mrboho – Her Tinted Closet

Rupika Chopra - Crop Tops a must in a wardrobe

Rupika Chopra in a Crop Top

Crop Tops are back to sizzle again this summer with vibrance and style. Crop Tops are also known as Half Shirt, Midriff Top or a Cut Off Shirt. Crop Tops are my favourite this season. They are simple, chic and make any outfit cool. It reveals the midriff and makes one look exotic. Cleavage is passe’ and MIDRIFF IS IN!!! With all the throwbacks to the 90’s trending right now, crops are soaring temperatures. This summer grab your crop tops and flaunt them galore because baring the midriff is in. It is a trend that is here to stay and that makes it classic!!

Crop Tops go way back in the history of Fashion and it gained prominence in the 1930’s and 1940’s. It was largely confined to swimwear at that time. But the style drew much admiration and saw a revival due to the popularity even in the 1990’s. The Cropped shirt was originally created by men for men. Men used to cut their T – shirts short and flaunt their midriffs at the gym. This trend was picked up by the Eastern part of the world by the belly dancers…who captured much attention flaunting their waists.

**Rupika Chopra in an Off shoulder Crop Top by GADO GADO**

It was only in the 1940’s that the crop tops were accepted as a fashion trend in the West, due to the prevailing conservatism that depicted the exposed midriff as immodest. The young adults loved them and wore it in fancy styles with shorts, skirts and pants. The fact that Cut Off Tops accentuate the slimmest part of a woman’s waist and made them feel sexy, as it defined their figure perfectly, it became a sensation. They became popular among the people and many cord – sets were being worn as well. Cut Off Tops became a part of the Hippie Movement of the 60’s wit floral prints and high waisted flared denims. I still love the look and wear it quite often as it brings out the Bohemian in me. Thanks to the sexual revolution models and actresses like Jane Birkin, Jean Shrimpton, Anne De Zogheb, etc. who started knotting their blouses on their ribs in a relaxed boho style, completely setting the fashion scene on fire!!!

Rupika Chopra in a Crop Top by GADO GADO and Mom Fit Jeans

By the 70’s crop tops made a comeback with shorter hemlines. Cher made them quite popular in the music industry adorning them with glittery flared denims. Crop Tops became the sex symbol worn by the pop icons. During that time the crops became shorter and got bolder that were known as Bra Tops or Bralettes. The rage for crops began in the 1990’s and dropped around the 2000’s. But for now from the last year the trend has come back with much zing and colour. This look is especially suited for a vacation but one can easily wear these to a lunch, dinner or a get together without a second thought!

**Rupika Chopra in a Knotted Shirt and shorts by ZARA**

Remember the cropped top worn with High Waisted Drainpipes that looked glorious in the 80’s. Infact the cropped top worn with the leotards became a signature look for Madonna for a while. Even in the 90’s the rage for crop tops did not subside at all. Britney Spears, Spice Girls, Christina Aguilera flaunted their toned abs in the flashy Midriff tops. The best comeback of a trend is witnessed when the world follows it and for the last couple of seasons crop tops have been embraced all around the world again. Thanks to the social media for the fashion awareness and synchronising the world virtually. It has aligned our taste and of course, life is too short to miss out the best trends.

**Rupika Chopra with a Crop Top by GADO GADO**

I have paired my favourite crop top with my high waisted denim shorts. The style looks quite chic and one can change one’s vibe pairing it with pants, denims, skirts or shorts and footwear. Crop tops are all about no fuss dressing and one can accessorise according to the occasion and you are ready to roll. Not to miss out on, the Crop Top was recently popularised recently at the Red Carpet when the French Actress Marion Cotillard opted for a crop at the Cannes Film Festival showcasing Chanel Haute Couture and Ludovic De Saint Sernin Balmain Kimono. You see it’s all about baring the Solar Plexus and owning your power with much confidence and sex appeal. And when you are toning those ab muscles – you gotta flaunt them right …. and the Mid Riff Top accomplishes that fabulously!!

**Rupika Chopra in a Crop Top and a Bandana and Mom Fit Jeans**

Crop Tops with different cuts and styles change the look of an outfit. I am wearing divergent styles from the T – shirt style to an off shoulder to a bralette and they simply look astounding. Dolce and Gabbana recently showcased their high waisted skirts with bralettes in dazzling jungle prints, while BALMAIN electrified the fashion lovers with their street style from the 1990’s.

Due to the pandemic we have had limited access to stores but none the less Zara, H&M, etc. spoil us with amazing trends and colours. Zara recently launched a wonderful summer collection with vibrant hues. My black top is from Zara and the Off Shoulder top is from my favourite Dutch brand named GADO GADO. Her beautifully detailed clothes have a vintage touch and that simply makes me fall in love with her creations. I will be covering more of her collection this summer and you will be spellbound!!

**Rupika Chopra in Off Shoulder Crop Top with high waisted Shorts**

One can pair the crop tops with skirts, loose, straight or flared pants or denims with heels or sneakers and one will never fail to be pre- eminent. Crop tops are certainly intriguing and if you want to add some oomph this summer….. grab your tops in different styles – t – shirt, knotted, relaxed, bustiers and reignite your flair.

