I know age is just a number, but sometimes age plays a factor into what is socially acceptable to wear. Most of the time I wear what I want to, but let’s be honest, we’ve all had our moments of being judgey before. You see a woman in her 60’s wearing a private school girl uniform (circa Britney Spear’s “Baby One More Time” video) and it’s not Halloween. Admit it, you’ve whispered to a nearby friend or tried to capture it on your phone to show someone later. It’s okay, we’ve all done it. And I never want to be that woman where people whisper behind my back saying that I should dress my age (for my sake and for those of my kids).
So when a trend like crop tops hits the market and there are just so many fantastic options, do I skip the trend because I shouldn’t be baring my mid section which bore three kids and shows my age? Of course not! I make it work for me.
/ Style Tip /
When picking crop tops, I stick to ones that are just slightly above my belly button versus those that hit right below the bra line. Then I add high waisted jeans or shorts to reveal just a sliver of skin between my top and bottoms. The combination of a longer crop top and high waisted bottoms allows for a classy and much more age appropriate crop top look.
And if you think you’ve seen me wear these high waisted jeans before, you HAVE! They are on constant repeat and are my number one high waisted jeans to pair with crop tops. While I love them, they weren’t easy to find because Levi’s just seem to make all their denim so that you have to try them on. These are the third or fourth pair I ordered and finally kept. Everyone comments on these jeans and my advice to you is that Levi’s are AMAZING, but order several pairs at a time or go try them on in the store to find the one that fits you best. And don’t get frustrated, the perfect pair is out there…you just have to try them on.
Top | Zara (sold out) similar styles here, here, and here
Jeans | Levi’s (cut the hem #shortpeopleproblems) similar styles here and here
Sunglasses | Quay similar style here
Earrings | Bauble Bar similar styles here and here
Watch | Cluse
Rings | Mejuri, here, and here
Bag | Strathberry (color sold out) similar style here, here, and here
Shoes | Zara similar styles here, here, and here
Here are some of my favorite crop tops and high waisted pants to rock this look:
76 comments
Love your midriff top. It looks incredible on you. I have never tried Levi jeans – keep thinking I would before and now you have convinced me.
Xxgracie
snappedbygracie.com
Thank you Gracie! Oh my, you have to try Levi’s! Once I finally found a pair, I am determined to find more.
Love this look girl, such a cute top!! I totally feel you about aging and leaning towards more classy looks haha great styling tips <3
XO, Jessi
http://www.mywhitet.com/charles-youssef
Hi Jessi! I would love to rock a total crop top and show off my midriff but sadly after children it’s hard to rock that 20-something look without feeling self conscious. So you have to do what works best for you and feel comfortable.
Perfect summer crop top <3 love your style tip too!!
Enclothed Cognition
Hi Keri, thank you. I have been wearing this off the shoulder top on repeat a little too much. =)
I love that you’re not sacrificing style for your age! As I’m getting older, I sometimes feel like I need to be more conservative and avoid certain styles as well. But I’m a huge fan of crop top and loved that you showcased how you can wear it without showing too much. I love the specific style of top you chose! It’s adorable 🙂
Haha, I hope I don’t look foolish, but I think this is a good compromise of wearing a longer crop top and high waisted bottoms. =) I saw your recent Instagram post and you rocked that crop top with those amazing slit pants babe!
You’re rocking that crop top girl! I love your style!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
Thanks so much Briana! I appreciate your comment and adore your style too!
So cute Christine! You can pull off crop tops and high waisted jeans like it’s nobody’s business! So adorable on you!
Thank you Marie, you are always my biggest fan. =)
Levi’s are the best versatile denim! The ones you are wearing look so chic with the pretty crop top! I enjoyed reading these styling tips – these will be helpful as I am slowly but surely approaching my 30s 🙂
http://www.samanthamariko.com
Aren’t they the most amazing denim? No wonder they’ve been around for so long. You have a while till your 30’s and I am sure you will be rocking the crop tops with your fab body!
Iconic. I wanna be like you and still wear crop tops in my dirty thirties! I always think crop tops look better with high waisted bottoms anyway xx
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/07/28/AMR-Beauty-18-in-1-Haircare-Review
I totally agree Bernice. Crop tops + high waisted bottoms are still sexy without exposing too much.
