I can't stop thinking about crop tops right now

The crop top might seem like the trickiest SS14 trend out there, but don't let that put you off.

crop tops
(Image credit: Naomi Rahim)

We promise anyone can pull it off

I have a new obsession: matching crop top and skirt sets. They are everywhere at the moment, from the catwalk to Instagram, and they're the chicest summer outfit I can think of right now. Last season was all about the knitted bra top and cardigan combo, thanks to Khaite and Katie Holmes.

This season though, it's all about vibrant prints, paired-back tailoring and airy linen. Three Graces, Flippa K and Matteau are leading the way for SS20.

Despite appearances, you don't need killer abs to pull the look off either, it's actually less about baring all of your midriff and more about which separates you wear with it. Here are a few rules to nail the trend, and you can shop my favourite pieces below too.

How to wear a crop top to fit your body shape

Making the crop top work is all about the balance. If going for more of a bra top style, keep the skin-baring to a minimum on the legs and team with a high-waisted trouser for a look that screams expensive. Or, show your legs but go for a looser cropped knit sweater.

How to wear a crop top to work

The key to wearing a crop top to work is playing with separates. Layer over a simple shift dress or wear a printed crop top over a simple white shirt for a easy way to introduce it to your work wardrobe. The main aim of the game is to go for something boxy and smart.

How to layer with crop tops

If you're new to layering, we recommend starting off with a style that is minimal in finish and shape. Look to Cos, Whistles and ARKET for the perfect fuss-free styles. Wear with a simple untucked white shirt underneath and add a double breasted blazer if you want to smarten up.

However, it's always fun to experiment with new trends. This season, it's all about dramatic sleeves, so team a puff-sleeve bralette from the likes of LoveShackFancy or Faithfull the Brand.

How to wear crop tops in the evening

Turn up the wow factor in a slim fit knitted duo. Go matchy-matchy with a figure-flattering high-waisted skirt and crop top, paired with sandals.

How to wear crop tops if you're a tomboy

If you are more of a slouchy boyfriend jeans kinda gal, fear not, crop tops can still work for you. Go for a box tee shape style and wear with cycling shorts, a big trend with the rise of loungewear at the moment.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.