Are Crop Tops Ever Work-Appropriate? (2024)

Q: It's getting warmer, and I work in a pretty trend-happy office. Is there any way to wear a crop top with my work attire?

A: Absolutely! Even if you don't work in a "trend-happy office," crop tops can still be completely professional. In fact, if you're petite or curvy or have a shorter-than-average torso, you might actually find that crop tops work better for you than longer ones because you don't have to tuck them in. It's all just a matter of how you style them.

1. Over a longer blouse or shift dress
The crop top should be boxy enough that it doesn't make the top underneath look bunchy and wrinkled. If you're wearing the crop top over a longer blouse, leave the blouse untucked and make sure both tops have a nicely finished hem.

Are Crop Tops Ever Work-Appropriate? (1)

Clockwise from the top left: Black and White Gingham Crop Top, TOPSHOP, $68; White Ankle Pants, BANANA REPUBLIC, $90; Black Tank With Purple Flowers, WILFRED FOR ARITZIA, $60; Black Patent Pumps, VINCE CAMUTO, $98

2. With a high-waisted skirt
To avoid flashing your stomach, make sure your crop top is long enough that it overlaps slightly with the waistline of your skirt, and feel free to layer it over a camisole or bodysuit if you are nervous about it riding up.

Clockwise from the top left: Pink Floral Crop Top, THE WHITEPEPPER, $67; Black Octagonal Pendant Necklace, MARC BY MARC JACOBS, $88; Black and White Stripe Midi Skirt, L.K. BENNETT LONDON, $210; Black Pointy Toe Flats, ZARA, $60; Purple Pocket Bag, KATE SPATE SATURDAY, $135

3. Under an open blouse
A fitted crop top under a low-cut or open blouse can be kind of a sexy look for some offices, but you should be fine as long as your crop top isn't too low-cut and doesn't look too much like a piece of lingerie.

Are Crop Tops Ever Work-Appropriate? (3)

Clockwise from the top left: Black and White Polka Dot Crop Top, TALULA FOR ARITZIA, $25; Blue Short-Sleeve Button-Down, JOE FRESH, $39; White and Yellow Flats, CHARLES & KEITH, $49; Patent Green Chain Bag, GUESS BY MARCIANO, $77; Orange Lace Skirt, TOPSHOP, $120

4. Under a blazer
Perfect for day-to-night dressing — button the jacket during the day, then unbutton it or ditch it entirely when you're ready to go out.

Are Crop Tops Ever Work-Appropriate? (4)

Clockwise from the left: White Pencil Skirt, WHITE HOUSE BLACK MARKET, $58; Pearl Pendant Necklace, ACCESSORIZE, $20; Black Blazer, MANGO, $84; Black-and-White Python Pumps, LUCA VALENTINI, $239; Green Floral Print Top, ZARA, $70

5. As part of a set
It's like a younger, more modern version of a traditional skirt suit.

Are Crop Tops Ever Work-Appropriate? (5)

From left to right: White, Black, and Yellow Color-Blocked Top, THE ICONIC, $149; White, Black, and Yellow Color-Blocked Skirt, THE ICONIC, $179; Pastel Plaid Crop Top, BOOHOO, $26; Pastel Plaid Pencil Skirt, BOOHOO, $20; Pink Long-Sleeve Crop Top, MISSGUIDED, $27; Pink Ribbed Pencil Skirt, MISSGUIDED, $24

RELATED ARTICLES:

6 Awesome Ways to Pair Sneakers With Skirts and Dresses
Are Sneakers the New High Heels?6 Super Simple Ways to Become a Color-Mixing Master

Follow Charles on Twitter.

Do you have fashion or style questions? Submit them here or tweet your questions to our Style Editor @charlesemanning.

Photo credit: Tina-sblog.blogspot.com

Are Crop Tops Ever Work-Appropriate? (6)

Charles Manning

Style Director

I'm 30 percent bunnies, 40 percent of the time.

Are Crop Tops Ever Work-Appropriate? (2024)

FAQs

Are Crop Tops Ever Work-Appropriate? ›

Catch tops are too casual for businesses adhering to a strict formal dress code. Conversely, a well-styled crop top could cut your professional wardrobe in a relaxed business setting or creative fields with more flexible dress codes.

Can I wear a crop top to a work event? ›

But crop tops, as a general rule, aren't typically office-appropriate — and that's true even in offices where people wear yoga pants or ill-fitting clothes. So it's not an inherently outrageous request: no crop tops / no clothes deliberately designed to expose your midriff.

Can you show midriff for business casual? ›

Anything that shows off your back, cleavage, or tummy

Your torso needs to be covered in the workplace. "What are you drawing attention to — your competency or your body?" Patcher said.

Are crop tops socially acceptable? ›

For adults, the appropriateness of crop tops depends on the setting and personal style. In casual and social environments, crop tops can be a trendy and acceptable choice. However, in formal or professional settings, opting for more conservative attire is advisable.

Are crop tops appropriate for 40 year olds? ›

Crop tops have long been a fashion staple, but many women wonder if they are appropriate for someone in their 40s. The answer is a resounding yes! Age should never limit your fashion choices, and crop tops can be stylish and flattering for women of all ages, including those in their 40s.

What not to wear to a work event? ›

Corporate events are not the time to wear your casual clothes. Avoid wearing jeans, shorts, t-shirts, or any other clothes that you would wear on a casual day. It's better to be overdressed than underdressed.

What tops are appropriate for work? ›

For casual dress, jeans, sweaters and shirts are all great options. For shoes, you might choose trendy sneakers, sandals or loafers.For more formal forms of dress, you might choose slacks, trousers or neat chinos. Options for tops include sweaters, button-downs or shirts with cardigans.

What not to wear for business casual? ›

So, let's delve into some fashion do's and don'ts to help you create a winning business casual wardrobe.
  • Ripped or Distressed Jeans. ...
  • Athletic Wear. ...
  • Flip Flops and Sneakers. ...
  • Graphic or Oversized T-Shirts. ...
  • Short Shorts and Mini Skirts. ...
  • Excessive Accessories. ...
  • Ill-fitting or Wrinkled Clothing.
Feb 19, 2024

What does business casual look like for females? ›

Examples of Women's Business Casual Clothing Items

Well-fitting slacks or tailored pants in neutral colors such as black, navy and gray. Comfortable pants such as chinos. Classic blouses, sweaters or collared shirts made from high-quality materials.

Can you wear crop tops to work on Reddit? ›

So if a crop top for you is really just a shirt that hits at the waist, I think it's nothing to worry about unless you're finding it hard to keep covered. Crop tops that actually show skin being acceptable is less common. That said, there are industries where it is normal.

Why are crop tops sexualized? ›

Crop tops are often seen as provocative because of their revealing nature. Society has historically associated showing skin with sexual appeal.

Is it OK to wear crop tops everyday? ›

Yes, okay, they are chic. On a regular-sized body, with your skinny/baggy jeans hanging perfectly on your hips, hugging your curves as shown in those denim ads, and no camel toe in sight, crop tops look rather cute. Exposing just the right amount of midriff—a balance of cute and sexy.

When did crop tops become acceptable? ›

While crop tops emerged for teens and women in the groovy 1970s, and became a staple around the time Britney Spears sang “Baby One More Time” in 1998, they've only trickled down to the tween market in a big way in the past few years.

Can a 45 year old wear a crop top? ›

crop tops aren't only for teens! Crop tops can also be worn by women over 40 if they are worn the correct way. If you want to wear a top that's shorter like this one, show only a sliver of the skin by pairing with high waisted denim! It's as simple as that.

Am I too fat to wear crop tops? ›

Absolutely, people of all body types can wear whatever makes them feel confident and comfortable, including crop tops. Fashion is a form of self-expression and should not be limited by body size or shape. It's essential to embrace and celebrate your body, regardless of societal expectations or standards.

Can a 50 year old wear a crop top? ›

In fact, with the right styling and confidence, anyone can rock a crop top at any age. If you're a woman over 50 and want to incorporate this trendy piece into your wardrobe, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. In this article, we'll explore how to wear a crop top over 50 with style and grace.

What clothing is appropriate for the workplace or events? ›

Opt for a classic suit or a smart, tailored dress for Formal workwear. Choose a knitted sweater and well-fitting pants or skirts for Power Casual. Choose elevated basics like a fine cotton t-shirt or a simple silk blouse with dark jeans for Casual work environments.

How to dress up for a work event? ›

Business Formal

Dresses and skirt suits should be knee-length, with conservative color choices. Skirts should be paired with a collared blouse or shirt. Shoes should be closed-toed, and any jewelry should be understated rather than flashy. Avoid fabrics that are sparkly, shimmery, or neon.

Can a crop top be formal? ›

Crop tops have become popular in formal settings due to their ability to blend traditional and modern aesthetics. Designers have introduced sophisticated variations, making crop tops a stylish choice for various occasions.

Why are crop tops against the dress code? ›

Crop tops are typically defined as tops that expose the midriff area by ending above the navel. The main argument against allowing crop tops in schools is that they can be seen as distracting or inappropriate attire for an educational environment.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanael Baumbach

Last Updated:

Views: 6789

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanael Baumbach

Birthday: 1998-12-02

Address: Apt. 829 751 Glover View, West Orlando, IN 22436

Phone: +901025288581

Job: Internal IT Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Motor sports, Flying, Skiing, Hooping, Lego building, Ice skating

Introduction: My name is Nathanael Baumbach, I am a fantastic, nice, victorious, brave, healthy, cute, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.