Top of the crop

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Once again the cycle is in motion. This time fashion has invited the crop top to be the season’s guest. And in the summer of 2013, crop tops are shedding the casualness for a chic and feminine appearance.

Frankly speaking, the belly top would have had an ordinary existence, if not for the midriff show, of course, in permissible limits. Designer Urvashi Khanna feels crop tops have made a comeback at a good time. “Women are keen on a well turned out figure and this is a major condition while endorsing this style. If you meet the requirement, then without a doubt crop tops will add stars to your personality,” she says.
According to Urvashi, the eye-catching trend scores a perfect ten in digital prints in quirky colours and a limited edition of knitted fabric paired with well-fitted trousers is finding favour as well. She adds, “Remember contrasting colours is the signature style here.”
Designer Sakshee Pradhan also points out that a toned midriff and flat belly are preconditions for slipping into a crop top. Her crop top collection looks ideal for a summer day out, “With the increasing trend of sheers and neon colours, one can team up a neon shirt with a sheer cropped top. You can also take a pair of scissors and cut off the front of a top and keep it asymmetrical with the top longer at the back and short in the front. The printed version can make quite a style statement in stripes, polka dots and Aztec prints. Team it with a palazzo or cotton pants.”
Sakshee’s colour chart goes bright with mint green, coral, orange, while the ever popular black, white and grey find a mention as well. “A simple long neckpiece or a statement bracelet and blue denims are the ideal inclusions,” the designer suggests.
On a different take, designer Debashree says, “Taking it beyond the casual tee and recreating it as a glamourised bralette is trending haute at the moment. A well fitted cropped top, with subtle embellishments in dark tones and paired with a long skirt or the very desi lehenga will add a new dimension to the summer story. And if you don’t want to push the boundaries with that crop top of yours, then the perfect camouflage comes in the form of an outer lace dress.”
Fact is critics may pin it down yet the crop top is storming the fashion chart once again. To rest the doubts, we checked out the names that matter and their response to this particular trend of cropping the upperwear.
From Balenciaga’s straight cut vest style in matching short skirt, Louis Vuitton in checkered full length blouse and ankle-length body-hugging skirt, Balain doing it with a halter top with pleated pants, Erdem visualising it in full length blouse and thigh-high slit long skirt, Marc Jacob’s going for a truncated blouse and knee-length pleated skirt, the rate of approval is quite high.
Perhaps that’s a good reason for you to flaunt it before it does the vanishing act once again.