crop tops

On her way into the Calvin Klein Spring 2013 show at New York Fashion Week, Diane Kruger exposed her svelte midriff in a white long-sleeved crop top. A black leather high-waist skirt kept the look fashion forward rather than risque, while black python pumps and a white crossbody bag coordinated with her black and white color scheme perfectly. If you dare to bare your tummy, mimic Diane's chic ensemble by pairing a crop top with a high-waist leather skirt, then finish off with matching accessories. To get started, shop similar pieces below.

Slowly, but surely, the crop top trend is making its way from the runway to the streets, and if you've been on the fence about the trend, let Diane Kruger lead the way. The stunning beauty attended the French Consulate screening of Farewell, My Queen in LA, donning a cropped striped tank paired with louche black trousers, slick sandals, and a textural navy clutch. The results? A refreshingly chic and minimal look ideal for warm Summer nights. If you've been working hard on your abs and want to show it off, read below for easy styling tips on wearing the crop top right, then shop our favorite picks.

• When shopping for crop tops, keep in mind that loose shapes are more flattering than silhouettes cut close to the body. We love how Diane's loose-fitted style looks effortlessly breezy.
• Pair crop tops with mid- to high-rise bottoms to avoid looking like you came out of late '90s music video. Dark and neutral colors will emote a more understated take on the trend while bright colors will put you right in the spotlight — pick your poison.
• Elevate the look by accessorizing with minimal accessories and slick sandals.

While our first foray into crop top territory came courtesy of Flashdance, we're loving the fun, flirty resurgence of midriff-baring wares this Spring. After spotting the cutoff look on the Spring runways at Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Emilio Pucci, and Versace, we knew it was only a matter of time before daring celebrities sported it. Most recently, Dree Hemingway donned a chili-printed, bustier-style Dolce & Gabbana version at Coachella, singer Lana Del Rey paired a sportier mesh-infused iteration with a polka-dotted maxi skirt in London, and Selena Gomez also wore a playful Dolce & Gabbana combo at the Kids' Choice Awards. We love that the crop top can be dressed up with a full, feminine circle skirt and sandals or pared down with denim shorts and Chucks. Of course, wearing this trend means hitting a Pilates studio stat. If you're not into showing off too much skin via cropped lengths, try layering a sheer top over it. Convinced yet? Good. We've culled some pretty versions below — shop the trend now.

Baring your midriff might sound scary, but we’re going to make it easy. Inspired by abbreviated tops on the Fall '11 runways at Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and Fendi, we've got three ways to incorporate the crop top into your own wardrobe. Watch to see how to take the crop top from a laid-back, daytime look to a hot night on the town. On Allison: Topshop top, Zara Skirt

When it's hot and heady outside, I gravitate toward clothes with natural ventilation. This flirty Miss Ferriday Cropped Lace Top ($107) immediately struck a fashion chord. The shorter cut is ideal for sweltering days, and I love the femme ruffle hem. I would pair it with a cute bandeau bra and shorties for a sweltering day in the city. However, I can't bear paying that much for such a small amount of fabric. There must be a cheaper option out there!

To see the look for less, read more