Box Crops

Rejoice! This season's crop top is much more wearable than previous years. Forget last season's tight, high above the waist, sleeveless crop, the high street's spring/summer '14 crop top is boxy, stops just below the waist, and is cap-sleeved. So fear not about showing too much flesh or freezing to death, this season's crop top has got you well covered. Literally.

Many of the high street's best are button-up blouses, with both Penneys and New Look currently stocking semi-sheer floral ones. The Penneys blouse is even slightly longer than the rest, meaning your bottom half may not need quite so high a waist.

New Look's new collection does not just include these pretty blouses. The store is full of crop tops of every description, for every occasion and every wardrobe. If you still can't find what you're looking for, Boohoo.com has a great range. Cool, bold colours and patterns, including great monochrome polka dots and not-so-simple breton stripes with big, bright flowers on top. Boohoo and Forever 21 both stock cheap basic crops for a more everyday look.

If you want an exact match, which looks wonderfully dressed-up and put-together, the shops have you set. Less busily patterned crop tops (think houndstooth, not floral) are often sold alongside matching shorts or skirts for the perfect outfit. These sets can create a silhouette close to a dress or playsuit, which looks super-stylish.

On the other hand, the great thing about the crop top is that you can always find something to match. Usually best paired with something fitted and high waisted, you almost definitley have something in your wardrobe to work it. Dress down with skinny jeans or denim cutoffs; dress up with crisp pencil skirts or tailored shorts. Clean white shorts and skirts are everywhere right now, and work great with both patterned and block coloured crop tops.

The length of this season's crop top means you can avoid showing midriff, but if crop tops just aren't your thing at all, or if they go out of vogue in seasons to come, this slightly longer variety can be tucked in. Nobody knows it isn't full length and it even flatters with a-line, skater or circle skirts, so fall in love with the humble crop top and wear it with everything, forever.