Yes, you can and should wear crop tops when you are petite plus size. This is your guide to the best tops for your body type.
How often have you told yourself that you cannot wear something because you’re plus size? You’ve probably heard things like, crop tops aren’t for you and to stay away from low-cut shirts.
Well, my friend, I’m here to tell you that style has nothing to do with size. It’s all about finding the right fit and cut for your shape. (Petite Plus Style Secret: that includes crop tops.)
That’s what I’m here to help you with! As a fellow petite plus-size woman, I’m 5’2 and a size 16, let me be your guide to finding the best styles to fit your size and shape.
In this article I’m going to break down the Best Top Styles for Petite Plus Size:
I’ll also answer questions like, what tops are best for petites, how to find the perfect bra, and style hacks to make any top work for your petite plus shape.
This article is dedicated to the five best top styles for petite plus-size women.
Best Top Styles for Petite Plus Size
I feel like finding the right top styles has always been a struggle. I’ve been somewhere between a full C-cup to a DD since the age of 13 and I grew up in a time when fashion was not your friend if you weren’t tiny and thin.
We’ve come a long way and I do believe that there is better representation of diverse body types out there now. But as a petite plus-size woman, I still find it hard to see myself in the fashion industry, let alone find clothes that make my body sing.
So, if you find it hard to shop for your size as well, let me give you a few style cheat codes to make your hunt for the perfect shirt a little easier.
1. Cropped Tops
First on the list are probably the style of tops you’ve stayed away from most, cropped tops.
A crop top is a perfect cut when you are petite plus size because it will help to define your natural waistline. When you are petite, your torso is typically shorter, so longer tops will hide your shape instead of accentuating it.
When choosing a crop cut for your tops, make sure that the style is not too boxy, otherwise, this will cancel out the defining aspect of this style. Making you look, well, boxy.
I love choosing t-shirts and tanks with an open neckline and a cropped cut. These pair nicely under longer jackets or with a longer skirt.
I’d love to see some of your cropped top outfits, so tag me on Instagram or TikTok @moraraestudio
2. V-Necklines
If you’ve been following MoraRae Studio for a little while, you might already know how much I love a good v-neckline top.
V-necks are the easiest and simplest way to enhance your outfit and compliment your body. Whether you have a full or smaller bust, a v-neck is a great style choice.
The v-shaped neckline creates a visual illusion when you wear it. The point of the v shape, draws the eye downward, making your overall body appear longer. While, the open side of the v shape, literally opens up to highlight your chest, neck, and face.
You can find v-neck style t-shirts, tank tops, button-downs, blouses, and dresses. So, make sure to add these to your petite plus wardrobe and you’ll always feel like the star that you are.
3. Off-the-Shoulder
Another open-neckline style to add to your outfit rotation is an off-the-shoulder top.
Off-the-shoulder tops are perfect shirt styles when you are petite plus size because they do the same thing as a v-neck but are a little fancier.
This top style will highlight your shoulders as well as your collarbone and neck. When you have a shorter frame, it’s easy for your neck to be hidden. And that’s something we want to avoid.
When your neck is hidden, by a turtleneck, large scarf, or chunky necklace, it adds more bulk to your chest area, further exaggerating your fullness and shortness.
These necklines are great options when you want a more romantic vibe. So choose off-the-shoulder top styles when you are looking for a date night look or something for a special occasion.
Interested in building a capsule wardrobe? Check out these Capsule Wardrobe Challenges for inspiration!
4. Wrap Tops
If you read my guide to the best dress styles for petite plus size, you already know that the classic wrap dress should be your new dress bestie.
But, did you know that wrap tops are also a great choice for you? Well, now you do.
A wrap top combines the features of a v-neck and a cropped top. This means it will cinch you at the smallest point of your body, your natural waist. While also, creating an open neckline.
I love wrap tops because you can tie them as tight or loose as you’d like. Meaning they are very forgiving and always flattering.
Try pairing a wrap top with a pair of high-waist, wide-leg pants for a chic casual look.
5. Peplums
The final top style on the list is peplum tops. A peplum top is a top that has a flounce or sometimes called a “mini skirt” detail.
The flounce in a peplum top will create a fit and flare silhouette which highlights your waist while also providing coverage for your tummy area.
This top style is very flattering, especially when you wear it with a pair of straight-leg pants in the same color as the peplum top. You will have a feminine and lengthening look that is versatile. Perfect for the office or a night out with friends.
What Tops should Petites Wear?
When you are petite and plus size, you often have unique style challenges like:
- A Fuller bust
- Shorter torso and arms
- Larger tummy
This can make finding that perfect top a bit of a challenge. Raise your hand if you have to safety pin every button-down shirt to keep the girls in check, I see you, friend.
The good news is, there are top styles and fashion tricks you can use to help accentuate your frame without trying to hide any part of you. Use the shirt style suggestions and tips I listed above to build a closet of tops that will always work for your body type.
This way, you will feel confident and beautiful in every outfit you put together.
Make Sure your Bra is Strong and Supportive
Now that you know about the best tops for petite plus size, we need to address the ill-fitting elephant in the room: wearing the wrong bra size.
It’s so important to make sure you’re wearing the right bra that actually fits. None of these styles and fashion tips will do a thing if you’re not wearing a bra that accurately supports your bust, especially if you have a larger chest.
Choosing the right bra is all about your chest measurements and cup size. Check out this video, to learn how to properly find your bust measurements.
When you have the right bra, this will make choosing the best top for your petite plus frame so much easier!
Read about the Best Petite Plus Size Fashion Staples you Need in your Wardrobe, like yesterday.
Style Hacks to Make any Top work for Petite Plus Size
Now that you know about the best top styles for your size, I don’t want you to think what you currently own cannot work for you. Great style is when you can take any piece of clothing and make it work for your shape.
Even if you have nothing but oversized, too-long tops in your closet, there are simple ways to turn them into the perfect fit for you. No sewing or tailoring required.
Add a Belt
If you have tops that are too big or long, add a belt to define your waist. When choosing a belt, make sure it’s not an overly complicated or wide-width design.
A narrow, simple belt will do the trick.
Tie or Knot It
You can also tie or knot your tops to accentuate your waist. This style tip requires nothing but the top you already own and a little know-how.
Check out this video on how to easily tie your tops.
Tuck It In
Tuck in your tops to give a cropped effect. You can do a half-tuck and just tuck in the front half of your shirt. Or tuck in the whole thing. I like to do this when I am wearing a higher waist pant or skirt, as this helps my torso appear longer while also highlighting my waist.
You can also add a narrow belt and then tuck in your top using that. This works best when wearing a dress or jumpsuit.
Push Up Your Sleeves
Push up your sleeves to help elongate your arms. Yes, sounds too easy but it’s true. Especially if you have a long-sleeve button-down shirt or blazer.
Do the Chandler and roll up your sleeves girl!
Make it a Layer Piece
Last but not least, use button-down tops as layering pieces if you can’t find one that fits your girls. I tend to use this one for seasonal flannel tops.
As soon as I wash these types of tops, they shrink and make it impossible for my bust to fit without constantly using a safety pin. So, they become a second layer for me instead.
Don’t be afraid to try out new top silhouettes and play around with your style. Every petite plus-size body is different. For example, your torso might be longer or shorter.
So, if you like a new fashion trend, give it a try by using these tips to make any top work for you. You just might surprise yourself along the way.
This is your ultimate guide to finding the best top styles for petite plus size.
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