Hey girl, hey! Let’s chat about one of my absolute favorite pieces in the fashion universe: the crop top! If you’ve ever felt hesitant about sporting a crop top, especially with a big belly, let me tell you something: you’re not alone. I’ve been every size from 14 to 24 and rocked crop tops through every size and season. Whether it’s summer fun or winter layering, crop tops can be a game-changer. They’re not just for the super skinny; they can also be a chic and empowering fashion statement for us plus size gals. So, if you’re ready to embrace your curves and show off that belly with style, let’s dive into some fabulous styling tips!
When finding the perfect crop top for your shape, consider what makes you feel amazing. Crop tops can come in various styles, colors, and patterns, ideal for complementing your unique body shape: pear, apple, or hourglass. And let’s be honest—when styled right, crop tops can be more than just a piece of clothing; they can boost your confidence and showcase your beautiful belly. Let’s explore how to style this trendy garment effortlessly!
Get to Know the Star of the Show: Your Body
Pear Shape: Accentuate and Balance
If you identify as a pear shape, your body features a smaller waist and wider hips. When choosing a crop top, opt for styles that draw attention upward. Look for off-the-shoulder or belted crop tops that highlight your shoulders and waist. Pair them with high-waisted jeans or skirts to elongate your legs and create harmony with your figure. Fun prints or bright colors on top will keep the eyes upward. Remember, confidence is your best accessory, so own those looks!
Apple Shape: Embrace the Curves
The key is to create balance for my apple-shaped beauties, where the belly is more prominent and the waist is not as defined. Choose crop tops with flowy fabrics that gently skim over your belly while showing off some skin. Styles with longer lengths in the front can provide that comfy coverage. Layered looks work great, too! Wear a lightweight kimono over your crop top for a stylish touch. Pair your outfits with structured bottoms, like tailored trousers or an A-line skirt, to create a flattering silhouette.
Hourglass Shape: Flaunt Your Figure
If you have an hourglass shape, look for crop tops highlighting your curves by selecting fitted ones that accentuate your waist. Look for styles that cinch in at the waist or have peplum cuts. Pair these with high-waisted jeans or a skater skirt to show off that hourglass figure. Play with bold colors and patterns because you deserve to shine! Adding accessories, like a chunky belt or statement earrings, will elevate your look even more.
Recently, while out with friends rocking a crop top and showing a little skin, one of my fellow curvy cuties attempted to adjust my clothing. While that bothered me (I don’t like being touched by strangers), my bigger issue was the statement that she made.
Maui Bigelow
As she grabbed the back of my skirt she stated, “I am just fixing your clothes because you know we can’t be showing our belly.”
This got me heated and before I could check myself, I replied, “Maybe you can’t show your belly but I can show mine.”
This exchange bothered me because despite the considerable growth of the plus size community, there is still this sort of ignorance, projection, and shaming present. What makes it even worse? That it is coming from one of us.
Additional Tips To Slaying In A Crop Top Even With a Big Belly
- Make sure you are comfortable and confident with the overall look because this is the major key (in my DJ Khaled voice) in assuring that you slay.
- Make sure that your undergarments support the crop that you plan to wear. If you have spaghetti straps, wear a strapless bra.
- Be sure that your crop top fits properly, even if that means going up a size. In some instances the cut of the crop may be smaller than desired, based on the design.
- Make sure that your bottom compliments your curves in a way that will allow you to execute the look you desire. Side note: My stomach is top and bottom heavy, so I rock my crop tops with flirty skirts.
You Got This, Beautiful!
In conclusion, crop tops for big bellies can be incredibly stylish and empowering. Embrace your curves and flaunt your individuality! Remember, regardless of your body shape, there’s a perfect crop top. By following these styling tips tailored for pear, apple, and hourglass shapes, you’ll find pieces that resonate with your style and boost your confidence. So, strut your stuff and make those crop tops your new best friend! Fashion is all about having fun, celebrating yourself, and feeling fabulous—never forget that!
Fashion is all about having fun, celebrating yourself, and feeling fabulous—never forget that! Wearing a crop top isn’t just about the clothing itself; it’s about expressing who you are and feeling great in your skin. So, embrace your uniqueness and enjoy every moment in your trendy crop tops, knowing you can rock any look with confidence and flair!
Are you confident in crop tops? Let us know in the comments below!
I wear crops I love wearing them with high waist pants. Or skirts But I only have one that doesn’t have straps the rest covers my shoulders. I very top heavy and I’m bottom heavy. I guess I don’t think twice and do me. I’m a 16/18 but again size nor opinions stop me.
You look so beautiful. A true empress. You just totally inspired me to, again, be my awesome self even in the size that I’m in. Thank you for that.
Yes, you should wear what you want.
And something you didn’t touch on in here, but I think needs to be said…
The idea that showing a plus-size belly is “wrong”, or (gasp) “gross”, needs to die. There are plenty of men out there who absolutely adore the sight of woman’s chubby belly. No, this doesn’t mean you should be dressing just to impress men. But it does mean that if you have a boyfriend, he might be thrilled (and turned on) by you showing off that belly. What’s not to like about that? For almost my entire teen and adult life, I subscribed to that idea of avoiding plus-size girls and thought that girls that size showing off their curves was just plain “wrong”. What a dope. Plus size girls are drop-dead gorgeous.