Crop-tops: are they making a comeback?

A few seasons ago, I read about the "40% Rule" in Glamour magazine. (Here's the link to a similar article from the Telegraph). In condensed form, you want to have no more than 40% of your skin showing per outfit. So you're wearing a backless gown to that black-tie event? Cover up the front. Same goes with your legs-- if you can rock the short-shorts trend, don't wear something revealing/tight/skimpy on the top. Keep the amount below 50%.

This relates to the comeback of cropped or circle tops. Now, I say comeback because the first crop-top I ever got was from my mom's best friend back in 2002--I was 7. These tops are a great way to show some skin without overdoing it. In fact, here a few examples from a recent purchase:

Pink and red striped "circle tee" HIP $34 ($15 at Nordstrom Rack)

James Perse white box tee $175 ( $15 at Found Underground)

Love on a hanger lilac lace tank $32 ($8 at Nordstrom Rack)

And a few more from celebrities, models and real-girls alike:

I would wear these fashionable tops with jean shorts or jeans for day, a cute skirt for night:

Crop-tops have also been a major fashion staple for those of us that go to concerts or festivals like Lollapalooza. Next week, I'll be posting my outfit for the Ke$ha/LMFAO concert, Saturday, Sept. 3. Expect lots of glitter.