Grin and Bare It

CEBU, Philippines - Warning: this article may cause severe body crisis.

Yes, ladies, the cropped top has full trend potential but it will be one that won't grow as popular as say, flared jeans, for the sole reason that it is, unfortunately, meant for the blessed minority who have already vanquished those hideous tummy pouches that our wealthier sisters have spent tens of thousands of pesos on to zap.

The cropped top trend will be for a stark minority thanks to our body-conscious yet Big Mac munching society, because unless you are worthy of showing a peep of that toned midriff, the entire package of you plus the cropped top will only look like an ultimate turn-off. Here's a simple equation: bulging tummy+cropped top=epic failure.

That being said, the cropped top however, isn't just about baring one's stomach. It is about finding new ways of teasing the eyes with that toned tummy with elegance and style. This year, we are talking about the sophisticated cropped top that, assuming you're quite successful with that new year's resolution of hitting the gym, you will embrace rather than fear.

Cropped tops have been featured on the runway in more ways than one: from the tiniest of tops to those bearing a sliver of skin. This year however, there are three ways by which to rock that cropped top, come wind or rain.

With Elegance

YSL and Chloe mastered this version of the cropped top before any of the other designers could and you can bet that they did a fantastic job of making the cropped top into something from street style to the glammed up version.

How'd they do it? Simple, just a thin slit along the waistline of a dress enough to show a sliver of skin, niftily converting the dress in a two-piece ensemble with a hint of skin right in between.

With Confidence

This is a more sporty yet sophisticated take from Ohne Titel and Rag&Bone. More than a toned stomach, you will need tons of confidence to grin and bare it. This version of the cropped top is a far cry from the first one we talked about. This doesn't just show a sliver of skin, it shows miles of skin with the cropped top ending right below the bust. This is best paired with illegally low pants in order to achieve the most tantalizing results. 

However, if you're really uncomfortable with the skin fest, you can easily opt for high-waisted pants for some semblance of modesty. It is best not to wear this kind of top in church unless you have plans of being excommunicated for indecent exposure.

With Sass

The cropped top can also be worn together with the sheer trend. The key is simply adding a layer of transparent fabric over the exposed midriff to add an interesting touch to an otherwise all-out bare midriff. This works best for parties or for those luxe yacht parties that come together with summer 2011.