A Mesh Crop Top Is a Great ’90s Staple Your Wardrobe Needs

There’s no secret that the ’90s are having a moment. From high-waist jeans to crop top-friendly flannel, the decade is back with a vengeance. And now, another ’90s staple is having a moment— and it’s not grunge, punk, or even cropped jean shorts this time around.

I’m talking about a mesh crop top. It’s kind of feels like mesh is everywhere right now. From high-end runway shows to affordable, fast fashion chains, a mesh is showing up in unexpected places — and we love it!

Crop tops with mesh details tend to be pretty see-through, so you might want to consider throwing on a cami (or maybe even two) under your mesh top on colder days. But if you’re ready to embrace this ’90s look again in your wardrobe, keep reading for 9 tips on how you can style a mesh crop top right now!

A mesh crop top is a blank canvas

You can wear it with jeans and sneakers, with a pencil skirt and stilettos, or pretty much any other kind of bottoms. A mesh crop top is a great way to add some edgy style to your outfit without having to worry about whether it goes with the rest of your look or not — because it will work with pretty much everything!

Mesh tops come in a variety of colors, prints, and designs, so you can really make them your own. A black mesh top is a great way to add a bit of edge to a basic pencil skirt without drawing too much attention to you at the office.

If you’re working on a budget, you can also find mesh tops that are made from less expensive materials like synthetic fabrics, i.e., nylon. These will cost less than a top made from a more luxurious fabric like silk.

Mesh crop tops are ideal for layering

They’re the perfect piece to throw on over your favorite shirt or blouse to give it some edge. Or you can layer a mesh crop top over a long-sleeved shirt or sweater — maybe even with a pair of leggings or tights underneath.

If you’re worried about being too cold on a given day, you can also layer a mesh top over a cami or t-shirt. This is especially a good idea if you’re going to be wearing your mesh top out on a cold winter day.

Try a mesh bodysuit instead

The best thing about mesh bodysuits is that they’re just as edgy as mesh crop tops, but they’re not quite as see-through. If you’re the kind of person who prefers to wear your sleeves rolled up, a mesh bodysuit might be a perfect choice.

You can even try wearing a mesh bodysuit with leggings or tights and a pair of high-top sneakers for a totally casual look. If you’re planning to wear a mesh bodysuit with a skirt or pair of shorts, though, you might want to choose a more opaque fabric. But, if you want to go for a more edgy look and don’t mind showing a little leg, you can even pair a mesh bodysuit with high-waist jeans.

Add some warmth with leggings or tights.

If you plan on layering a mesh crop top over a sleeveless top or sweater, you can wear it with either leggings or tights for a more stylish look. Leggings are a good choice for an everyday look, but you can also wear a pair of tights with a mesh crop top for a more stylish or formal look.

Just make sure to choose a pair of tights in a bold color like red or black to create a bold look. You can wear a mesh top with tights on a chilly fall day or on a cold winter day. Just make sure to layer it with a blazer or cardigan to tone down the edgy look and make it appropriate for work.

Go sleeveless with a cardigan or shrug

If you’re going to be wearing a mesh top on a warmer day, pair it with a cardigan or shrug for a more modest look. You can wear a mesh top with a cardigan to work, or you can even style it with a mesh crop top for a casual look like the one below.

If you’re wearing a mesh top with a cardigan, make sure to choose one that doesn’t compete for attention. For example, a black cardigan would work well with a black mesh top, but a bold-colored cardigan would make the mesh top stand out more.

Add more color with a vibrant skirt or pants

If you’re worried about a mesh top looking a little too casual for work, pair it with a brightly colored skirt or a pair of brightly colored pants for a more formal look. The skirt or pants will make the mesh top look a little more appropriate for work.

You can also try wearing a mesh crop top with a floral or brightly colored shirt. This is a great way to add some color to your outfit without making the mesh top the star of the show.

If you’re wearing a brightly colored shirt with a mesh top, make sure to keep the rest of your outfit toned down. Otherwise, you’ll end up with an outfit that’s too busy.

Make it work with high-rise jeans or shorts

If you plan on wearing a mesh crop top with jeans or shorts, make sure to pick a high-rise style. You don’t want to end up showing too much skin while you’re out and about. If you can’t find a pair of high-rise jeans or shorts, you can always just tuck your mesh top into your pants to hide it a little bit.

If you’re wearing a mesh crop top with shorts, make sure that they’re the right length. Don’t go too short, but don’t go too long either, or you could end up showing too much skin.

Summing up

Mesh tops are great for layering, but they’re not just for cold days. You can wear them on a warm fall day or a cool spring day, too. They’re an easy way to add edgy style to your outfit without having to try too hard. If you’re looking for a way to add more edge to your outfit without trying too hard, a mesh crop top is a perfect choice.