When the warm weather hits, we're inclined to pull out our slashed denim [1], open-toed shoes, and crop tops — anything to reveal an extra sliver of skin in the heat. But a simple midriff baring tee and jeans combination just doesn't cut it when you want to look elevated or you're heading to the office [2].
Below you'll find a handful of sophisticated crop top ideas, some of which you really can wear to work. Just add lightweight layers as needed for business casual days, and dare to slip into, say, a lace-up bustier and with high-waisted trousers for a night out with the girls. Scroll to get inspired, then shop our favorite pieces on the market.
Pull your look together by contrasting horizontal stripes with vertical ones, just like Chiara Ferragni did.
Go for a retro '70s vibe in circle sunglasses and fur-finished outerwear à la Bella Hadid.
Wear one of your shorter crop tops over a thin turtleneck and style with a striking pair of pants.
Take a note from Joan Smalls and balance out a tight lace-up bustier with palazzo pants or balloon trousers and boots with a stiletto heel.
Tone down the sexy factor with a playful polka-dot print, and let a voluminous jacket slip off your shoulders.
Opt for high-waisted denim and an oversize slouchy bomber and accent the combination with your accessories.
Play up a theme like Chiara Ferragni and give off '80s hip hop vibes with layered gold chains, sneakers, and cropped khaki pants.
Ground a designer bralette with matching shoes and pleated high-waisted slacks.
Let a raglan style crop top slip off one shoulder and play up the feminine vibes in ruffled pants.
Find a bold, eye-catching graphic print and own your cropped look by finishing with a simple pair of jeans.
Let a vintage-inspired cropped sweater be the focal point of your look when it's the piece in the boldest color.
Marc Jacobs Cropped wool sweater
Marc Jacobs Cropped wool sweater [4] ($813)
Stella McCartney cropped striped frill jumper
Stella McCartney cropped striped frill jumper [5] ($960)
Mara Hoffman Lace Up Bustier Top
Mara Hoffman Lace Up Bustier Top [6] (Sold Out)
Alexander Wang cropped tank top
Alexander Wang cropped tank top [7] (Sold Out)
Rachel Comey cropped tank top
Rachel Comey cropped tank top [8] (Sold Out)
boohoo Niama Tie Sleeve Bandeau
boohoo Niama Tie Sleeve Bandeau [9] ($9)
Asos Ultimate Crop Bandeau
Asos Ultimate Crop Bandeau [10] (Sold Out)
Caitlin Price Bandeau crepe and satin cropped top
Caitlin Price Bandeau crepe and satin cropped top [11] (Sold Out)
Calvin Klein Low-Impact Retro Logo Bralette QF1642
Calvin Klein Low-Impact Retro Logo Bralette QF1642 [12] ($36)
Baja East Navy Cashmere Off-the-Shoulder Sweater
Baja East Navy Cashmere Off-the-Shoulder Sweater [13] (Sold Out)
Rebecca Minkoff Women's Hunter Off The Shoulder Sweater
Rebecca Minkoff Women's Hunter Off The Shoulder Sweater [14] (Sold Out)
Evil Twin Cropped Long Sleeve Sweater
Evil Twin Cropped Long Sleeve Sweater [15] (Sold Out)
Opening Ceremony Money-Print Cropped Sweatshirt
Opening Ceremony Money-Print Cropped Sweatshirt [16] (Sold Out)
Off-White Embroidered and Printed Cropped Sweatshirt
Off-White Embroidered and Printed Cropped Sweatshirt [17] (Sold Out)
Acne Studios Zelia Multi Sleeveless Crop Sweater
Acne Studios Zelia Multi Sleeveless Crop Sweater [18] (Sold Out)
3.1 Phillip Lim Striped ruffled sleeveless top
3.1 Phillip Lim Striped ruffled sleeveless top [19] ($395)
River Island Womens Orange high neck sleeveless crop top
River Island Womens Orange high neck sleeveless crop top [20] (Sold Out)