Let’s make one thing clear right off the bat: There’s no age limit to owning a crop top. You should wear what you love as long as it makes you feel comfortable. And crop tops? They’re damn comfy. Whether it be a soft tee or spaghetti-strapped bralette, cropped pieces are perfect for easy summer dressing. How you want to style a short shirt in your 20s and 30s, however, is likely different than how your teenage Brandy Melville–shopping self would’ve. Whereas your main concern of yore was showing off your belly button ring, now it’s how to elevate the basic staple for date night or drinks with friends. Ahead, 10 grown-up ways to bare your midriff in style.
Denim-on-denim is a classic combination that gets an instant dose of sexiness when paired with a crop top. Stars like Gigi and Bella Hadid are known for wearing this exact outfit, so don’t be afraid to channel your inner model the next time you leave the house.
In your 20s and 30s, basic crop tops might not speak to your soul as much as ones with prints and ruffles do. Such details take your shirt game to the next level. (That level: sophistication.) Take a cue from style influencer Caroline Daur and rock contrasting top and bottom prints.
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Off-White Cropped Print Poplin Top, US $412.89 at Net-a-Porter
Don’t let busy prints and bright colors overwhelm your frame. Break up the look by revealing a hint of skin via a black cropped tee. This is also the perfect scenario in which to show off those toned abs, courtesy of SoulCycle.
High-waisted pants are made for showcasing your crop top collection. Since this trouser cut offers generous coverage of your lower half, you can feel at-ease showing a little more skin up top. My recommendation: Give the bralette style a try.
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An easy way to wear a crop top without feeling risqué is to layer it over another shirt. Consider this the genius work-around for wearing cropped anything in the office.
Crop tops and maxi skirts go together like peanut butter and jelly. The combination gives the illusion of a longer torso, since the skirt sits high on the hips. And if you want to take this daytime look up a notch, simply add heels.
Good news: You don’t have to donate your childhood favorites—denim overalls, ofc—to Goodwill once you hit 25. The key to nailing this look as an adult is to find pieces that fit and flatter yourfigure.
Don’t be afraid to draw attention to yourself in a bright crop top. Bold hues show you’re confident in your own skin and, when paired with pants of a similar color palette, the effect is striking.
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Saved your conservative blouses for Monday through Friday. The alt version—a cropped button-down—is the shirt you need for when you’re not in meetings with the boss. Pair with a midi skirt and chunky platforms and you’re ready for that summer concert in the park.
Love Bonito Ghayette Crop Button Shirt, $36.90 at Love Bonito
Break up a coordinated set by layering a sporty crop top underneath. This style hack can turn any smart work outfit into a going-out look in under a minute. Take a cue from YouTuber Chriselle Lim and top off (bottom off?) the ensemble with a pair of heeled booties.
Calvin Klein Tuz-4 Crew Neck Tee, US $59.95 at NA-KD
This article originally appeared in Marie Claire US.