The Trendsetter: Clothing Piece

This week’s "The Trendsetter: Clothing Piece" brings us to a clothing style that has been on the runway for years now. Crop tops, also known as belly shirt, half-shirt, tummy top, and cutoff shirt, is perfect for the summertime. A crop top is a t-shirt, where the lower part of the shirt is cut off.

The crop top dates back to the 1980s. When actress Julia Roberts played a rebellious teenage girl in a sitcom, stylists decided to put the starlet in a different type of clothing. Viewers immediately loved the new look, and from there, the style shot to the top.

In the 1990s, the crop top basically became sports bras because the cut was beneath the breasts. A perfect example is the Spice Girls. Their cropped tops were no surprise to their sexy wardrobes.

ON THE RUNWAY: Crop tops have been worn many different ways on the runway. And that’s the great thing about this clothing piece. There are so many ways to wear it. For an elegant look, crop tops can be cut along the waistline of a dress, giving the dress a classy but revealing look. The slit turns the dress into a two-piece ensemble. Designers Chloe and YSL were among the stylists who used the elegant crop top look on their runway models.

OFF THE RUNWAY: When wearing crop tops on a regular day-basis, many people go for the casual but relaxed look. This fashion favorite can be worn with a cute pair of shorts or black skinny jeans. Since most crop tops are loose-fitting, make sure to pair it up with tight bottoms.

HELPFUL HINTS:

Remember, crop tops come in all different shapes and lengths, so how daring you are depends on YOU!

DO: High waisted shorts and skirts look GREAT with crop tops!

DO: With crop tops, you can either HIT or MISS. Only you can decide what look to go for. If you’re going for a casual look, make sure that you don’t overdo it.

DO: Most likely you won’t be wearing your cut-off shirts to your workplace. However, the beach, the gym, a party, a date or festivities are great places to show off your new look.

DO: Feel free to tuck in the front of the top and leave the sides hanging. If you aren’t ready to expose your entire stomach, this look is perfect. This creates a wonderful blouson effect!

Off the runway, and into your hands. Are you ready ladies?