Yes, we’re heading into the fall season.
Yes, you’re a mom.
Yes, you might feel insecure.
Yes, you might be unsure how you can pull it off.
But yes, you can wear the crop top!
For many of us, it might be hard to believe this trend has resurfaced. But if we know anything, we know that styles are simply recycled. They move through a few years (or even an entire decade) before they resign. Only to come out of retirement at another point in time.
This garment has been around since the 60’s and has faded in and out until its popularity surge really started trending and taking over the fashion feed in 2021. And from the looks of it, this top is likely going to take up style space for a while longer.
Instead of grimacing and groaning (been there, done that), let’s play the same game.
I realize this isn’t going to appeal to everyone, but if you’ve been sitting on the fence out of curiosity or a lack of confidence, let this be the gust of wind that scoops up your skepticism.
Wear the crop top. Yes, they tend to creep. Yes, there’s extra “mom-skin” floating all over the place. Because that’s what you get after you have kids. I can do all the crunches in the world, but with two c-sections under my belt (literally) my stomach will never, ever be the same. And that’s okay. I take up space in the 40+ world, so I try not to dwell on that body stuff anymore. I used to, but it really got me nowhere.
Women have a pretty incredible role when it comes to creating the next generation. Our bodies make the ultimate sacrifice and all that postpartum prettiness is simply part of the performance. Cellulite, stretch marks, and sagging skin. I now take great delight in what my body produced and I’ve come to accept that there are going to be battle wounds.
My encouragement for each of you is to set aside those uncomfortable complexes you might have about your abdomen. I know it’s easier said than done, but life is much too short to care about the criticism and the comments. We teach our children that it doesn’t matter what others think. Their success is not contingent upon what others think of their body. And yet, we stand in front of the mirror tearing ourselves down and feeling like a phony. What we should be telling ourselves (and our kids) is that our value is not tied to our size, our shape, our weight, or any other physical attributes. Our bodies are a gift without a receipt for exchange. They are unique and sacred, so they should be cherished and celebrated.
The best way we can do this is by loving our body. Taking care of it. And adorning it in ways that make us feel empowered.
For me, wearing a crop top isn’t so I can expose some skin. [It’s quite the contrary]. A crop top is a way to flaunt some femininity and freedom. It also allows me to feel like I’m not completely ill-equipped to exercise some form of fashion.
Now, I’m not planning to toss this on for a trip to Target or don it at a school event. But I do find a crop top to be flexible for fitness and perhaps part of an ensemble for a girls night out.
The key is to pair it with high-waisted bottoms. I’m much too old for the low-waist, high-top. But that doesn’t mean I can’t find ways to incorporate the style with a comfort level that leaves me feeling my best. Pro tip: start small. Wear one in your basement while you’re working out. Then bring yourself to sport it while you step outside for a walk or run. Once you’ve mustered up the comfort to carry it further, then consider finding one that you can dress up with a denim or moto jacket or complete the look with a long-length cardigan. It’s not just a summer style! It’s a versatile top that offers the opportunity to achieve visual harmony and balance with your length, your size, and your confidence.
The media likes to paint a primitive picture that often causes us to be uncomfortable in our own skin. So, the challenge is learning to embrace the belief that we’re beautiful through every change. By doing this you will gradually find more confidence and less criticism because you won’t be looking for it. You’ll be too busy staring straight and standing tall.
Ladies, it does not matter if you’re in your 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, or 50’s, wear the crop top. And if your kids ask you why you’re wearing that, you tell them because you can, and then you thank them for giving you a body that was built for life. Their life. And yours.
