Cropped Tops

Rihanna was joined by a slew of trendsetting celebrities at the Christmas Day Lakers game in LA, but it was her sexy all-black ensemble that really stole the show. Rihanna worked a cropped top with Citizens of Humanity skinny jeans ($178), ankle-strap Manolo Blahnik sandals, and a textured varsity jacket. As if her chic separates weren't stylish enough, the brunette stunner accessorized her monochromatic ensemble with a wide gold choker, futuristic shades, and her signature Jacquie Aiche body chain. Mimic Rihanna's sexy-sporty style by working her exact denim and sandals with a black cropped top, varsity jacket, and a gold statement necklace for a day of shopping or a night out.

If you're anything like me, back in the day — before exercise seemed like an issue — you rocked cropped tops everywhere. Circa 1994, was there something else worth wearing? In recent years, though, I've generally kept a little fabric between my belly and the world. Until now. Cropped tops are a must wear again. Luckily, Pilates instructor Natalie Ridley of The Sports Club/LA (where the likes of Katie Holmes, Victoria Beckham, Britney Spears and Nicole Kidman have been known to work out) offered up these toning tips, so we can bare (at least a tasteful bit of) our bellies without fear.

SELF's style team loves this American Apparel ($26.90) top. Get their picks for classy, not trashy cropped tops.

If exposing your stomach sends shivers down your spine, don't let the above picture scare you. To rock this style, there's no need to wear skirts this low or show your entire stomach. But, should a little tummy be revealed above high-waisted pants, skirts, or
shorts, you don't want to have to feel embarrassed by pudge either. According to Ridley, these five Pilates moves will tone your mid-section:

1. Roll Up:
"This exercise is intended to strengthen abdominal muscles and inner thighs. Begin lying on your back with the arms straight up toward the ceiling, legs sealed together, and feet stretched forward. Engage your belly and use your arms to pull yourself forward. Roll up. To advance this exercise, you can roll up with a straight single leg (then change to the second leg)."

See the rest of this ab-centric workout after the break!

Margherita Missoni lives on a different fashion planet. Imagine having Missoni blood pumping through your veins. No wonder the newly appointed accessory designer for the house dares to go there. There being mixing printed pants with cropped knits. Her silky Missoni zigzag pants are the coolest warm-weather counterpart to her sexy cropped knit tank. Because of the high waist, this crop top forgives, only revealing a smart sliver of skin. We can't all be rendezvousing on the Italian coast right now, but we can emulate this luxe look.

Many girls get scared when they see cropped tops; I get inspired. Let me explain: one of these Delia's Ella Cropped Dolman Tops ($20, originally $25) is a match made in heaven for all your dresses. Just throw one on over a sleek LBD, a flirty floral frock, or a simple maxi to add depth and create the illusion of separates. Another perfect pairing is with anything high-waisted — shorts, skirts, pants. There are many more prints, so find the one that will blend seamlessly with your wardrobe.

For more great deals, check out the Frugalosity! and Cheap Chic FabSugar Community groups!