Insightful Athlete: Fitness Fashion Trend

Crop tops have invaded the Spring '14 runway. They have invaded summer collections. Now they are starting to invade activewear apparel, making appearances in leading premier fitness brands. Like every Cosmo-girl, we want to be sexy but not skanky....striving to show off our hard-worked assets without looking like we are working.....and I'm not talking about the office kind :).

Let's look at the different types of crops tops:

1. Fitted Tank Crop

Photo Credit: Grizzy Love

Fitted crop tops are the most difficult crops to pull off without appearing gym-skanky. For a more relaxed look, try loose-fitting capri pants or sweats. For a bold gym-goer, try pairing a fitted crop with high-waisted legging. Keep it classy by covering up the bottom and avoiding booty shorts and low rise leggings.

From Left to Right: Elizabetta Rogiana Diva Top // Lululemon Solo Bra // Solow Ribbed Racerback // VSX Crop Top

From Left to Right: Lululemon Wunder Under Pant Cotton Roll Down // Lululemon Studio Pants II // Athleta La Viva Pant // Athleta Prima Capri

2. Loose Tee Crop

Photo Credit: Grizzy Love

The loose tee crop is a little easier to pull off. It can worn with almost any type of bottom without looking hoochie. My favorite bottoms with this top is semi-loose shorts and yoga crops/leggings. Since the top is flowy, the rise isn't as important....but keep in mind the bagginess of the pants. A flowy top and bottom can look a little messy together if you are not careful.

From Left to Right: C&C California 'Loose' Crop Tee // Adidas by Stella McCartney 'Yoga Loose' High/Low Crop Tee // American Apparel Loose Crop Tank // Alternative 'Let's Dance' Top

From Left to Right: Athleta Go the Distance Short // Hard Tail Tye Dye Low Rise Leggings // Kira Grace Warrior Yoga Leggings // Lululemon Speed Shorts

3. Long Sleeve Crop

Photo Credit: Larime Loom

The long sleeve crop top is great for any fitness lover, even the timid ones. For the body-conscious fitness-fashionista, throw a crop sweater over a fitted tank and leggings. For the more assertive, throw a loose crop top over a sports bra and spandex shorts. Keep long sleeved crop tops loose when wearing tight shorts.

From Left to Right: Solow Qulited High Low Top // Beyond Yoga Easy Crop Easy Go Sweatshirt // Under Armour Rollick Hoodie // Solow French Terry Crop Sweatshirt

From Left to Right: Athleta Lightening Chatarunga Capri // Under Armour Ultimate Shorty // YogaSmoga Run Jump 'N Play Crop // Hard Tail Bootie Short

I think if anything, this crop "trend" is growing my motivation in the gym! Are you bold enough to wear a crop to the gym?

For more athletic crop tops, check out my picks on my "Crop Tops" Pinterest Board!