Whitney Port Teaches Us a Master Class in the Art of the Crop Top

How to wear a short shirt for every occassion

By Diana Nguyen May 27, 2015 11:32 PMTags

Everybody has at least one closet staple—you know that one amazing piece that's so flattering, so comfortable or so classic that you want to live in it. Well, now you can—without looking like a wardrobe repeat offender.

Influencer Whitney Port and fellow E! Style Collective members Rachel Zalis and Julianne Kaye came to the studio to show us how to wear one of the designer's favorite go-to pieces, a Whitney Eve Laguna Top, on three separate occasions.

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Jenna Williams

Influencer Off Duty
"Crop tops can definitely be a bit scary but there are some tips to think about when wearing one," said Rachel, a celebrity fashion guru. It's all about balance. "Stay away from skin-tight bottoms and stick to something with more volume like wide-leg pants or a fuller skirt," she suggested.

"When in doubt, wear jean shorts!" added Whitney, who was a fan of the slouchy silhouette.

For this casual look, Whitney's eye makeup was purposely smudged. "You can take a dry cotton bud to your shadow to do this," advised Julianne, a Hollywood makeup maven. "This just gives the eyes a soft smoky feel that's perfect for daytime."

On Whitney: Mother shorts, Bloomingdale's bangles, Zara sandals, Whitney Eve crop top

Jenna Williams

Off to Work We Go
You may think crop tops are a definite no-go for professional settings, but paired with the right proportions, you won't feel like you're baring it all in the boardroom. With high-waisted pants or a skirt, only a sliver of skin peeks through. If the threat of HR worries you, pair your crop top with a thin base, like a tank inside, and jacket or blazer in the same color but different texture for an interesting multi-layer look.

For makeup, less is more. You're going to work, not to a club, after all. "I just tightlined Whitney's eye lashes with a very thin eye marker (Marc Jacobs Beauty Magic Marc'er Precision Pen Waterproof Eyeliner) to create an ever so thin cat-eye," said Julianne. "It's not so obvious and really makes the eyes pop because of the well-defined lash line. It also makes lashes look fuller!"

On Whitney: Zara cropped pants, Zara slides, Zara bag, Whitney Eve crop top

Jenna Williams

Into the Darkness
Whether you're off to a dinner date or an after-party, it's all about complementing different textures and silhouettes. The boxy crop top contrasts perfectly against a ladylike lace pencil skirt and rocker-chic leather jacket. "I love the mix of femininity and edge," the former reality star said. Just don't forget to add some killer heels and a sleek clutch to dress things up.

Even in a time crunch, a bold lip will exponentially elevate an entire look. "I popped a sheer bright coral on the lip, which is super on trend for summer and just fun!" Julianne noted. "I'm a fan of matching lip color (Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in 178 Sonate) to an element of the outfit."

On Whitney: Misha Collection skirt, Bella Marie heels, DVF clutch, Whitney Eve crop top

Styling by Rachel Zalis; Makeup by Julianne Kay, Hair by Long Nguyen