We’re normally hesitant about reviving ’90s fashion trends (we’re looking at you, slip dress with hiking boots), but this particular reboot is charming, youthful, and yes, even classic. And with brands like T by Alexander Wang and Tibi making dozens of flattering cuts and styles, crop tops are no longer exclusively for 16-year-old pop stars. So if you’re going to flash some midriff, just consider a few things first.
1. Debloat. Eating foods that are high in potassium—like avocados and carrots—keeps sodium levels (and bloat) down, as does drinking tons of water. A few solid sweat sessions at the gym and some deliciously regulating fiber packets won’t hurt, either.
2. Choose your level of difficulty. Pseudo crop tops are shorter than normal tops, but they don’t actually reveal any skin, making them the perfect entry-level choice. Beginner ones expose a modest strip under the bra line. And advanced crops flash a peek of navel. The higher the line of exposure, the easier to wear.
3. Stiffer is better. Flowy materials can look sloppy, bordering on flower-power territory. Stick with structured, heavy fabrics that hold their shape.
4. Give yourself some breathing room. Snug tops are notoriously unforgiving. Ones that extend past your body create the illusion of a smaller middle.
5. Be cautious of shapewear. Crop tops and shapewear are opposites on the wardrobe spectrum, but if you don’t want to part with your Spanx, just make sure you cannot see any of it from any angle. You should basically be able to do an entire Tracy Anderson workout video and still not see even a sliver of undergarment.
6. Prep your skin. Wearing a crop top is like having flashing neon arrows pointing at your stomach: Everyone will be looking. Make sure your skin is in prime shape by waxing (if necessary), moisturizing, and resisting the impulse to self-tan. A bronzy glow may be slimming, but when your middle is three shades darker than the rest of your body, it’s just awkward. If you must self-tan, make sure your face matches your midriff.
8. Keep everything else conservative. In the Choose Your Own Adventure of skin exposure, if you select midriff, remember that cleavage, back, side-boob, under-butt, and all other potentially erogenous zones get covered. One is more than enough.
9. Stand up straight. And while you’re at it, sit straight, walk straight…you get the idea. Good posture not only looks more refined, it also prevents innumerable weird folds, bumps, rolls, and any unflattering angles that result from crouching forward with your shoulders slumped.
10. Loosen up your hair. Play off the cool, fun look of crop tops with a low, messy ponytail. It takes minutes to create, works with whatever your hair’s natural texture is, and is the perfect no-fuss look for summer.
11. Relax. You can suck it in and starve yourself all you want to try and whittle down to Barbie size, but eventually, you’re going to have to breathe, and you’re going to have to eat. And that’s OK. You don’t need Gwen Stefani’s abs to wear a crop top. Because frankly, that would eliminate a lot of us. Just grab your itty-bitty shirt and some confidence (or wine), and have fun with it.
