Styling Basics: Black Crop Top
I’m a big believer of multi-purposing. I think we should be able to use one item many different ways. The same goes when applied to fashion. The best way to sustainably dress is to buy less and repurpose one item for many different outfits. That’s why I’ve decided to start a series on my blog for just that! Today’s post looks at this black crop top/sports bra I picked up from Old Navy. I’ve linked a similar style here, as the one I have seems to have been taken off the site. I think it is so comfortable and can be used in so many different ways. Here’s a few I’ve come up with.
Black crop top + leopard skirt + big sunnies + Converse
I love this outfit because it has an elegant vibe with the leopard skirt and big sunnies but it’s juxtaposed by the casual tones of my black converse high tops. This look is great for stepping out for the day and you could even elevate the look by adding a blazer or cardigan or by popping on your fave pair of chunky heels. It is a summertime favourite of mine.
2. Black crop top + black pencil skirt + white oversized dress shirt
I swapped out my printed leopard skirt for a classic black one and threw on my oversized white dress shirt (thrifted, $5.99). This is a mix of after-work chic and skater boy aesthetic with my Old Skool Vans shoes. I properly accessorized to make up for the basic tones of the outfit.
3. Black Crop Top + Green Paper-bag Trousers + Baseball Cap
I thought there ought to be an ultra-casual option on this list, so here it is! I know most of you are high school- or university-aged and like to show up to classes in comfortable clothes. Sometimes you crave the comfort but also the style. Here is a perfect outfit for that! Of course, I start out with the feature piece of this post, the black crop top, and I paired it with my green paper-bag trousers from Simons. I love these pants because they are cinched at the waist without needing a belt and have adequate pocket space (yes, even for women’s pants!!). They give off the tactical wear look while also making it casual and comfortable. I also threw on this Adidas baseball cap and a thrifted Collège Notre-Dame sweatshirt (sorry Carleton!!) to emphasize the “cool college-wear” look. Overall, this is a cute and stylist look to wear to class, do some quick errands, or lounge around and do homework in.
4. Black crop top + blue suit + black loafers
Reminiscent of one of my fashion icons, Harry Styles, this outfit pairs a pop of colour with a basic top to make a very bright and playful outfit. The suit here is actually…not a suit! They are two separate pieces! Pants are a pair from Simons (twik) I picked up two years ago and the jacket is thrifted. I won’t lie; this is an outfit I had first put together in late 2019 and it is still just as stylish today, though I’ve updated some of my accessories. It’s perfect for an elevated office look, out for drinks with friends, or a smart look for a day out!
5. Black crop top + white collared shirt + black trousers + cool boots
Craving another way to style this top without it being the base layer? This outfit is for you! A trend I keep seeing online is people styling their tanks as ‘sweater vests’. I tried my hand at the trend with a thrifted white collared shirt ($6.49), my black trousers ($6.99, featured in My Best Thrifted Items post), and my loafers ($10.99, thrifted). Although I would’ve preferred white boots for this outfit, the thrifted black loafers I have work just as well. I accessorized using my vintage 70s glasses, and kept it light on jewelry so not to take away from the power of the collar. This outfit can easily be worn in the fall or winter, if you add a statement coat on top! For this one, I’m wearing a vintage Danier leather blazer my grandmother gave me for that added edge to an otherwise delicate outfit,