Conquer the Crop Top: How to Wear the New Shapes for Spring

The Crop Top: High Above a Flowy Skirt

If you're comfy showing a slice of skin, go for this runway take on the abbreviated top, which pairs it with a low-slung breezy skirt. A banded waistline accentuates hips.

Tia Cibani duchesse satin top, $650;

The Crop Top: Layered Over a Crisp Shirt

You'll need a crop with wide sleeves and a fitted shirt with longer ones as your under-pinning. Keep your lower half simple with a straight skirt that hits at the knee.

Suno cotton-viscose top, $395;

The Crop Top: Just Grazing a Higher Waist

Since the hem of your top kisses the edge of the waistband, think of the combo as less about navel baring and more about emphasizing your waist without having to tuck anything in. Also key: The contrast of a tailored (but not at all tight) top with looser pants (or a skirt) softens the total picture.

Rachel Zoe studded polyester top, $195;

The Miniskirt: As a "Dress"

Pair a minimalist shell with a straight mini to form an elegant (faux) dress. Try the trick with graphic black-and-white, or as seen at Narciso Rodriguez, in complementary hues with one metallic piece.

A Detacher cotton top, $530;

The Miniskirt: With a Boxy Blazer

Under a slightly longer jacket - one that's tailored but not too fitted - a micromini narrowly succeeds at making an appearance. And that's just the point of this fun, supercool ensemble. Adjust the lengths slightly to suit your risk tolerance, but keep the shape of the skirt slightly flared so the outfit skews more flirty than sleek.

Trademark cotton blazer, $285;

trade-mark.com
Express polyester skirt, $50; express.com

The Long Skirt: Long Over Long

On the runway designers teamed extra-long tops (and a few dresses) with ankle-length skirts. A tamer version features a fitted, structured tunic over full and flowy knife pleats. It gives lots of polish with a bit more swing.

Harvey Faircloth cotton-silk dress, $495; at Fleur, 919-571-6203
Joie silk skirt, $348;

shopbop.com
Sigerson Morrison leather sandals, $375; shopbop.com

The Long Skirt: Loose over Long

Take a break from tucking a classic oxford into your go-to pencil. The new shape to pair with an (even longer) fitted skirt is structured but roomy, such as a banded blouse that hits just past the waistline. Other variations - one was even spotted at typically body-con Victoria Beckham - included a long and slouchy blazer in the mix.

Sandro polyester top with leather trim, $250;

Cropped Pants: With a Cropped Jacket

Take the pants very wide, take the jacket so small it's practically a shrug, then unite the two with a fitted tank or cami in the middle. For the jacket, pick something with a geometric shape (as opposed to, say, an actual shrug) to balance out the looser cut of the trousers.

Josie Natori raffia jacket, $525;

Cropped Pants: Easy All Over

Whether you choose a looser silk blouse or a drapey tissue T, a relaxed top with a wider cropped bottom has a sophisticated vibe - and great potential as our chic vacation uniform.

DKNY silk tunic, $235;

Cropped Pants: With a Long Jacket

A big runway trend dared to combine cropped pants and tops but merged the two with long and roomy coats for a dramatically streamlined silhouette.

AYR wool coat, $485;