I’ve Been Wearing This Crop Top Underneath Practically Everything

Thus began my experiment in wearing the Athena crop with virtually everything. That new striped, off-the-shoulder dress I never felt comfortable wearing? The crop made me feel on-trend without being overexposed. A sleek black, sleeveless dress with an impossibly high neck? Layered over the Athena, it was as if the pieces were made for one another. Nearly weightless, sheer tanks that have called to me all summer? The stretchy, sweat-wicking top held me securely all through July and August (it’s double-layered spandex and polyester). Living in the Athena is like wearing asports braall the time, only one that’s surprisingly sophisticated and presentable enough for situations that aren’t spin class.

Once this summer, I even wore it as a bathing-suit top, which prompted a storm of inquiries and “I want one” cries from my fellow beachgoers. Now, even though I own the rich, almost-black charcoal version, I’m spying other colors like the grayish Cloud or earthy Desert. Who knows? I may even go back to wearing it as intended — withworkout leggingsfor a hike or jog.

ForFlattering Week, writer Alison Freer wrote about thebest support camisoleshe’s ever tried: “For starters, the straps are adjustable; they can also be converted to a tasteful cross-back. What’s more, the gossamer-fine fabric does not do that cruel, upward-squishing thing to the underarms. I can walk about feeling confidentandsecure.”

AuthorLucy Sykesswears by her Madewell crop cami: “I stole the look fromTaryn Toomeywho runs the Class, which everyone I know is obsessed with right now. She was wearing a tee without any bra, but it wouldn’t work for me with my 34DD’s, but I stole the idea with this shirt. It’s a cool look to wear when you’re grabbing a coffee, so you don’t look too much like you came from the gym.”

Yet anotherFlattering Weekfavorite from Alison Freer, theNordstrom tank topis the one thing even Oscar winners can’t resist stealing from the costume designer: “As a Hollywood costume designer, I put them on every single actress I dress. Since this tank top has absolutely no seams, it doesn’t create extra lumps under thin garments, like a cashmere-blend sweater. It’s also a godsend for clothes with strange cutouts or open-weave sweaters that would otherwise expose your bra to the whole world. The shirt is a perfect length: not so long so that it hangs out beneath shirts, but not so short that your guts are left exposed.”