This is the first time I’ve worn shorts since my recent “battle” with eczema. Scarring, YIKES. Over time I know it will fade, but it’s still been a little jarring for me. I’m not used to being uncomfortable in my own skin. One of the things I’ve learned over the years — that I’m trying to remember now — is that it is important to be gentle with yourself. We are our own worst critics, so I’m trying just to settle in and get used to this newness. Worse things have happened, I know.
But about the outfit: shorts with boots has to be one of my favorite trends. If I’m being totally honest, I don’t even really wear heels anymore. Just boots, sandals and sneakers; it’s kind of awesome. Also. Who knew I was feel so tough when I woke up this morning? Muscle tee, combat boots and a leather jacket are pretty much definitively tough. The floral softens it up just a bit. And the rose-colored sunglasses do too. Overall, I’d say this is some major tough love.
Stumped on what to wear with a crop top? I was too. I’m too old, I thought. I’m too short, I thought. Just uttering the phrase “crop top” sent images of bad ’90s style buzzing through my brain. But in the end, I knew I had to try it; it feels a little daring, edgy, sexy. And I’ll be damned if it hasn’t become one of my favorite trends this season. Plus, I think I’ve figured out what to wear with a crop top to up the sophistication factor. My pro tips below!
1. Pair it with a high waisted skirt or pants.
Use a high waist to reign in the provacative nature of a crop top. Just a sliver of skin peeking through keeps the look feeling polished and grown up. It’s more like an elegant cutout than Carmen Electra circa Singled Out.
2. Add a jacket.
The extra coverage might make you feel a little more secure in your outfit choice. Also, in SF you can never go wrong with layers. Add a leather jacket to toughen it up!
3. Try layering.
A crisp button down under a crop top will add polish {and a nod to Clueless, in the best way}. Or, try a crop top over a maxi dress. That’s a super easy way to change up your look. The cool thing is that wearing a crop top doesn’t have to mean showing a ton of skin.
Additional Tips:
If you’re petite, try a crop top in a print with a matching bottom. The allover print will be elongating.
Balance it out! If you’re showing some skin up top, go for ultimate coverage below. Try a maxi skirt or palazzo pants on for size.
Think Twice About:
Low rise pants. Unless you really want to revisit the ’90s. My rule of thumb is: the lower the rise, the longer the crop.
Cutoffs. I’m all for rocking cutoffs and crop tops, don’t get me wrong. But be aware that this combo definitely skews younger {ahem, Miley Cyrus}. Maybe not quite as polished as the suggested looks above.
This is the first time I’ve worn shorts since my recent “battle” with eczema. Scarring, YIKES. Over time I know it will fade, but it’s still been a little jarring for me. I’m not used to being uncomfortable in my own skin. One of the things I’ve learned over the years — that I’m trying to remember now — is that it is important to be gentle with yourself. We are our own worst critics, so I’m trying just to settle in and get used to this newness. Worse things have happened, I know.
