In the early 2010s, thanks in part to fashion-forward stars like Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez, crop tops, open-front dresses, and midriff-baring silhouettes made a major comeback on the red carpet.
At the forefront of this trend? Kim Kardashian, who regularly turned heads in curve-enhancing crop-top dress ensembles. Around this time, she was also working to slim down after having her first child, and the cut-out styles helped highlight her hourglass figure while showcasing her evolving post-baby fashion choices.
Kim Kardashian pairs her signature crop top dresses with elegant heels, showcasing how footwear choice elevates her curvy silhouette for various occasions, from charity galas to city outings (Credit: WENN)
👠 Explore Kim Kardashian’s Crop‑Top & Heels Highlights:
- 📸 Kim rocks an asymmetric-sleeve Lost & Found Ria Dunn crop top with clear Yeezy mules (2018) – a sleek street-style look that balances bold cutouts with transparent heels.
- 🔥 Kim wears a revealing Chalayan crop top paired with Balenciaga “Cosmetic Pantashoes” (2017) – a cutting-edge braless fashion moment where pants and heels merge.
- ✨ Kim in a cropped Calvin Klein knit set with nude Tom Ford cutout sandals (2014) – elegantly marrying midriff-baring separates with polished nude heels.
- 💎 Kim dazzling in crystal crop top with mirrored Paris Texas sandals (2023) – an ultra-glam look blending sparkle with bold, reflective heels.
For more early 2010s style inspiration, stars like Jennifer Lawrence and Khloé Kardashian adopted a more covered-up take on the crop-top trend, wearing dresses that featured slashed waists, offering subtle flashes of skin while maintaining a chic, body-positive silhouette.
Kerry Washington also delivered a memorable maternity fashion moment at the 2014 SAG Awards, confidently showcasing her baby bump in a custom Prada ensemble that redefined red-carpet elegance during pregnancy.
Jennifer Lawrence, Kerry Washington, and Khloé Kardashian demonstrate how diverse footwear choices complete their chic crop top ensembles, exuding confidence and style at notable events (Credit: WENN)
Miley Cyrus turned heads at the time by showing off her Pilates-toned tummy in this Emilio Spring 2012 beaded top and skirt while accompanying her then-boyfriend, Liam Hemsworth, to The Hunger Games premiere.
This bold, body-baring ensemble nearly stole the spotlight on the red carpet, though Jennifer Lawrence, the film’s breakout star, held her own with a statement look of her own.
Miley Cyrus flaunts her Pilates-toned tummy in a beaded top and skirt at ‘The Hunger Games’ premiere, stealing the spotlight with her bold look on March 12, 2012 (Credit: Jody Cortes / WENN / Adriana M. Barraza)
👠 Explore Miley Cyrus’s Crop‑Top & Heels Highlights:
- 📸 Miley rocks a distressed white crop tee with gothic Gianvito Rossi “Sharyon” patent ankle boots (4″ stiletto heel, 2021) — pairing edgy streetwear with sleek boots.
- 🔥 Miley wows in a sheer Saint Laurent crop-top and leather mini, finished off with white Saint Laurent “Janis” pumps at the 2013 Teen Choice Awards — an iconic edgy-red-carpet moment.
- ✨ Miley flaunts abs in a crop top and half-and-half pant/legging combo, matched with sleek Celine ankle‑strap sandals (2013) — a striking juxtaposition of covered and bare.
- 💎 Miley styled heart-print pants and a blazer over a crop top with Brian Atwood platform sandals at the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscars after-party — combining activism, glamour, and height.
Later that season, Selena Gomez embraced the crop-top trend in her standout way. She wore a Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012 jacquard crop top and crystallized skirt paired with Cesare Paciotti pink and orange studded pumps to the 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards, showcasing her playful red carpet style and fashion-forward confidence.
At the 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards, Selena Gomez pairs a Dolce & Gabbana crop top and skirt with eye-catching pink and orange studded pumps, demonstrating how footwear choice elevates a youthful, fashion-forward ensemble (Credit: Jody Cortes / WENN / Adriana M. Barraza)
The bold red carpet looks from these two young Hollywood stars helped cement midriff-baring dresses as one of the defining style trends of the early 2010s. While not the easiest look to pull off, the confidence and individuality they brought to the trend made it a lasting fashion moment.
👠 Celebrity Crop‑Top & Shoe Highlights:
- 🔶 Emily Ratajkowski Shows Off Midriff in Black Crop Top and Puma Speedcat Sneakers – Balancing edgy street style with sporty flair during a New York City outing.
- 💃 Kendall Jenner Wears Crop Top and Tom Ford Pumps to Easter Sunday Service – A striking mix of bare midriff, gaucho pants, and luxe metallic heels.
- 👗 Alessandra Ambrosio in White Calvin Klein Crop Top and Nude Louboutin Sandals – A polished take on midriff-baring style with leg-lengthening nude stilettos.
- ✨ Kourtney Kardashian Flaunts Toned Midriff in Cropped Leather Top and Celine Mules – A sleek, modern pairing of edgy leather and pointed-toe designer heels.