I've never been one to show off my stomach. Even at my most toned (when a flicker of ab definition felt like a heroic achievement . . . which it is), I can't seem to muster up the confidence to display my mid-section. A personal issue? Yes. But I know a lot of women can relate.
While teensy tops will never be my thing, there are other options in the crop top department that better suit me like abbreviated tees and tie-front shirts — both of which can be found in the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's [1].
With a little more coverage, these shorter styles feel right up my alley when styled with simple pieces like jeans and smart separates like a tailored blazer-and-shorts set and a coordinating top-and-skirt combo. Sprinkle in smart accessories to finish, and voila! A crop-top outfit I can actually stomach (pun intended).
Ahead, discover three ways I'll be styling a crop top this Summer. If you're timid to show your tummy like me, I know these looks will help you feel confident in the warm-weather staple.
POPSUGAR Tie-Front Button-Down Top
A tie-front shirt is a sweet but still-tailored take on the crop top made even more feminine with a coordinating skirt (as a midi-length devotee, this is the ideal way to make me feel more at ease when showing a sliver of stomach). Even better is that you can adjust this style of top to show you're preferred amount of skin and wear looser on days when you're not feeling a reveal.
POPSUGAR Tie-Front Button-Down Top [2] ($30, originally $40)
POPSUGAR Textured Button Front Skirt
POPSUGAR Textured Button Front Skirt [3] ($45, originally $60)
By Far Brigette Optic White Leather
By Far Brigette Optic White Leather [4] ($413)
Nannacay Luna Leather-Trimmed Crocheted Cotton Shoulder Bag
Nannacay Luna Leather-Trimmed Crocheted Cotton Shoulder Bag [5] ($180)
Donni June 16" Pink Pearl Necklace
Donni June 16" Pink Pearl Necklace [6] ($238)
See Eyewear 9759 Polar Sunglasses
See Eyewear 9759 Polar Sunglasses [7] ($99)
POPSUGAR Ribbed Crop Top
To me, a baby tee is the perfect foray into the world of crop tops. To keep the overall effect sophisticated, I'm for pairing one with a blazer-and-shorts set (this pair of shorts has a high-rise waist and is meant to fit loosely over the thighs) and finish with bold but polished accessories like a patterned pump, structured bag, and sculptural hoop earrings.
POPSUGAR Ribbed Crop Top [8] ($22, originally $30)
POPSUGAR Linen Blazer
POPSUGAR Linen Blazer [9] ($48, originally $64)
POPSUGAR Linen Paperbag Short
POPSUGAR Linen Paperbag Short [10] ($33, originally $44)
Miista Plaid Print Slingback Heel
Miista Plaid Print Slingback Heel [11] ($335)
Zara Animal Embossed Baguette
Zara Animal Embossed Baguette [12] ($50)
Leigh Miller Small Paillette Gold-Tone Hoop Earrings
Leigh Miller Small Paillette Gold-Tone Hoop Earrings [13] ($170)
POPSUGAR Knot-Front Button Down Shirt
Another way to style a tie-front crop top is with jeans and heels for a work-to-drinks look. While it's probably best to style a shirt like this longer at the office, cinching it up at your waist is an easy transition to after hours with strappy sandals, a bright bag, and chainlink bracelet.
POPSUGAR Knot-Front Button Down Shirt [14] ($33, originally $44)
POPSUGAR Skinny Pants
POPSUGAR Skinny Pants [15] ($37, originally $50)
& Other Stories Strappy Lace Up Leather Heeled Sandals
& Other Stories Strappy Lace Up Leather Heeled Sandals [16] ($99)
Jacquemus Le Sac Riviera Embossed Leather Bag
Jacquemus Le Sac Riviera Embossed Leather Bag [17] ($660)
LAGOS 'Caviar Gold' Link Bracelet
LAGOS 'Caviar Gold' Link Bracelet [18] ($1,800)