You’re right about appropriate clothing coming with age! I feel like it’s easier for me to wear crop tops today because I’m a bit more confident about my body now compared to before. I love how your outfit is well put together!
https://exquisitely.me
I think confidence goes a long way. That is why for me, as much as I would love to rock a real crop top, I am not that comfortable with my belly area and can’t pull off a look if I don’t feel 100% about it. We have to own what we wear and wear it proud so that means making a style or trend work best for you.
You go babe! You are rocking that white crop top!! And I’m in love with those Levi’s, and your style. 🙂
Happy weekend gorgeous.
Xx, Raysa
Awww thanks Raysa, you are so sweet! I hope you have a great weekend babe!
Love this post and Style tips! So true about the Levi’s! They are worth the search though!
xx Tammy
http://www.HerStyledView.com
Thank you so much Tammy! I am glad you enjoyed the style tips. Levi’s are definitely worth the search and I can’t wait to get my next pair.
You are definitely rocking the crop top trend and can’t believe you are in your 30s! You look absolutely gorgeous 🙂
http://www.pennyanddash.com
You just made my day Mei! Thank you so much!
Actually, I’ve never been one of those people who stare at old ladies or gents wearing something they shouldn’t due to what society dictates is inappropriate for their age. I actually applaud them for being strong enough to stand out in a crowd and being themselves in a huge grey mass of people wearing a monochrome uniform. That doesn’t say it always looks good on them, but that’s a whole different story. I am in my 30s too, but don’t let that number in my passport bother me much, but wear pretty much anything I like and thus I think your choice of a crop top suitable for you is perfect. Why miss out on something just because you’re not 22 anymore? You look amazing and you keep rocking those trends no matter how old you are!
Thomas xx
You are one of the rare ones! I definitely agree that people should rock whatever they want but as a mom, I do feel that I should think twice at times before I wear something that is inappropriate. =) I won’t let my age dictate what I can wear but will find ways to make it work for me and my age. Hehe.
Different age groups are definitely meant for different clothing choices, but I’m so glad that you’ve found ways to incorporate trend pieces in to your wardrobe in such a sophisticated and chic way <3 🙂 Definitely a great look, and I'm loving how modest yet feminine this crop top is!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
Hi Elizabeth, it’s all about finding things to work for you. This crop top is still trendy but also modest and I love that as well.
Glad you could make it work and feel comfortable! You look super stylish and far from 30 😀
http://www.desiringsme.com/styling-summer-basics/
Thank you Yara, that means a lot!
Cute outfit! I like wearing crop tops with high waisted shorts/pants.
Hi Britney, thanks babe. I definitely think the combo makes the outfit look more classy. =)
Wow you make crop top look so good! Love the high-waisted jeans too!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Thanks Jessica! Being a mom high waisted jeans are my jam now! =)
This crop top looks amazing and you’ve styled it so well!
Have an awesome day!
xx Kris
https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com
Hi Kris and thank you. Zara makes the best crop tops and actually so does Mango. Check out some of my favs in the shop section of this post!
I say crop tops all day baby! Wear what you want within reason, and besides you don’t look a day over 24. 26 at most. ; )
Keep Rockin’ It, Lady!
xx,
Cynthia
http://www.thesirenconfidential.com
IG: @thesirenconfidential
You are too sweet and totally lying lol! Thank you so much!
I love the quality of your pictures <3
Carmelatte
I appreciate that Carmelatte. I try and produce good pictures for you so that means a lot!
Of course high waist jeans is the answer with the crop tops. Because I don’t like to show .
YouR look is simply and stylish. Love those heels. Love everything ❤️
Xx
Eva
http://www.themermaidfashion.com
Thank you Eva! I am so happy that high waisted jeans made a comeback aren’t you?
Your tips are great and you’re absolutely right! Age is just a number and I think anyone can truly wear crop tops, it’s just all about how you style them! You give some great style tips for people who are a bit more nervous!!
Jordan xx
http://thehatlogic.com/ikea-bts-preppy-chic/
Hi Jordan! Yes, these tips are absolutely for people of all ages, but those that don’t want to bear their entire mid section. =)
This is the kind of outfit I will wear everyday and feel so comfortable. I’m the biggest fan of crop tops and you wear it well.
