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Article: Robyn, Alexis and Giselle
Q: I have heard that crop tops are back in fashion. How on earth does one wear this trend without looking like Britney Spears?
A: Robyn Cooke, SA's first fashion blogger, age 40+
Oh my goodness. I say step away from cropped tops. First of all it has a strict age limit – if you are over 25, it is forbidden. And if you can remember it from the first time around, don't even think about it.
Secondly, anything with the word 'crop' in the name is going to shorten the part of the body you are wearing it on, so unless you have a very long body, it is not going to be flattering.
And finally, I don't want to see your belly flesh outside of the beach environment. Please. Put it away. If you absolutely must wear a crop top, then throw a jacket or cardigan over the whole thing so it is just a hint at getting the trend right, without sacrificing any of your dignity.
A: Alexis Chaffe, fashion editor, age 30
Crop tops are one of those items which should be sold with instructions. This season cropped jerseys are a particularly trendy item. Don’t wear them with low slung jeans which will expose your tummy, and therefore completely defeat the object of wearing something warm.
Rather wear them with high-waist skirts, or trousers, which will keep all your bits covered. If high waistlines aren’t your thing try layering your cropped knitwear over a loose button up shirt or a longer length t-shirt.
Or, for a super ‘schlumphy’ look, wear a slouchy cropped sweater over a plain maxi dress – recycling your summer wardrobe during winter.
A: Giselle Esau, fashion assistant, age 25
Crop tops are an evil fashion trend intended for the skinniest of stomachs,in a perfect world it should be avoided by almost all women.
However if a crop top is a must, try it with a high waisted skirt, preferably a pencil skirt, which should suck in any wobbly bits and streamline your figure accordingly.
I have given this look a go and feel trendy and comfortable, my appropriate parts are covered and I have not abandoned my fashion morals to achieve the look. Add leggings and pair of ankle boots to the look, and you should be set, ready to tackle world in this season's most unforgiving trend.
Robyn, Alexis and Giselle all work at SA's premier online fashion shopping destination, 36Boutiques.
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