How To Wear A Crop Top In Your Forties | With A Maxi Skirt

Aztec print crop top & red maxi skirt

I did it again – I dared to bare my midriff in a crop top! In my forties! The age-appropriate police are on their way, I’m sure.

But it seems that you guys are okay with it judging by the response to my first attempt

I personally go by the rule of thumb that dictates it’s a good idea to cover up in other places when you’re baring one particular part. Not everyone needs to follow that, but I’m happier – and feel less self-conscious – when I have only one of my cleavage, legs or belly out. One’s enough for me. So a maxi skirt is an ideal cover up when I’ve got midriff on show and is perfect for a warm day when I just want to wear flats. I got these black cutout flower sandals in the sale – they’re soooo comfy and lasted me a whole afternoon’s walk down by the canal at the weekend.

So do any of you lovely readers go by that rule of thumb I mentioned – only one of legs/belly/cleavage out? Or do you throw caution to the wind and get ’em all out at once (good for you if you do)!

Catherine x

Aztec print crop top & red maxi skirt
Aztec print crop top & red maxi skirt
Red maxi skirt, black cutout sandals
Aztec print crop top & red maxi skirt

Crop top: Asos, Skirt: River Island, Sandals: Debenhams, Bag: Asos, Sunglasses: Ray Ban, Chevron rings: Asos, Toenails: Barry M Gelly Watermelon

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49 Comments

  1. 16 February 2014 / 5:02 am

    you look awesome! as a twenty something, i completely approve and want that outfit regardless of "age appropriate" is supposed to be. fashion is about taking the rules and breaking them.

  2. 3 February 2014 / 4:55 pm

    I've only just seen this post but it's so beautiful! Everything about this outfit is perfect and your figure is amaaazing xxx

    http://blog.doodleheart.co.uk

  3. 27 August 2013 / 4:25 am

    Wow!! You look absolutely incredible! When I read you were 40 I was surprised, you are in amazing shape and have ridiculously cute style!! Ahhh I can't get over how much I love this. Bravo (:

  4. 20 August 2013 / 9:01 pm

    Love that skirt, I think you can do anything as long it's not too much of everything! I will be 40 next year and sometimes hold back on colour and prints that are a bit out there, but that is slowly changing! x

  5. 20 August 2013 / 5:47 pm

    Really gorgeous combination, and I think your approach is excellent advice. Must have a toned belly to show it off.(You didn't say it, but I don't mind.) You work hard on yours, not only do you get away with it, it's a sure-fire look for you. Can't quite get over how much I like this black and white pattern with the red, either.

  6. 20 August 2013 / 12:47 am

    Catherine, you nailed it with this outfit. I think the key to a crop top older than your 20's is pairing it with a high waisted bottom. This is one of my favorite outfits.

    xoxo,
    Carrie
    http://expressive-style.blogspot.com/

  7. 19 August 2013 / 10:48 pm

    I hope I look half as good as you do at 40… Such an amazing, beautiful woman!
    Pinning this!
    Thanks for linking up for Passion For Fashion! β™₯

  8. 19 August 2013 / 8:51 pm

    You are not 40. You're not!! And you have a rockin' bod girl!
    I love the combo of the tribal top and bright red maxi and I definitely agree with the one body part rule πŸ™‚
    Jessi
    http://haircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com

  9. 19 August 2013 / 8:44 pm

    OMG!! looking absolutely perfect, a great balance with the maxi skirt ;D I would wear it all

  10. 19 August 2013 / 2:39 pm

    There is no way on this planet I can wear a crop top and I'm not even 40 yet. But, you! You look fabulous. And it's such a fun print.

  11. 19 August 2013 / 1:22 pm

    Fabulous, you! Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday. xoxo

  12. 19 August 2013 / 11:41 am

    40s? One could only hope to look so good!