When I was younger, I didn’t think age would play a factor in the way I dressed, no matter how old I became. Now I’m just like you. I mostly wear crop tops that come just above my bellybutton, mostly because I’m not all the way in shape to wear anything higher, haha. For the most part though, age is nothing but a number for sure!
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
First of all, I want to say crop tops fits almost all ages ranges!!! and if anything, crop tops make us look younger when we style them properly. To be honest, there is no way any one could guessed that you are in your 30s Christine, and this crop top fits you so perfectly. If I am your age with kids, I would be dreaming to have your body!!! You look super fit!! Next time you should totally share your exercise routine with us here. !
xx, Jessie
http://4evajessie.com/be-myself-be-mycalvins/
Clothing and Style is no question of age. You need the right figure and the sense what suits you best and how.
You styled this crop top so beautifully.
Have a beautiful week.
Love, Esther
https://lifestyle-tale.com/le-galet-beach-club-restaurant-nice/
It’s true that age does have some say to what’s in one’s wardrobe, but I love how you styled the current fashion trend to being age appropriate. It’s so chic!
Simply,
Jenn | http://www.lepetittato.com/
Christine, you can literally rock anything and definitely crop tops! Haha I don’t understand how you have multiple kids AND still have a killer body. Seriously jealous! To be honest I’m nervous about having kids at all because I feel like I’d just become a whale. All this aside, I love to wear my crop tops with high waisted pants/shorts/skirts. My mom always says that crop tops look too revealing otherwise, so I just sort of got used to wearing crop tops this way! But I have seen many people rock them in different ways and I appreciate the style’s versatility 🙂 xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/beauty/getting-ready-with-remington/
You’re already on your 30s? You look so young!
Angelie // Hortaleza Sunblock Review
Tbh you could wear anything and make it look effortless! But I do love your commentary on being in your 30s and having to be thoughtful about how you style trends that can skew young. The crop tops that are shorter (like a bra) aren’t really my thing either! I think just a little bit of skin is the best way. You killed it in this look!
xx, Amy
http://www.theluxilook.com
Babe you look super elegant and feminine!! I turned 30 yesterday so I’m super happy that you confirm that we can still wear crop tops!! I love them, especially yours!! Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com
You look great in this crop top. I know exactly what you’re saying. Sometimes I still wear a bralette with a transparent top and think, people must whisper about me too, baring too much, but I always like to have a balancing act of covering all the way up on the bottom. I also agree that wearing a crop top in your 30s showing just a tiny bit of skin is enough. I personally wouldn’t wear a mini skirt or bare more skin on the bottom after baring the belly up top. 🙂
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
I love how you rock these crop tops! I am still shocked that you have kids – how do you do it all?
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Thanks for sharing your honest opinions on the whole “dressing for one’s age” to appear socially acceptable Christine!
I must admit I used be quite the “mean girl” when it came to judging people by their clothing choices when I was younger but I have come to realise that it is a mental limitation we tend to put on ourselves and others.
It’s refreshing to see stories of how, dare I say “older” ladies and men are spotted confidently wearing something currently trendy and stylish becoming accidental fashion bloggers online!
It just goes to show anything can be made your own, style included.
Xx
Siree
http://www.thehiddenthimble.com
I love your outfit,this crop top is awesome ♡
Love how you have styled this crop top. I am the same, if I wear a crop I will always team it back with a high waist on the bottom so only a hint of skin is showing! I do admit to having moments where I wonder if people would judge me for wearing some of the things I do, but at the end of the day it’s all about being comfortable with yourself.. age is just a number after all!
x Emily
http://shedoes.com.au
This is definitely the perfect way to wear a crop top in your 30’s! 🙂 I still can’t believe you have 3 kiddos! OMG what a hot mama!
Thanks for the style advice! Now that I’m 30 I don’t want to look inappropriate when I dress 😉
I might recreate this look, so thanks for the inspo!
XO
Aimara
http://www.waysofstyle.com
Hey Dear Christine
How you?
