RECURRENCE

We all know how history likes to repeat itself; often in subtle, déjà vu style, and other times it comes back with a bang. Anything in history could recur in global, political or social issues and trends, in art, in design, in fashion, in music and the list goes on.

Enter crop tops. Actually, enter Gwen Stefani, Gwen Stefani, Gwen Stefani, All Saints, and of course some Sporty Spice. It is safe to say the flab showing trend gave birth in the 90s, and that girls of the 90s knew how to do some serious crunches. No, not bitter, just jealous. 

We've been seeing crop tops for a while now (as I remember they used to be called midriffs, hanging tops, or baby tees). They come in all different shapes, colours, and lengths that although aim to expose some skin, can be worn and manipulated to look very very different from each other. In the 90s, ladies wore them with low waist pants to show off some of those lower abdominal muscles. Today, though still worn with low waist bottoms, it is more commonly worn with higher waisted pants, shorts, or skirts. I mean it looks nice, and it's far more convenient than tucking longer tops in. No need to struggle when visiting the bathroom or make adjustments if you are reaching for something (ladies who tuck, you know what I mean). Ergo, crop tops prove to be quite convenient. The only thing is, it is a greater challenge to remind oneself to work out even just a little bit. Luckily, the high waisted bottoms help covering majority of the flabs. On a side note, I find they are very useful for layering too.

Here I'm trying out the sports bra as a crop top. It's a two-in-one thing, ultra comfort, no fuss. Not to mention, I am very much loving these skirt pants.

Mesh Cardigan: Vintage / Sports Bra: Karma / Skirt Pants: Uniqlo

Photos by Karyn Ong