Crop top, these two little words can strike fear in the hearts of women and bring back blocked out memories of failed 80’s and 90’s fashion. Well, this year it’s creeping back onto the style scene, revamped, sexier than ever and perfect for summer.   This year crop tops are popping up everywhere, Rihanna rocked the trend at Coachella pairing her black crop top with high waist shorts and an oversized Chanel jacket.  Twilight star Kristen Stewart created a menswear inspired look by combining her white sleeveless crop top with gray cuffed trousers and her neon Louboutins add the perfect pop of color. The crop top was even spotted on the runway at Oscar de la Renta’s 2013 Spring bridal show, which proves how versatile this style can be.  Pair a bright colored crop top with a black high waist pencil mini skirt for a playful flirty look. Or, for a sizzling summer night ensemble, wear a white crop top with dark denim skinny jeans and high wedge sandals. With so many options the crop top is a fantastic canvas to build a stylish outfit on; it can be cute and casual or sexy and chic.

Try The Trend Tips

The crop top can be a daunting fashion trend, sure Rihanna and Kristen Stewart can pull it off perfectly. But so can you, with these fashion forward tips.

The crop top is not all about showing your belly button, you have to pick the length appropriate for your event. For a casual outing a belly button baring top is the perfect way to show some sexy skin in summer. But for a more formal occasion pick a crop top that’s shorter and pair with a high waist skirt or trousers. Keeping in mind, not to show your belly button, just an inch or two of skin around your midriff, this will keep you crop top looking classy and venue appropriate.

Not into showing your midriff at all, than wear your crop top with a tank underneath, you can pick a nude tone to mimic your skin color. You will still achieve the effortless crop top trend without the unwanted exposure.

For the super savvy, try making your own crop top with that old cotton tee stuck in your closet. Decide on the best style for you and then look up one of the thousands of DIY instructions online. You’ll save money, recycle that old shirt and rock the newest trend.