This Is How to Style a Crop Top Like a Classy Lady

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Fear not the crop top. SS14's leading trend is made a little less intimidating at Alina Alter's Aoki, where the midriff-baring staple reveals just a peek of what lies beneath.

After the jump, Alter shares an invaluable tip for keeping the crop top classy, then walks us through spring's two other top trends: anti-Easter Bunny pastels and dramatic floral prints.

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• Lyrical Lace Crop Top by Sugarlips, $52; Black Lace Pencil Skirt by Hazel, $80

Crop tops are a staple of the SS 2014 season, and with good reason! They're surprisingly versatile—elegant for evening and of course, super playful for everyday wear. To keep it chic and pulled together, pair the crop top with a matching bottom half (chromatic, texture, or both!) with a high-waisted cut so you're just flaunting that flirty little peek of skin above the navel.

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• Again, the skin-baring crop top (Lucca Couture Cut-Out Crop Top, $65) is toned down by a high-waisted bottom (Watercolor Paradise Pants by Numph, $80).
• Studded Mint Crossbody Bag by Nila Anthony, $65; Peach Tassel by Papaya, $12
• Raw Druzy Stone and 14kt Gold Necklace by Robyn Rhodes, $105

Pastels are popping up everywhere this season, and I can't get enough! They're delicate, feminine, and airy, and work well with any complexion and coloring. The dark contrasting in the Numph pants here really emphasizes the softness of the pastels and keeps the look from veering into Easter Bunny territory.

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• Ivory Floral Mini Dress by Lucca Couture, $70; Fox and Chain Necklace by Bones & Feathers Collective, $120

Of course florals are ubiquitous this time of year, but spring 2014 is seeing much more bold and realistic depictions than past seasons. It may seem like a cliche, but I never tire of florals this time of year; I think floral prints are a great signifier of spring's reawakening, and this year's patterns are particularly vibrant and engaging.
· Aoki [Official Site]
· All Spring Forward posts [Racked Philly]
· Everybunny's Hopping to Aoki for These Kawaii Crossbody Bags [Racked Philly]