You Look in Everything Perfect and I got you about the Crop Tops size, I prefer the Way how you, just showing a bit the Belly:)
The Shoes are really nice to and the denim fits just perfect with the Look:)
Wish you Amazing Day
Love Open Kloset By Karina
Thank you so much for this post. I keep seeing crop tops popping up and young 20 something wearing them and I’m like I feel like I’m “too old” to be wearing something like that. Then I think what is appropriate to wear for someone who is almost 30? Like is there a line? I’m sure I already get people saying what is she wearing just because I dress a little different than the average person in my town. BUT I love the idea of wearing crop tops with a high waisted pair of jeans. Now I just need to get myself a pair or high waisted denim and I’m set. Love this look on you!
I love your advice about making a trend work for you, and not the other way around! Also, I still can’t believe you have kids because you look phenomenal 😉 As for crop tops though, I also adhere to the same tips you gave- opting for a slightly longer top and showing just a little bit of the midriff. I’ve always preferred showing less skin than more, so this works out perfectly. And as always, you always have golden advice regarding denim! It truly is a numbers game. It may take countless times to try on many pairs, but the perfect one for all of us definitely exist 🙂 You always have the best style tips, thank you for sharing this classy yet on-trend look!
xo Soo | http://www.BrownEyedToast.com
I saw you sporting that gorg crop top on your IG. It looks very youthful and fresh on you and I love how you style it in your effortless casual manner 🙂 That pair of Levi’s flatter you so well – I guess I need to check them out too cuz they are a little pricey over here… Thanks for sharing!
You always impress me with your style, for staying a chic and yet classy. I do judge some girls for wearing something that doesn’t fit their age, because it looks sometimes silly. You are definitely right that you still can wear what other girls wear but style it in the right way. This high-waisted jeans are so perfect!
http://www.queenhorsfall.com
Babe, we’re living in such a great time, when everything is acceptable and nothing to worry about, especially when one has a body like yours. You look so stylish and gorgeous, so you can not only allow yourself wearing crop-tops but much more. You styled this top so beautifully with those jeans and how fab these shoes are! I’m in love!
Cheers, Eliza | http://www.fashion-confession.com
I absolutely loe crop tops specially not he summer. Love the one you are wearing the the different options you pull together here.
Honestly have been always a fan of your style Christine.
xoxo
Marcy
Okay hot mama, you of all the moms have the right to bare your midriff!! I mean I’ve seen you in a two piece and those abs aren’t painted on. This crop top style is def done with taste and not like the hillbilly kind. I like the high waist, and yes, Levi’s is amazing and affordable too. Love that bag and I’m so sad that the white one is sold out, black looks sleek too. I’m afraid to see what people would say when I wear a certain style that is way under my age bracket…lol
xo Sheree
PoshClassyMom.com
30, flirty, and thriving. 😉 (I hope you’ve seen that movie!) You’ve definitely found a way for crop tops to work for you! I even get a little self conscious about them in my twenties. But you definitely found a classy, mature way to wear crop tops! I love it!
Jenn
http://www.honeydewblog.com
I love the top 🙂
If you need short formal dresses,see hoco dresses here
Such a great post! I’m in my 30’s and I can’t let crop tops go.
http://stylesbynancy.blogspot.com/
Love, love, love this look. Totally got the crop top look for women in their ’30s on point here. The high waisted jeans combo is perfection. You’re so right about Levi’s jeans and finding the right pair for you. I first bought a pair that everyone was raving about only to find out it looked horrible on me. I eventually came across the 517’s and they fit like a gem.
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
When one has such an amazing figure and knows to dress to her advantage, there is no forbidden trend! I couldn’t agree more with you on that we have to make the trends work for our body types. I love those Levis paired with all white pieces. You look so beautiful Christine! Wishing you a lovely weekend
Saida | She talks Glam
I love how you’ve styled this look! The crop top looks amazing on you!!
– Jasmine K
http://www.myeunoia.com
You look gorgeous, and don’t worry about the age, it really is just a number!
xo Corina
http://www.unbouquetdamour.com/modern-60s-look
I’m obsessed with croptops lately! Such a cool look.
X Merel
http://www.andathousandwords.com
Shout out to the mama’s who rock the crop tip and high-waisted jeans! You look great and the fact that it’s important to make fashion work for one’s age is so true! I’m not in my twenties, but I know if I love something enough I make it work for me and how confident I feel rocking it! xo, Jessica