Do you know your bralet from your bandeau?

Cropped tops are all over the high street and as the weather gets brighter you may be tempted to try the trend. If you don’t possess abs of steel, a cropped top may seem like a silly purchase but if done carefully you can pull this look off.

Celebrities like Diane Kruger, Rhianna, Azealia Banks, Vanessa Hudgeons and Dee Hemingway have all been spotted in short tops. And it appears that abs, like cropped tops, are back in fashion with Olympic role models like Jessica Ennis encouraging us to build a toned, sculpted physique rather than focussing on weight loss alone.

Here’s the trick: revealing your upper midriff is not as scary as showing your stomach as this area of the body is less likely to carry excess fat. Showing this upper section off gives the suggestion of a toned stomach without having to hit the gym. 

The best way to wear a cropped top is to team it with something that covers your belly button shifting the focus upwards rather than towards your stomach. You may not have flashed your midriff since the 80s but forget Flashdance and focus on wearing high-waisted skirts and jeans that cover your middle. Dungarees are also a great option to offer additional coverage when wearing a bralet or bandeau top.

If you’re top heavy, forget the bralet and pair a cropped t-shirt with a high-waisted pencil skirt to flatter your shape. For ladies with boyish figures try a small crop with jeans or denim shorts but remember to avoid flashing too much flesh by raising your waistline. If in doubt, opt for separates that show a peek of flesh around the middle and cheat your way to wearing this tricky trend.