5 New Ways to Style a Crop Top and Skirt

We’re constantly on the hunt for those looks that allow us to show a little skin but still remain tailored and sophisticated. Especially come summer, when a little ventilation is more than welcome, as we yearn to show off that sliver of skin above our naval and below our bustline. The only problem is that we don’t want to look like a version of ourselves from the early aughts, low-slung jeans, baby tees, and all. Luckily, we’ve enlisted a little outfit inspiration assistance from some of our favorite street style stars who know a thing or two about how to style a crop top and still look like a polished adult. The trick? A high-waisted skirt.

We’re wearing minis and midis and wrap-skirts with bathing suits and denim minis with tie-front blouses. We’re showing off the most skin with bikini tops and bralettes, but we’re also keeping it a little more covered with a classic white cotton T-shirt that ties at the front. See below for five crop top–and–skirt set outfits for summer that we quite frankly cannot get enough of. And then shop the looks so you can get in on the action. With these summer outfits on the ready, you might never go back to a non-cropped top again.

On or off the beach, match a bikini top (that looks more like a statement shirt) with a floral skirt. You can DIY a wrap look with a printed scarf or shop a style that’s ready-made layered.

Black and white are far from boring, as evidenced by this gingham look. Top a high-waisted two-tone printed skirt with a classic tank in a cropped silhouette. Finish it all off with flat sandals.

Elevate the essentials, like a denim skirt and cotton shirting, by opting for a button-front bottom and a tie-up top that reveals a little skin between the two. Finish off the look with embellished loafers that are equal parts preppy and lighthearted—as all wardrobe essentials should be.

Mix an elegant silk midi skirt with a more relaxed cotton T-shirt. We love the concept of fashioning a more relaxed look by knotting the top right above your navel to reveal just the right amount of skin.

Keep it sporty and sophisticated at the same time with a tank swim top and a high-waisted circle skirt in a classic print like gingham or stripes. What’s more is that a pattern is a great excuse to try out a black-and-white look without feeling boring.

Try out the above crop top looks, and you might never go full-length again.