    Xo,

    Heather P.
    Spunky Real Deals

  13. 19 August 2013 / 6:49 am

    You look fabulous! I have two crop tops but I’ve not worn either of them yet. I'm currently living in India where it's the norm to show your midriff and sometimes frowned upon to show your shoulders…but I feel far more self conscious showing my middle than my shoulders! You’ve inspired me to give it a go πŸ™‚

  14. 18 August 2013 / 5:47 pm

    Your cropped looks have been spot on Catherine! If I had your figure, I would be rocking the crop top too. I just feel like crop top and extra belly love just don't mix…so no crop tops for me.

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

  15. 18 August 2013 / 12:33 pm

    I think both of your cropped looks are my favorites, they look awesome on you and I love the print with the red..gorgeous!
    sheree xxx

  16. 17 August 2013 / 8:09 pm

    Ah Catherine my darling. I absolutely adore you in a crop top.
    I am with you – only show 1 thing at a time! I think it helps to look sexy, but in a classy way, to keep some things to the imagination. However, if I had a different body, like say yours, I might just walk around naked to show it off πŸ˜‰

    • 18 August 2013 / 6:25 pm

      Heehee you're so naughty, Ashlea my gorgeous!! Thank you xoxo

  17. 17 August 2013 / 6:38 pm

    With your abs, you should wear this look often!

    • 18 August 2013 / 6:12 pm

      :))) that's really sweet of you – thank you Wendy x

  18. 17 August 2013 / 4:30 pm

    I agree with your rule of thumb, your clothes should highlight your best features, if you've got more than one rather than showcase them all just choose one and make that the centrepiece of your outfit!

  19. 17 August 2013 / 3:58 pm

    Wow!!! You pull this outfit off with style my friend. If I had your midriff I would work it too. πŸ˜‰
    I remember your previous post and that you work hard on keeping in shape. You are
    certainly getting the results. I agree-especially as I've gotten older-drawing attention to one area-rather
    than the whole package makes good sense. I find it stylish and a more intriguing way to dress.
    Love this outfit on you!
    xx, Heather @ Stylemindchic

  20. 17 August 2013 / 3:20 pm

    I do not believe your age for a start! This outfit is something I would love to have, I think your showing just the right amount of skin ( no matter what age) xxx such a fun outfit

    http://kimiandme.blogspot.co.uk

  21. 17 August 2013 / 10:58 am

    Catherine you style the crop top perfectly! You carry it off with such grace, I love this look! πŸ™‚

    Take care and enjoy your weekend,
    Daniella xox

  22. 16 August 2013 / 10:25 pm

    Congratulations, Catherine, your waist looks far better in your forties than many others in their 20ies…!
    Only one at a time, yes. That rule also goes for makeup: Either highlight lips or eyes. I think it makes a look a lot more interesting.

    Annette | Lady of Style

    • 18 August 2013 / 6:10 pm

      Thank you SO much, Annette! What a lovely thing to say :))

  23. 16 August 2013 / 7:52 pm

    So lovely. Your rule makes that the emphasis is on the "bare" spot. So I agree with you. And this skirt and top suit you so well. Heads will turn, be sure of that.
    Greetje

    • 16 August 2013 / 9:39 pm

      Greetje that's such a fab compliment!! Thank you my little lammie xxx

    • 18 August 2013 / 9:46 am

      I am still very proud of me being a little lammie.

  24. 16 August 2013 / 6:28 pm

    You rock that crop top! And that print is fabulous on you. It goes perfectly with a pop of red. You look great, Catherine!

    Happy Friday!
    Grace
    A Southern Drawl

    • 16 August 2013 / 9:38 pm

      That's so sweet of you, thank you Grace x

  25. 16 August 2013 / 4:00 pm

    You look lovely! I don't have any particular rule, but I tend to prefer being covered up in general. If I'm in a low cut shirt, I'm usually in a big full skirt or basic jeans

    • 16 August 2013 / 9:18 pm

      To be honest I'm usually covered up too, Jennifer! My middle is the bit I'm most confident about of the three (legs: not so keen, & cleavage is a bit full-on in my case), but it's not warm enough very often in the UK to bare my torso. So it's only occasionally πŸ˜‰ Thank you hun! xoxo

    • 16 August 2013 / 9:16 pm

      It is quite a good rule of thumb, isn't it Debbie…? And thank you!! x

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