There's no denying that crop tops are EVERYWHERE: walking down the runway of Couture fashion shows, strutting down the red carpet of major award ceremonies, and adorning guests at New York City's most elite galas. We can't seem to escape that sliver of skin, and while I personally LOVE them (I really do think they're modern, young, and fun), I also often find myself asking "to crop top or not to crop top?"
I like to keep in mind the crowd I will be with that evening, and if I'm with family I like to keep it a bit more conservative. With wedding season and summer ahead, I know I'm not the only one going through this dilemma, so I turned to the trusted staff members and editors of T&C and asked their opinion on the trendy little short shirt that's not going away. Here's what my wise colleagues have to say about the crop top:
1. Take me to church, but don't wear a crop top there.
"Despite the Kardashian and Jenner clan's reckless disregard for this rule, a crop top is not appropriate anywhere involving worship—like a church—or anywhere you wouldn't want to expose more skin than is absolutely necessary—like an airplane."
- Sam Dangremond, Associate Editor
2. If you don't feel comfortable in a bikini, you should probably stay away from crop tops.
"Yes, the crop top requires CONFIDENCE to pull off, but most importantly it requires a slim and fit figure. If you shouldn't be wearing a two-piece swimsuit then you shouldn't be wearing a crop top.
As with everything there are exceptions. Crop tops only become elegant (in my book) when/if you are wearing a high-waisted skirt where the fabric on the waist of the skirt exactly meets the hem of the top.
In my opinion, crop tops are only appropriate on a beach. But this rare exception excludes beach weddings."
-Sarah Bray, Style Writer
3. Don't show TOO much stomach.
"The placement of the stomach exposure is just as important as the occasion. In any situation where sand is not involved, I would keep it to just a thin area of exposure just below the bra line."
-Jamie Rosen, Beauty Director
4. Know your audience.
"Certain people like Shiona Turini can pull off this look, and when done right it looks cool and now and sexy without being too risqué. That being said I do not think it's appropriate for the office, graduations, black tie functions, weddings, showers, or anything remotely conservative. I think you could wear a crop top to brunch with your friends, a picnic in the park, an informal party, and fashion week.
-William Kahn, Market & Accessories Editor
5. Not wedding appropriate.
"If you don't got it, don't flaunt it. But if you must, please reserve them for Friday nights out and Coachella. I would ban and blacklist anyone who showed up to my wedding in a crop top."
-Leena Kim, Assistant Editor
6. It's all about the fit.
"I believe a short- or long-sleeved crop top with a gorgeous midi skirt is one of the chicest and most modern ways to dress for a formal event. I personally shy away from sleeveless crop tops, and my one rule is that the shirt comfortably meets the top of the skirt, so I never have to worry about showing too much skin."
-Meg Storm, Beauty Assistant
7. Keep it for casual events.
"If a crop top is worn with high-waisted pants or a skirt so that no skin is showing, it should be fine for most events. If you start showing skin, it isn't appropriate for work or black tie or any fancy party.
For casual events, a couple inches of skin is fine. Anything more than that, and you should leave it for the beach."
-Emily Selter, Editorial Assistant
8. Only with high-waisted skirts.
"The crop top has become a wardrobe staple, but the length is key. To keep the look refined, always wear a high-waisted skirt or pant that hits at or above the waist. Only Rihanna is allowed to show off her enviable stomach outside of the gym or beach."
-Britta Broscoe, Fashion Assistant
