Cropped tops. Along with scrunchies they are the kind of garment that get relegated to fashion 'don't' lists the world over. I however, have a use for cropped tops. And I'm not ashamed to say it!
OK, so we all have at least tried wearing our skirts as dresses right? The only problem I have is that I'm not quite as comfortable with bare shoulders and neck as I once was, so whenever I do it I always have some kind of something to make my upper half look less bare. It may be a neckpiece, scarf or lots of necklaces, but more often than not I wear a cropped top over the 'skress' (I hate that word, but I for ease of posting I need to condense 'skirt as dress'). It's transforms it from being obviously a skirt worn as a dress, into a something that looks like a colour blocked dress.
Next time you go charity shopping don't dismiss those bad 80's cropped tops. They are not as evil as you think.
(Oh, and please forgive the patchy red sunburn - didn't expect there to be sun in Aberdeen!)
Queen Michelle
oooo I love it with the gold skirt!
Posted by: Helen | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 at 15:03
okay so you are wearing little cropped tops over your skirts? this is genius!And it does wonders for your shoulders!
Posted by: dree | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 at 15:08
Am I the only person who has never worn a skirt as a dress? I would feel naked! You look great though. The top with the yellow is especially good.
Posted by: WendyB | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 at 15:22
what a great idea! i love it!
Posted by: lady coveted | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 at 15:27
like always, you manage to make ANYTHING look fabulous!
Posted by: sandra | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 at 16:21
I've never even considered going the skress route, but the crop top idea makes it SO much more palatable. Brilliant!
Posted by: Sal | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 at 16:40
Looks fantastic!
Posted by: Everybody Says Don't | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 at 17:24
this is easily the BEST IDEA EVER.
Posted by: joelle | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 at 17:58
This is such a great idea! I love the amber and black colour blocked on especially. I've never really done the 'skress' thin because it doesn't suit my shape but if I can get my hands on one of these tops now, this could be a lot of fun! I love it when you suddenly find a whole new level to wear your clothes :)
Posted by: Liberty | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 at 18:27
whoa thats brillant! yes good idea indeed.
Posted by: Kristina | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 at 18:45
LOVE this look, now i'll definitely be on teh lookout for cropped tops, thanks for the great idea :)
Posted by: Heybigtrender | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 at 19:13
the last dress is def my favorite.... i love them all
Posted by: nikki | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 at 20:40
i have been doing almost the exact same thing lately, except i haven't worn the cropped top over the skirt as dress contraption. i have been layering the cropped top over the shapeless tent dresses of yesteryear for a more fitted silhouette. i've also been layering cropped tops over jersey tank dresses to add extra interest. i love the empire effect. great minds think alike:) great post!
Posted by: ramona west | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 at 21:38
I've never thought of that before, despite wearing skirts as dresses (and cinching with a belt). but this seems much better!
Posted by: Kelly | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 at 22:30
Great idea, you never fail to disappoint us with amazing ideas and fresh tips like these. So loving the blog.
Posted by: Shini | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 at 23:04
This is genius! I have a bunch of cropped tops that my mom has passed down to me. I'd been wearing them under sleeveless dresses for a more covered-up look, but this even more easily transforms the skress. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Nicole | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 at 23:35
Depending on the length they're also good with very high-waisted things where a really nipped in waist is needed and a longer top adds too much bulk, or for just changing the neckline on a strappy dress. I have a second-hand knitted brown Prada top [got it for £30 when I was 16, score] that serves this useful purpose often.
Posted by: Charponnaise | Wednesday, 30 July 2008 at 00:19
I really must ask... how do you manage to keep your skirt on up there? Mine always inadvertently start slipping downward until all modestly is lost, which is why I've given up on this look for the most part. Maybe it is because I am small-chested, but perhaps you have some tips?
Posted by: Wendy | Wednesday, 30 July 2008 at 00:54
Wow, that's such a creative way!! :)
Posted by: siewkwan | Wednesday, 30 July 2008 at 10:54
Now you make me regret giving away my croped tops!!
What a great idea. It looks great on you. Maybe I should dig in my cloet and see what I can find.
Posted by: Fashionitsa | Wednesday, 30 July 2008 at 10:56
When I read "cropped top" I was wondering if I was going to see your midrift ala Diane Kruger's recent redcarpet or something. I find this look and idea much more endearing! Must attempt myself sometime...
Posted by: The Clothes Horse | Wednesday, 30 July 2008 at 15:47
Oh what a good idea! I shall try this
Posted by: Luxe. | Wednesday, 30 July 2008 at 18:04
Ingenius use of a Britney stalwart. It is truly the right choice for the skirt dress thing. - I agree skress is naff, needs a proper naming ceremony. Perhaps you should issue a royal decree.
Posted by: Make Do & Mend | Wednesday, 30 July 2008 at 19:32
Wow, I don't know why this has never occured to me. This looks amazing! I ussually wear my cropped tops with just a tank underneath but this is way fab!
Posted by: nice_and_shiny | Wednesday, 30 July 2008 at 22:08
What a cute idea!
Posted by: Maria | Thursday, 31 July 2008 at 02:59