three ways to wear it: the crop top

Crop tops have been back in style yet again. I find them adorable, but also dangerous considering some people don't know how, why, or when to wear them. Definitely opt for a loose, boxy crop top over a fitted one: this will prevent you from looking like you time-traveled here from the 90's. Definitely don't wear it with low-cut daisy dukes or you'll look like you time-traveled from a strip club, which is arguably much worse than the 90s. 

1) My crop top is a basic white v-neck from Free People. A go-to look for this crop top is to pair it with a breezy floral chiffon skirt and a pair of summery espadrilles. The skirt hits high enough that only a bit of skin shows with the shirt, which is completely tasteful. To me, any more skin than that is treading on tacky ice.

Skirt by Joie, espadrilles by Dolce Vita, leather cuff from Shopbop, bag by Fiorentini and Baker. 

2) I'm a big fan of contrasting black and white in an ensemble, so this is probably my favorite way to wear the top: with high-waisted tailored black shorts, a thick pebbled leather belt, a great silver bracelet to compliment the giant silver buckle in the belt, and an awesome pair of moto boots. Again, this only shows a bit of skin and fits so that the belt is fully visible, a win win. Unlike the flowy skirt, the snug fit of the shorts balances out the loose silhouette of the top. Similarly, the shirt looks fantastic layered on top of a casual sleeveless bodycon dress. Unlike pairing it with a tight skirt, no skin will be revealed and the tightness of the dress is cancelled out with the oversized top. It's a very sweet, girly option for dressing up the shirt. 

Shorts by J Brand, belt by The Kooples, zig-zag metal bracelet form Free People, boots by Fiorentini and Baker.


3) Another skirt option, only a new length.
I chose to layer the shirt over this maxi skirt rather than a maxi dress because the skirt shows a little leg with the slit, and consequently makes the look less overbearing. The skirt is fitted down to the slit and then a-lines just the right amount. It's a completely casual, beyond easy, summery outfit. A geometric necklace and armwear add a little to the bohemian look.

I tend to layer my evil eye bracelet in with the rest of my armwear. An Armenian good luck charm, it was given to me as a gift (as all evil eye's should be, because to get one for yourself is supposed bad luck). Since childhood, I have always been captivated by the amulet - I found the evil eye so beautiful and mystifying. I'm kind of overjoyed that the eye has recently become fashionable (shopbop). I have so many of these, but I truly love the silver beading between each eye on this one in particular.  

Skirt by BB Dakota, cuff by Free People, sandals by Givenchy.