How do I to style a knot-front top?

Wearing a knot-front top used to be about showing off a toned midriff. Now, it is about achieving an hourglass silhouette of broad shoulders and a defined waist.  But knotting a top can be tricky. How tight should the knot be? How high should it sit? Should it sit to the left, right or centre of one's waist? Thankfully, tops that come with a pre-knotted front are in trend.

Shy about showing too much skin? Pair the top with a high-waisted bottom. For a simple but impactful contrast in silhouettes, pair knotted crop tops that show off a sliver of skin with a high-waisted A-line skirt.

Instead of wearing a jacket or sweater over a plain T-shirt dress, why not layer a knot-front top over it? The knot detail will pull the look together.  If the knot is oversized, make it the focal point of the outfit and emphasise it by keeping the rest of the look slim-fitting, with separates such as skinny jeans or a pencil skirt, and the tiniest crossbody bag you can find.

CLICK THROUGH THE GALLERY ABOVE TO SEE SOME EASY-TO-WEAR KNOT-FRONT TOPS

Want some more style tips? Read our stories How to choose the best swimsuit for your body type; 7 different types of sneakers everyone should have in their wardrobes and 90s fashion trends we are loving right now and how to wear them.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 23, 2016

Aggie sleeveless sweater, $279,from Club Monaco 

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The side pleats on this sweater skims the figure flatteringly. Pair it with culottes and flats for a casual work outfit.

 



Want some more style tips? Read our stories How to choose the best swimsuit for your body type; 7 different types of sneakers everyone should have in their wardrobes and 90s fashion trends we are loving right now and how to wear them.

Tie-front cotton shirt, $69.90, from H&M

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Tie a big bow or let the straps fall loosely. Wear it with a slim-fitting bottom or a full maxi skirt to play with proportions.

Want some more style tips? Read our stories How to choose the best swimsuit for your body type; 7 different types of sneakers everyone should have in their wardrobes and 90s fashion trends we are loving right now and how to wear them.

Striped cotton-poplin top, £122.50 (S$242), from Michael Lo Sordo via www.outnet.com

3/6

The long cut of this top gives off a slouchy yet elegant vibe. Wear it with palazzo pants.

Want some more style tips? Read our stories How to choose the best swimsuit for your body type; 7 different types of sneakers everyone should have in their wardrobes and 90s fashion trends we are loving right now and how to wear them.

Sleeveless sky-blue cotton shirt, $39.90, from Mango

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The clean lines of this top make it easy to pair with anything. Wear this with patterned trousers or skirts.

Want some more style tips? Read our stories How to choose the best swimsuit for your body type; 7 different types of sneakers everyone should have in their wardrobes and 90s fashion trends we are loving right now and how to wear them.

White blouse with side slit and waist tie, $295 (usual price $590), from 3.1 Phillip Lim

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The side-slit detail keeps this top from looking too conservative and matronly.

Want some more style tips? Read our stories How to choose the best swimsuit for your body type; 7 different types of sneakers everyone should have in their wardrobes and 90s fashion trends we are loving right now and how to wear them.

Bellerose striped shirt with knot, $132,from Rue Madame

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A cropped, loose-fit cotton top that looks great with tailored shorts.

Want some more style tips? Read our stories How to choose the best swimsuit for your body type; 7 different types of sneakers everyone should have in their wardrobes and 90s fashion trends we are loving right now and how to wear them.