Till I write again soon….. I am sending you all much love and light from India and prayers for good health and safety🌟❤️and remember that WINTER ALWAYS TURNS TO SPRING!!!

CHAO!!!

Power Dressing is SIMPLY SEXY:

“Clothes maketh the Man” has been the famous saying which became popular from the 16th Century. And when it comes to being perked up in a well cut suit, it better make you look beyond “dapper”. Power dressing has always been the real meat for me in my closet. It has so much to say with those fine cuts. It defines your persona and gives a no nonsense vibe. It defines your determined outlook towards life.

Power dressing is classy and reflects a personality of a person, potent with style, discipline, vision, integrity, responsibility, grace and character. Power dressing has always been used by men and women to dignify themselves and their positions, in the field of their work. Power dressing sets the tone for an individual to be treated in a respectable manner. Wearing a well cut suit is like a silent command to others to deliver their best and be treated with a sense of clout.

“Suiting up” has a lot to do with how you feel about yourself. The way one carries one’s suit, is a real art of displaying grace and grandeur.

In 1870’s Actress Sarah Bernhardt scandalized Paris by wearing a “custom made suit”. It liberated women and they wore these suits for riding, walking and outdoor activities. These “Boy Clothes” became the place of salvation for women.

Gabriella Coco Chanel gifted the world with “Timeless Suits” in the year 1914 that gave women a sense of freedom and power among men.

Women took to Pant – Suit in the 1920’s with “hats” and looked exclusive.

Katherine Hepburn supported the masculine look with much oomph and resplendence. She was called “The First Lady Of Menswear”. She also supported power shoulders during the 1930’s, proving she was far sighted with her “rebellious fashion sense”.

The “hulky” shoulders were loved by the most glamorous women of the time like Joan Crawford, Ann Blyth, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Natalie wood, etc. were all seen in the dynamic “waist hugging suits”.

And the trend continued to spark the fashion scene for decades. Even today, I run to my blazers if I want that edge over other outfits. I wear the blazers on torn denims, pants, skirts, dresses and shorts. A well cut jacket or even a loose style suit gives you much eminence to make heads turn.

From Royal Women to the professionals all have looked spectacular in their outfits in the 1980’s. Princess Diana was immaculately dressed in them making “power dressing” a phenomenon.

“Power dressing” was a phrase originally used in the 1970’s in America and by the 1980’s everyone was wearing the debonair outfit. Tailored Jackets, shoulder pads, tapered pants and slim cut skirts were the coolest innovation.

The look was at it’s peak when Michael Jackson wore a “suit” in his famous song “Smooth Criminal” in 1988. The famous movie “Working Girl” gave a new sense of being to women evolving with a “fearless demeanour” in the 80’s.

Many women in the political scenario fell in love with the empowering sets. Jacqueline Kennedy was a benchmark of grace and her streamlined suits were marvellously worn with pearls and hats. Margaret Thatcher, Hillary Clinton etc. have adorned suits with much sophistication as well.

And the trend continued to spark the fashion scene for decades. In the present scenario they have made a gallant come back with bold prints and cuts. They are being worn to every occasion. From formal to casual, now suits are worn with a pair of heels and cool sneakers as well. Depends on how you want to look.

Remember the very talented singer, Lady Gaga recently wore an oversized suit to the Elle Magazine’s Women in Hollywood Event. She looked endearing!!!

I can never forget a picture of Eva Mendes flaunting her well toned curves in a perfectly tailored suit. She looked beyond vivacious. The saying less is more – Well in this case – more is certainly leaving the world restless ! 🙂

Sneakers worn with suits look urban, cool yet affirmative and desirable. With super formal suits like mine one can choose to also wear flat shoes or white sneakers and stand apart.

Brands like D&G, Sandro, Kooples, Topshop, Zara, Marc Jacobs, Whistles, Balmain, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Marina Rinaldi, Elisabetta Franchi, Mango, La Vie Rebbeca Taylor, Nordstrom, ASOS etc. have some great collection of suits that one check out.

My black Tux looks rather sexy and sophisticated. I love this suit for its confident, charming, suave vibe. It fits me like a glove and also is beautifully designed with detailing on the pants and jacket . An outfit like this one is enough to make you feel nothing less than a bond girl.

I am absolutely in love with the “Pink Suit” I am wearing. I styled it all formal with pearls and heels. This outfit looks spectacular when worn to any formal event. From shows, events, promotions, parties to after parties you will look charismatic and stunningly poised. One can carry a classic Chanel bag or a simple bag that adds to the simplicity of the outfit with a fresh and minimalistic make up and let your personality shine through it.

I feel a “suit” allows you to be “UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOURSELF”!!!

So grab yours this season and flatter your senses!!

Pink Suit : ZARA , Pink shoes : LYN, Shirt : ZARA , Black Tux : ZARA , Bag : CHANEL, Black Shoes : L.K. BENNETT

Tag: mrboho

“Crop” it…. this Summer!!!

Power Up in Suits!!!