11 crop tops to wear with high-waisted shorts this summer, starting at $4

We’ve all pined over a trend—think straw bags, bucket hats, or giant scrunchies—and been crushed when sky-high prices prevented us from experimenting with the style. With Stylish Steals, we bring you affordable versions of the latest trends spotted on the runway, on Instagram, in stores, and on the street. Consider us your new, price-savvy personal shoppers.
In middle school, my friends and I snipped the ends off of our old T-shirts. We were amateur fashion designers, creating our DIY crop tops. Since then, I’ve ditched the scissors and started buying high-quality crop tops as summer staples that I wear again and again.
Unlike tube tops (another summer closet must-have), crop tops are made in an array of styles: T-shirts, tank tops, and long-sleeved designs are all on the table when it comes to style options. Add in today’s trends—tie-dye, bows, knot detailing, smocked or ribbed fabric, and puff sleeves—and the choices are endless.
Crop tops keep you cool while dancing up a storm on warm summer nights, and they’re an easy way to show some skin and spunk during the day.
But don’t fret: Crop tops don’t have to be the bare-it-all look you’re picturing. Modern, reimagined crop tops can be knotted below the belly button or tied into a bow in the back, covering more skin than the skimpy crop tops of the ’80s. Plus, high-waisted shorts, jeans, and skirts are the perfect pairings for crop tops and will cover your navel seamlessly. Below, we rounded up 11 cute crop tops for you to shop—from T-shirts to tank tops—all under $25.
1. Splendid Sundown Vista Tee in Tie Dye
Shop It! $24, [tempo-ecommerce src=”https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=93xLBvPhAeE&mid=42623&u1=HGFAS11CropTopstoWearThisSummerCHarmeyerJul20&murl=https://www.splendid.com/sundown-vista-tee-in-tie-dye.html&LSNSUBSITE=LSNSUBSITE” title=”Splendid.com” context=”body”]
Chances are, you’ve hopped on the tie-dye trend by now. The most popular pattern of the summer isn’t going away anytime soon, so if you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, add this tie-dye crop top to your wardrobe. The bright pink hue is perfect for sunny summer days at the park, and the cropped fit will keep you cool. Bonus: This tee comes with a free scrunchie, made from fabric scraps to reduce waste.
2. H&M Smocked Cropped Top
Shop It! $12.99, [tempo-ecommerce src=”https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=93xLBvPhAeE&mid=43148&u1=HGFAS11CropTopstoWearThisSummerCHarmeyerJul20&murl=https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0878483002.html” title=”hm.com” context=”body”]
Smocked fabric is all the rage these days—we see it in everything from tops to dresses to skirts. The stretchy design of this smocked black crop top is super comfortable, and the ruffled hem and sleeves add a feminine flare. Choose between black and bubblegum pink for this cute crop top.
3. BDG Godfather Cutoff Cropped Tank Top
Shop It! $20, [tempo-ecommerce src=”https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/bdg-godfather-cutoff-cropped-tank-top?color=010&type=REGULAR&quantity=1&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=LS&utm_campaign=Time Inc Brands&utm_term=798736&utm_content=1&ranMID=43176&ranEAID=93xLBvPhAeE&ranSiteID=93xLBvPhAeE-IG9x4ukLlBpXlAxTGXyzJw” title=”UrbanOutfitters.com” context=”body”]
A white crop top is a warm-weather necessity in our book, and this BDG racerback tank ranks at the top of our list. A lightweight ribbed knit fabric and high crewneck silhouette make this tank cool and classic.
4. H&M Puff-Sleeved Jersey Top
Shop It! $13.99, [tempo-ecommerce src=”https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0885624001.html?utm_source=rakuten&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=3234711_Time+Inc+Brands&utm_content=10&utm_term=US_Network&ranMID=43148&ranEAID=93xLBvPhAeE&ranSiteID=93xLBvPhAeE-bh00Kxli6tKem5umlppm1Q” title=”hm.com” context=”body”]
We have major heart eyes for this cute crop top. The sweetheart neckline, puff sleeves, and eyelet embroidery ooze romantic energy while the sunny yellow color makes it perfect for summer days.
5. Free People Top Notch Crop Tank
Shop It! $20, [tempo-ecommerce src=”https://www.shopbop.com/top-notch-crop-tank-free/vp/v=1/1593943106.htm?extid=affprg_linkshare_SB-93xLBvPhAeE&cvosrc=affiliate.linkshare.93xLBvPhAeE&affuid=HGFAS11CropTopstoWearThisSummerCHarmeyerJul20&sharedid=42352&subid1=93xLBvPhAeE-8qhK320VnD_RvJE5gBhYxA” title=”shopbop.com” context=”body”]
Everyone needs a black crop top in their closet, and this tank fits the bill. A lightweight, ribbed knit fabric and split scoop-neck add an extra flare that screams “cool girl.” We’ll be wearing this baby on repeat all summer long.
