CREAM OF THE CROP

DOES THE THOUGHT OF BARING YOUR TUMMY IN A CROP TOP MAKE YOU FEEL FAINT? WITH THE RIGHT STYLING, IT’S A TOTAL CINCH TO WEAR.

BY ANDREA KARR

In 1957, classic beauty Audrey Hepburn exposed minimal skin in a boxy crop top.

From pastel boatnecks with full midi skirts at Alice + Olivia to boxy tees with shorts at Tommy Hilfiger, the crop top is impossible to ignore this season. At first glance, the trend seems geared toward models and athletes with six-pack abs. But wearing a crop top no longer means baring six inches (or more) of tummy à la Britney Spears circa 1999. Instead, channel Audrey Hepburn’s sweetness and charm. In the heyday of her career, the actor and style icon paired square crop tops with high-waisted shorts or capri pants. If she exposed any skin at all, it was a mere inch above the narrowest part of her waist.

Crop tops work perfectly with high-waisted trousers, skirts and shorts—there’s no excess fabric to cause bulges, thus giving the appearance of a small waist. Does the thought of a cropped tee still make you anxious? Layer yours over a long, fitted tank or dress and you’re good to go.

3.1 Phillip Lim top, $515, holtrenfrew.com. Pair a fitted tank or T-shirt with a full skirt.

Top, $17, winners.ca.

A cropped sweater looks polished over a crisp white shirt.

Sweater, $19, canada.forever21.com.

Vero Moda top, $45, mformendocino.ca.

On model: Tiger of Sweden crop top, $99, tntfashion.ca. Skirt, $325, millyny.com. Bracelet, stelladot.com. Enzo Angiolini pumps, ninewest.ca.