The Crop Top Is Required For the Perfect Outfit

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Emma Roberts skipped a cocktail dress in favor of a two-piece number (not Darth Vader like aunt Julia Roberts), and we were reminded, instantly, of how chic the combo looks. It's not the first time we've discussed how un-scary the crop top truly is — and how many outfits you can assemble that actually show off less than an inch of skin.

Roomier tops, if long, can visually add bulk to your frame and tucking a blouse in, while chic, is actually trickier to master than at first thought. Whether you're planning an outfit for an upcoming wedding or a dinner out with close girlfriends, consider going cropped. To help, we've put together three pairings that would be a cinch for anyone to pull off.

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Crop Top Outfit #1

Crop Top Outfit #1

A top ($40) that looks itsy bitsy on its own is perfectly proportioned for a skirt ($109) that rises above the belly button — and it's a smart styling trick, too. Tucking a top into the bottom can result in lumps and bumps, while one that hangs over it can make your figure appear bulkier.

Crop Top Outfit #2

Crop Top Outfit #2

Opposites not only attract, they can mix together to beautiful effect. The sharp, ladylike pleats of this knee-length skirt ($230) are ready for the weekend when paired with a soft sweatshirt ($80) cropped to let the skirt's full length show.

Crop Top Outfit #3

Crop Top Outfit #3

Picking a boxy top ($118) to show off your figure might feel counterintuitive, but it's all about what you pair it with. Wear yours with a high-waisted pencil skirt ($72) so the slimmest part of your body — the natural waist — is visible.