It’s Summer….finally. I have been waiting months, to be able to break out some of the fun tops that I got for our Cabo trip and finally the temperature is to a point that I can! As a 30 something girl, I have been on again off again with wondering if I should be wearing the “off the shoulder crop top style tops” other than for resort wear. But, being a stylist and someone that can usually find a solution to a fashion predicament, I finally figured out how to make it work and make it look appropriate.
Step 1: Find that off the shoulder or cropped shirt that has enough elastic around the top that it will STAY DOWN. There is nothing worse than wearing a super cute shirt, only to be pulling it down all day. I speak from experience on this one. When you find that top you love, try it on (obviously) and do some arm lifts. If that top is staying in place, you might have a winner.
Step 2: Find the crop top that works with your body type. Some are fitted and some are blousier. Pick whichever style YOU feel comfortable in because if you aren’t, it will show. Personally, I gravitate to a blousier feel with this style. I found this shirt before we went to Cabo and fell in love with the blue and white shirting fabric and the tiny little poms too. This top is totally out of the box from my normal attire but I do love it. Find it here.
Step 3: Find the perfect strapless bra! Girls, if it has been a while since you have been fitted for a bra, please invest some time in yourself and do this. A well-fitted bra can make all the difference in the way you look in your clothing. If you need help with this, I am at your service. Once you find the correct sized bra, make sure you get yourself a strapless bra as well! This can make or break an off the shoulder crop top look. This is my VERY FAVORITE STRAPLESS BRA that you probably need to get immediately.
Step 4(And the secret sauce to making this look work): Find a great pair of high waisted jeans! The most polished way to pull this style of top off is without hardly any (or without any at all) skin showing. You will be showing enough skin at the top with those gorgeous shoulders on display. High waisted jeans are just the trick to cover the tummy, slim out the waist and balance the boxy look of off the shoulder or crop top styled tops. I love these high waisted jeans that I got at Addierose. Did you know they and my friends at Scoobie are having fun anniversaries this summer? Read all about it here. Another place I have had extremely good luck finding high waisted denim is Madewell. With inseams ranging from 8”-10”, there is something for everyone no matter what size your torso!
Final step: Accessorize with a belt or statement necklace. Either of these will work as that finishing 3rd piece to your look. I chose this fun silver and gold statement piece from Scoobie. love mixed metal and I felt like this necklace kept my entire look a little bit edgier, which is what is true to my personal style. And isn’t that what it is all about?
Are you thinking about trying this combo? With the right formula, maybe you should!