Photo: Courtesy of Ann Taylor LOFT.The crop top is, both physically and emotionally, near and dear to my heart. It usually negates the need to wear a bra, it's flattering and — when styled correctly — not too sexy, and it's the perfect balance to a pair of wide-leg trousers. It's also one of those pieces that started off as an unwearable, How the hell am I going to pull this off? runway item and is now slowly gaining acceptance as a wardrobe staple.
You want proof? Ann Taylor LOFT, which has also been steadily stepping up its game as a major fashion player, has just created a shirt with a similar silhouette that many women can master. Its version of the crop top is, well, a cropped top that lands between the belly button and the waist. The design has the same structure as the midriff-exposing bustier that would have gotten you (or at least me) detention in high school. But, this look goes perfectly with slouchy pants, like the white ones the model is rocking in the photo, or a high-waisted pair that wouldn't show tummy at all. Best of both worlds? [Insert abs-olutely joke here.]