I’m a fashion editor and have found the best co-ords to suit any body shape – including a crop top you can wear to work
STYLISH, flirty and fun, co-ords show off just the right amount of skin — and prove you can wear a cropped top whatever your age or size.
The two-piece trend is one of the hottest high street looks and pieces look great on their own or teamed with others from your wardrobe to create the ultimate summer outfit.
But if the thought of showing off your midriff makes you start to sweat, then this is the most flattering way to do it.
The high waisted trousers or skirts mean only the smallest part of the waist is on show.
Our shoot with size 14 model Suzannah Agripa proves this style of co-ord can be flattering for all body shapes.
The 53-year-old admits she was apprehensive about showing off her stomach.
“I was nervous before this to go out wearing dressier things that show off my middle, but there are a lot of cropped pieces out there that sit on the waistband and can balance you out a bit,” she says.
“These co-ords are a great way to highlight your waist – I’m obsessed”
Here, we pick the best looks that show off a slither of stomach – and are still flattering.
The smart casual one
IF you only want to tease a bit of midriff, then a loose fitting top such as this one from M&S is a great option.
With the skirt sitting high on the waist, you can position the co-ord to only reveal parts of your stomach depending on how you move.
Brown is a key colour this season, with celebs such as Daisy Edgar-Jones and J-Lo sporting the shade – so you’re nailing two trends in one.
Top, £29.50, skirt, £39.50, M&S; shoes, £14, bag, £9, Primark
The party one
GET your party shoes on with this fun co-ord from Mango.
The stretchy material means it’s comfy and lets you dictate how much skin you show.
While the top is strapless, you can pop a blazer over it for an extra layer or an even more relaxed look on its own.
Team with a pair of platforms and add a clutch for the perfect party look.
Blazer, £47, Next; top, £29.99; trousers, £59.99, Mango; shoes, £38, River Island
The statement one
RED is still a big hitter for colour this season and this two-piece from River Island packs a punch.
The top and skirt may be quite bodycon, but the ruched fabric makes this flattering for all.
Plus the separates break up the colour, showing midriff without revealing too much.
Wear with some fun accessories, like these star earrings, for an effortless yet stylish summer ensemble.
Top, £26; skirt, £28; shoes, £55; earrings, £12, all River Island
The cropped one
CO-ORDS come in all different styles, like this shorts suit from Primark.
The bold orange colour is perfect for this time of year and don’t be put off by a cropped blazer.
The shorts are fairly high-waisted, which leaves only a small amount of skin on show.
Suitscan often be oversized or unflattering, but this is a two-piece that really creates a structured shape.
Blazer, £20, shorts, £12, earrings, £2.50, bag, £10, Primark; top, £25, River Island; sandals, £28, New Look
The fancy one
M&S currently has so many styles of co-ords – and this pink and white two-piece is one of their best.
The puff sleeves and wide A-line skirt give this look a full feel, but the glimpse of flesh adds extra shape, giving an hourglass figure.
This kind of outfit is perfect for the races or a wedding, worn with heeled sandals and a fun bag.
It’s a different take on occasion dressing.
Top, £35, skirt, £39.50, M&S; shoes, £24, Asos
The work one
YOU may not want to flash the flesh at work, but a co-ord like this means you can show a little while looking stylish.
This cropped shirt and midi skirt, from Zara, is a classy way of wearing the trend.
Meeting nearly in the middle, you can decide how much skin is appropriate.
As the co-ord is neutral, you can either keep it tonal, as seen here, or add colour with accessories.
Top, £29.99, skirt, £29.99, Zara; shoes, £42, sunglasses, £16, Next