstud Pumps, $815.56 / Yazbukey Pamela Belle Patent Nail Polish Clutch, $432.00
Start planning your spring outfits and make sure there is still a place for the crowd favorite cropped top in your wardrobe!
Credit: WENN / JSB2 / PixPlanete / The Styleograph / Ivan Nikolov / Travis Wade / Lia Toby