I claim to be too good for a lot of things – cheeky denim, boys in fraternities, flower crowns and I thought crop tops. Since being in New York for my summer internship, I’ve decided to embrace all topical fashion trends, and since Kurt Cobain reigns king of street style, the 1990’s grunge look – complete with barely there denim, Dr. Martens and see-through crop tops – I decided to give the latter a go.

American Apparel, Zara and Isabel Marant – they’ve all displayed that perfectly poignant sliver of ribcage both in ads and on the runway. It’s the smallest part of a woman’s waistline. Who wouldn’t want to show it off? Beyoncé could not have shown the world what a “Survivor” she was without giving a glimpse of her rock-hard abs. You’re right. Those weren’t crop tops. They were glorified bathing suit tops, but that’s neither here nor there. I certainly don’t share a likeness with Bey’s aforementioned rock-hard abs, but I am tired of waiting until I think I am “skinny enough” to sport a midriff baring tank. Really, no one is “skinny enough” for a crop top. Those girls on Tumblr with septum piercings and pink hair, smoking a hand-rolled cig and sipping on their latté creations with crop tops and denim diapers aren’t real.

American Apparel has always had an array of tiny tanks and is now more popular than ever. I’ve made it known to many a fellow fashionista that I don’t quite understand the American Apparel aesthetic. It’s like Abercrombie & Fitch all grown up without the huge moose stretched strategically across a woman’s chest. Their customer is without curves and doesn’t care that the clothing is poorly constructed and meant to fit an 11-year-old. Well, I caved anyway and bought their white turtleneck crop top to pair with the multitude of high-waisted skirts in my summer repertoire. I just needed something plain and relatively cheap, OK?

But hey, if you don’t happen to fit the American Apparel aesthetic and their disco pants might just melt into your cellulite, you can still rock the ribcage with one of their cropped creations. With no frills or obnoxious logo, the American Apparel tank remains somewhat dignified. Pair with a rib-grazing skirt and you’re good to “show.”

I think crop tops look best worn with a more conservative bottom like an A-line skirt or high-waisted jeans. Stores like Anthropologie and J.Crew often have classic, chic pant options to pair with a more risqué midriff-baring top. Dare to bare this summer. Goodness knows Tuscaloosa’s summer temperatures rival equatorial climates. You can at least let your stomach breathe a little.