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From Unilever Beauty Experts

Smiling woman wearing brown midriff shirt.
A midriff shirt can be styled with different pieces, from casual jeans to dresses.

7 Unbothered Ways to Wear a Midriff Shirt

Midriff shirts have been in vogue since the ‘90s, and they may never go out of style. Keep reading for tips on rocking a navel-baring top with full confidence.

February 2, 2024
Read Time: 4 Minutes

Play with Different Textures>

Pair It with High-Waisted Bottoms>

Embrace Colors and Prints>

Or Go Monochromatic>

Add Layers>

Wear It Over Another Top>

Opt for Oversized Pieces>


If there’s one clothing item that transcends seasons and trends, it’s the midriff shirt. Gigi Hadid loves wearing one underneath a puffy coat in winter. Olivia Rodrigo sports cut-off tees almost daily to spice up her Y2K aesthetic. And who can forget Margot Robbie’s pink-tastic cropped cowboy vest on Barbie? In a nutshell, every woman should own this versatile piece in their wardrobe.

Not into trending crop tops? Some may expose a little more skin than you’d like, but fear not! Here are stylish ways to wear a crop top, no matter your age or size.

Play with Different Textures

Woman wearing lacey crop top and leather pants.
Lace top and leather pants are the perfect night-out ‘fit. (Pinterest.com/fashionfanatic78908)

Experimenting with different fabrics adds depth and a touch of sophistication to your ensemble. On a casual, errand-filled day, put on a knitted or ribbed midriff tank top and a pair of distressed jeans for a striking contrast. Another winning combination is a lacy crop top shirt with leather pants. The juxtaposition gives off a model-off-duty vibe, which instantly makes you the most fashionable gal in the whole block.

Pair It with High-Waisted Bottoms

A portrait of Ashley Graham wearing knitted cardigan, crop top, and cargo pants.
Ashley Graham mixes gorpcore and balletcore with a midriff shirt. (Instagram.com/ashleygraham)

Wondering how to wear a crop top if you’re curvy? High-waisted anything is the answer. It’s the ideal pairing for those who want more coverage or are attending formal events like an office party. Take your pick bottom styles that accentuate your waist, like paper-bag shorts and mom jeans. Ashley Graham’s cargo pants infuse her look with some gorpcore aesthetic.

Embrace Colors and Prints

A portrait of Kathryn Bernado wearing blue midriff shirt and matching mini skirt.
Kath Bernado isn’t one to shy away from bold colors and funky prints. (Instagram.com/bernadokath)

Make your midriff shirt stand out by incorporating bold shades. Vibrant hues like electric blue, fiery red, sunny yellow, or rich jewel tones pop against morena skin – giving you that sun-kissed glow effect. And if you’re feeling creative, go ahead and mix some prints. The secret is sticking to a complementary color palette for a cohesive look.

Or Go Monochromatic

A portrait of Hailey Bieber wearing silver crop top and skirt with rosette decoration.
Going to a party? Make like Hailey Bieber and don a high-neck crop top with a matching skirt. (Pinterest.com/Arolora)

A head-to-toe outfit in one shade is a power move that conveys effortless glam while keeping things simple. You can tone down your navel-baring top by pairing it with culottes or a maxi skirt of the same color. Dress it up with a belt and accessories in coordinating tones.

Add Layers

 A portrait of Dua Lipa wearing yellow crop top, printed leggings, and moto jacket.
Steal Dua Lipa’s look for your next summer music festival. (Instagram.com/dualipa_africa)

A non-fussy way to rock a midriff shirt without feeling overexposed is by layering it with a jacket. It’s chic and, best of all, protects you from the harsh sun rays. Outers like bombers give a sporty flair to your attire, while blazers are suited for a more conservative feel. When the occasion calls for something laid-back, throw on a cardigan or a loose button-up shirt.

Wear It Over Another Top

Woman wearing brown crop top over a white button-up shirt and broken white trousers.
Keep it modest by wearing a crop top over a crisp, white shirt. (Instagram.com/bubblegun_world)

When we say crop tops are versatile, we really mean it. You can wear it without revealing too much skin by layering it over a blouse or a dress. The crop top creates a slimming effect and adds structure to the look. Weird? Maybe, at first glance. But many fashion-forward peeps have put this formula to the test.

Opt for Oversized Pieces

A portrait of Rei Germar wearing a Celine oversized shirt and jeans.
If casual is your thing, choose a loose-fitting midriff top and pair it with jeans. (Instagram.com/reigermar)

Look, bloating after eating is normal. Instagram models with rock-hard abs also experience it. Try an oversized midriff shirt if you’re conscious of your tummy rolls post-feast. Baggy or flowy bottoms are the perfect base for this style since they also camouflage the lower belly area.

Feel comfortable in any outfit with fresh, moisturized skin. Try Dove Go Fresh Cucumber & Green Tea Body Wash or Dove Go Fresh Sakura Blossom Body Wash – both have a Microbiome Gentle Skin Prebiotics formula that helps maintain the skin barrier and replenish lost moisture. The former boasts cucumber and green tea extract, which help purify and protect. The latter, infused with anti-inflammatory Sakura flower extract and Himalayan salt, provides gentle nourishment and a soothing effect.

The key to making any outfit, including a midriff shirt, look good on you is unabashed confidence and a sprinkle of sassiness. So, follow these styling tips and go strut your stuff!

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