Trend Alert: Tie Front Crop Top

The Tie Front Crop Top is the IT GIRL trend item of the Summer

… and we all know, I’m not one to pass up a trend.

From long sleeves to sleeveless, floral patterned to striped, tie front crop tops come in endless variations, but they are not, I admit, the easiest trend to wear and you’ll have to be willing to bare a little extra skin to get the look right. So here are a few tips for how to pull off that tie front crop top you’ve been eyeing, but have been too timid to try. Remember, balance is everything, so consider: (1) a pair of high waisted shorts or jeans to minimize overexposure of your middle; (2) going for the long sleeve variation rather than sleeveless for extra coverage; (3) finding a faux tie top that creates the illusion of the tie silhouette, but still offers coverage of your torso (see my post from earlier this summer “Tie Front Everything” for an example); or (4) wearing your top layered over a contrasting cami.

For a recent night out with the girls, I couldn’t wait to finally wear this gorgeous blue jacquard floral print tie front crop top with long bell sleeves. The top features a dramatic plunging neckline, so I knew balance was needed and paired it with light wash mom jeans with a super high waist and relaxed fit. For accessories, I kept things appropriately summery – my favorite round rattan basket bag (if you’re looking for a high quality round basket bag, this is the one. I got mine last summer and have worn it endlessly), a pair of pearl colored single strap Schutz sandals, and black cat eye sunglasses. Finally, I embellished the neckline with traditional Catholic pendants – also totally on trend right now. Side Note: While in Italy last month, I searched high and wide for more religious pendants to add to my collection, but they were nowhere to be found!