Every summer I try to push myself outside of my comfort zone a little bit more. And that’s saying a lot because during the summer season, I am already pretty uncomfortable. Speaking from personal experience, summer can be a trying time for plus size women for many reasons—but to include a few: chub rub, sweating, and lack of practical, on trend, and cute summer clothes. However, I try to make this season as exciting as I can by putting together beautiful looks that require me to be a little adventurous!
This summer, I have decided to embrace crop tops. Up until recently, I have pretty much avoided crop tops because I have always been very insecure about my lower tummy. But to dissolve the fear and dread I have behind my insecurities, I have learned to fully embrace my insecurities and rock them. Now, whether I am showing my tummy a little or a lot, I have learned to really love crop tops because they make me feel rebellious and adventurous. So I headed to Gordmans, my favorite place to get all of the designer brands I love for half the price, to stock up on all kinds of crop tops. I was really successful in finding different styles, fits, and patterns that could work for almost every occasion I have planned this summer.
Although, every Gordmans I have ever been to has a great plus size section, I always visit the Valparaiso, Indiana location because it has the best and biggest selection of plus size clothing.
Almost every article of clothing I got from Gordmans was less than $20, which is such a bargain because these are some of the brands I typically pay full price for! Thanks to Gordmans for being an off-price retailer, I can score all of my favorite designer brands for a fraction of the price. If you aren’t familiar with off-price retailers, they essentially buy excess inventory from department and specialty stores, then sell it at greatly reduced prices. You can also find home goods and accessories at Gordmans, which I always treat myself to when I shop.
Let’s dive into each of these looks!
Farmers Market Chic
I wore this neutral look to the Farmers Market and out in the city while I was running errands. A lot of crop tops can come off as sexy, depending on their fit, but I love that the looser fit of this top gives off a more casual and chill vibe. However, I still feel like a goddess in it when I pair it with form-fitting bottoms or a mini skirt!
Crop top: $12.99
Pants: $19.99
Purse: $13.99
Sandals: $9.99
Strut Your Stuff, Any Day….Any Time
WOW. If you can’t tell, I feel like the hottest chick walking down the street. This outfit propelled my confidence onto another level, which is so interesting, because light wash jeans show my lower tummy area unlike anything else. While my lower tummy has been a longtime insecurity of mine, fashion has really assisted me in developing confidence and finding love in the parts of my body I used to hate. The proof is in these photos, baby!
Crop top: $3.99
Jeans: $16.99
Purse: $4.99
Necklace: $6.99
Heels: $10.99
Festival Queen
This has to be one of my favorite looks for this summer. I love an outfit that is so easy to put together but looks like a lot of styling and time went into it. Every time I wear a top off the shoulder, I feel so radiant and beautiful—I think there is something really pretty about showing off shoulders. I love how the crop top balance a loose fit with a fitted bandeau, it looks so good on my body. I paired the top with these cute shorts that actually look like a skirt. Together they make such an adorable summer fit that I have on repeat!
Crop top: $10.99
Shorts: $18.99
Necklace: $7.99
Sandals: $9.99
Sunday Funday
When it gets super hot out, I want to be wearing as little clothing as possible. This cute little look is perfect for days hanging out at the beach or the park. I love this pop of orange, it’s such a great color for my skin. The ruffle hems and the straps are so darling. I will absolutely keep this crop top in rotation through fall, because it would also be cute dressed up with jeans and a jacket.
Crop top: $4.99
Shorts: $12.99
Necklace: $7.99
Sandals: $9.99
Date Night or A Night Out
Don’t get me wrong, I love a sexy look. When I saw this leopard bandeau crop top, I immediately thought about creating a look for a fun night out or date night. Leopard is such a hot pattern right now and I know that this top is very versatile and could also be mixed into a more casual look. I am so excited to see how many ways I can wear it. But for tonight, we slay a sexy look!
Crop top: $6.99
Skirt: $26.99