6. BDG Arcadian Notch Neck Cropped Tee
Shop It! $20, [tempo-ecommerce src=”https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/bdg-arcadian-notch-neck-cropped-tee?color=010&type=REGULAR&quantity=1&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=LS&utm_campaign=Time Inc Brands&utm_term=798736&utm_content=1&ranMID=43176&ranEAID=93xLBvPhAeE&ranSiteID=93xLBvPhAeE-dKxXal7OieIzy8JBazPL_A” title=”UrbanOutfitters.com” context=”body”]
This top-rated cropped T-shirt from BDG is available in four colors: peach, yellow, black, and white. It’s made of 100% cotton and features a flattering V-neck design, so you might want to snag this crop top in a few colors. Plus, it looks super cozy.
7. H&M Short Cotton Tie-Back Top
Shop It! $17.99, [tempo-ecommerce src=”https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=93xLBvPhAeE&mid=43148&u1=HGFAS11CropTopstoWearThisSummerCHarmeyerJul20&murl=https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0868166002.html” title=”hm.com” context=”body”]
Wide shoulder straps, an eyelet-embroidered flounce, and wide ties in the back make for a flirty and flattering crop top, available in both navy and white.
8. Topshop Ballet Ribbed Wrap Crop Top
Shop It! $12, [tempo-ecommerce src=”https://www.nordstrom.com/s/topshop-ballet-ribbed-wrap-crop-top/5493457?siteid=93xLBvPhAeE-VNBla.uFQ.vFzv26KZQFrw&utm_source=rakuten&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=93xLBvPhAeE&utm_content=1&utm_term=772849&utm_channel=low_nd_affiliates&sp_source=rakuten&sp_campaign=93xLBvPhAeE” title=”Nordstrom.com” context=”body”]
A wrapped fit and side tie elevate this cropped T-shirt to a spunky level, making it perfect for day or night. Choose between this buttery yellow, baby pink, white, or black.
9. Boohoo Petite Lettuce Hem Long Sleeve Crop Top
Shop It! $8, [tempo-ecommerce src=”https://www.boohoo.com/petite-lettuce-hem-v-neck-long-sleeve-crop-top/PZZ69953.html?cj_linkd=11555757&cj_webid=8191803&cj_sid=HGFAS11CropTopstoWearThisSummerCHarmeyerJul20&cj_affid=4522830&cj_affname=Meredith Corporation&utm_source=COMMISSIONJUNCTION&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_term=8191803&click_id=68a6a665cd2b11ea803000350a240614&cjevent=68a6a665cd2b11ea803000350a240614″ title=”Boohoo.com” context=”body”]
During chillier summer nights, rock this white crop top out and about or while hanging at home. A scoop neckline and lettuce hem add doses of feminine energy to this classic crop top.
10. Topshop ’90s Halter Crop Top
Shop It! $12, [tempo-ecommerce src=”https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=93xLBvPhAeE&mid=35861&u1=HGFAS11CropTopstoWearThisSummerCHarmeyerJul20&murl=https://us.topshop.com/en/tsus/product/blue-90s-halter-top-9620422″ title=”Topshop.com” context=”body”]
We love an open-back moment during the summer for many reasons: It keeps you cool, it’s sexy, and it’s the perfect excuse to go braless. This halter crop top from Topshop checks all those boxes. It looks like your typical white tank top in the front, but the back offers a show-stopping moment.
11. Boohoo Cropped Capped Sleeve T-Shirt
Shop It! $8, [tempo-ecommerce src=”https://www.boohoo.com/petite-lettuce-hem-v-neck-long-sleeve-crop-top/PZZ69953.html?cj_linkd=11555757&cj_webid=8191803&cj_sid=HGFAS11CropTopstoWearThisSummerCHarmeyerJul20&cj_affid=4522830&cj_affname=Meredith Corporation&utm_source=COMMISSIONJUNCTION&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_term=8191803&click_id=68a6a665cd2b11ea803000350a240614&cjevent=68a6a665cd2b11ea803000350a240614″ title=”Boohoo.com” context=”body”]
You can’t go wrong with this basic cropped T-shirt from Boohoo. Choose between grey, black, white, and red for this everyday crop top that can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion.