You may have guessed…
the Balenciaga SS13 collection was by far the most inspiring for me this season when it comes to potential DIY projects (remember this?). It’s so funny, as soon as I saw this crop top on the runway more than 6 months ago I knew it was going to be a project I would try, but it took me so long to work out how I would do it and to make the time. Sometimes life gets in the way of DIY (inexcusable I know!) but when I finally had a crack at it I found it to be quick and requiring only minimal materials. What more could a girl want?
As usual I went with an’ inspired by’ version of the original (like this) – not quite the same, mainly because the construction is very different.
Wearing: DIY Singlet, Vintage black silk palazzo trousers, necklaces from Rose Jewelry, Coach Watch
You Need
I used a white tank dress (mine was from H&M) or you can use an extra long singlet. Pick one in a thick jersey fabric so you don’t have to worry about fraying fabric (the edges will roll rather than fray).
1
The first step is to cut the back out of the tank to create the crop, so measure a line a few inches below the bottom of your bra strap when the top is on where you will cut it. Then lay the tank face down and cut out the back, following the line of the seams (I left the seams on rather than cutting them out) and the horizontal line.
3
Turn your singlet over and mark the middle of the front. Cut a straight line down the middle, as if you are cutting the opening of a cardigan.
6
Now Mrs Mannequin is going to demonstrate how to wrap the top. Pretty simple! I simply tied the leftover fabric in a knot and let it hang down but you can also cut it short if you like. When you are wrapping you could choose to do it so that two slits of rib cage are showing like in the original but I just felt that was a little too much for me.
7
Tuck the top edges of the singlet in, when I have the top on with a bra underneath I tuck the edges into my bra (for a little extra security you could pin the edges to the underside of your bra, or pin the fabric together where it crosses over between your breasts).
8
Finally, if you like the look of the gathered straps, use your needle and thread to sew a little dart into them.
Voila!
I contemplated wearing it with the matching DIY Skirt but thought that might be overkill – what do you think?
Outfit imagery by Lauren Engel
Oh my god!! This is fabulous! It’s looking cooler than the inspiration picture.
Way to go girl!
http://bythewear.blogspot.in/
Wow that is so nice of you to say, I wasn’t sure but glad you think so!
I love it!
It’s sexy
Velia | Cocoamourr ;Makeup&Skincare
Wow the top looks totally stunning. Gorgeous diy idea. I have to try this 😀
xx Mira
http://www.glamdevils.com
Wow, i know that girl on the Balenciaga photo. Cool diy btw, most likely gonna try it out
WOW this looks great, such a fab idea!
Aysha x
outletjunkie.blogspot.com
really nice idea 🙂
love jelaegbe.blotspot.de
love the look! could you show a picture of the back?
I’ll put something of instagram of it if you like? 🙂
This is so toally cool except I have no boobulars and therefore I’d look like I have bandages on my chest, which is very ironic as I’d expect when I need bandages on my chest is when I do buy some boobulars.
Hahahaha you know what Shini, when I put this up I thought of you and your booblars – after our lunch in London I thought you might have a thing or two to say about this top 😉
Hahaha wearing bandages, this would be so true for me. I wish I had such a beautiful full pair as yours, Geneva! Be proud of ’em 😉
(Though having a pair like mine can be very convenient.)
ahahaha you are too funny. and I have to agree, the grass if often greener on the other side but you have to learn to love what you’ve got!
You and that top are so cute! I love the top paired with the high waisted palazzo pants.
Folk & Fables
Thanks! I think a more conservative bottom section is ESSENTIAL with this outfit 🙂
You and that top are so cute! I love the top paired with those high-waisted palazzo pants!
BOOBS 🙂
You are gorgeous with this top!! Sexy 🙂 And the idea is very nice and easy to do. Love it!
http://www.emerjadesign.com
Great DIY 🙂
This is fantastic!! You look stunning in it xx
This is a great method to recreate this crop – looks really gorgeous & flattering on you!
denimandglory.wordpress.com
Thanks! It was super simple so I guess thats what I like about it 🙂
nice top, very original!!
DIY ON MY BLOG
http://www.thestelstyle.com
Beautiful! And so much easier than I thought 🙂
X
I know right?
Love this little DIY, looks so simple hopefully I can do it.
Lauren
livinginaboxx
bloglovin
I love this idea; very simple and very chic.
I would also like to compliment you on your shapely (& lovely) bosoms; I say it as a straight woman who knows a good thing when she sees it lol!
http://www.thatgoodgirlchi.blogspot.co.uk
LOLz. Thanks so much you are too sweet, I’ve seen a bit of a decline in the last few years but they do ok.
You’re a genius. Nuff said 🙂
Your DIY’s are always so good! To be honest I prefer the DIY version, much more wearable and appropriate than the Balenciaga version if you ask me. Both still beautiful
Wow that is so nice of you!
Absolutely amazing! Must try this.
Vestiaire Collective
Whoa Geneva – you look amazeballs!
Clever DIY and total classy how you’ve paired with the high-waisted pants. Nicely done
great job, love it!!!!
I LOVE this ! you look gorgeous Geneva <3
is there a way to give it a more clean look by sewing the back instead of just leaving it tied up and loose?
Hmmm you could always trim it shorter? You could of course sew it but on this sort of stretch material it can be a challenge…
super cool!
http://www.styleandshades.blogspot.com
Great idea! LOVE this.
Ugh this is so awesome. I have a hard time cutting fabric 🙁 maybe I need the right pair of scissors? Lovely blog by the way. <3
xx
http://janicethitran.com (✿◠‿◠)
Yes, good scissors are a MUST!!
Thank you so much for making this so easy!!! It’s a perfect DIY for the summer, unfortunately I’m in the middle of winter right now. I can’t wait to make this!!
I love it! Sooo amazing and it came out of just a normal top, just WOW!
Justine | BRIGHTON DREAM
I know right?
Your version is so nice and more relaxed!
http://youngandimpressionablee.blogspot.com.au/
xx
I love it! So simple but it looks so chic. You are such an amazing and creative mind.
This is really beautiful! I would wear this in a heartbeat. 🙂
omg your DIYs are the best!
http://the-fashion-fairytale.blogspot.de/
Great idea! I love your blog! You are a genious 😉
http://conrdecurvas.blogspot.com.es/
WHAT!? just as simple as that? I’m totally trying this.
Do it do it!
This looks so good, definitely want to give it a try!!
http://maylight.blogspot.co.uk/
xx
What a cool way of doing this. I already saw a different way but this is so much easier. Well done! xx
http://www.creativityandchocolate.com
[…] it just me, or is this a REALLY sexy DIY? Get it […]
Oh this looks amazing and simple! May have to try this one out x
x
http://www.shades-of-style.com
Brilliant!
I was very excited to see what style of crop top DIY you would come up with… I posted a few crop top DIYs on my blog…but this is amazing!
Natasha ~ TashaDelrae.com
This top has not only inspired me to DIY the top but also shed the extra lbs for our upcoming vacation!
How ingenious girl!
xoxox
I LOVE this DIY, it looks so chic and much more elegant than the original inspo! But then your DIYs are always amazing!
This is so sexy! Easy to make as usual 😉 I can see why the ss13 is so inspiring to you.
http://love-your-ego.blogspot.de
I adore this top! So inspirational to all the girls in Brisbane, Australia! You’re amazing x
yay for brissie girls!
What a cool idea. Thanks for sharing from 3girls1apple.com
Wow the top looks totally stunning!! and you are looking more beautiful than the inspiration picture.
http://www.daybydaycreation.blogspot.com
I’ve been eyeing something of similar style and this DIY is the perfect thing for me! Now if only I can muster wearing something like this. 🙂
Yes, it is a bit out there isn’t it? Definitely comes with a NSFW caution. 🙂
This is awesome!! You looks so HOT! 🙂
http://imaginarymi.blogspot.com/
Great diy! I like it!
From http://www.xeanafashion.com
If I could rock this 1/100th as well as you do then I would consider making it. But unfortunately I don’t have your killer bod. *le sigh*
this is such a great idea! i’ve been lusting after the balenciaga top for ages now, so i’ll have to give this a try!
omg hot! would it be crass for me to say you have a nice rack and i’m totally jealous? probably. lol. but werk it girl!
Excellent job dear!! Great tutorial ;))
❤ Jenny Tsang
http://www.Tsangtastic.com
– New Post: Sun Sand Sea –
Good job!! Easy, simply beautiful <3
That top looks fantastic. Great job
Lots of Love
Ewelina
xxx
chiclifestyleofewelina.blogspot.com
Woah! This top is stunning but all the more so thanks to your amazing figure! I see boobies! I had to say it.
Will deffo give this a go, I could open a shop with the amount of top/vest dresses I have.
🙂
hahahaha thanks! Yep we all have a few tops lying around dont we?
Omg! It’s adorable and so easy! I really want to give this ago.
Nicky
zeeblikesit
xx
[…] 1. (DIY BALENCIAGA INSPIRED CROP TOP) by Apairanddaspare […]
sorry, but you seriously have the best boobs EVER. the end.
I love this, it looks waaaaaaay more expensive than it is!
Slightly Skint Blog
Awesome idea!
http://vysniubomba.blogspot.com
This is so beautiful and you made it so easy! Love it! <3
Wow this is amazing!!! Thank you so much for sharing I’m going to go and do this tomorrow!
OMG I LOVE THIS!!!!! 🙂 Def trying this out! 🙂
I think yours looks better than the original. it’s just a more complimentary shape and with a top that is that skimpy, the side slits are definitely a bit much. you made the project look easy and it’s pretty genius how you’ve done it.
check out my blog for a Lizzie Fortunato inspired disco bracelet DIY.
Thanks! I kind of thought that too (about the side slits) although I wouldn’t mind the Balenciaga version but dont have the zillion dollars it would cost so DIYed instead!
so i have this HUGE party in a couple weeks (college prom party. big deal down here in brazil) and i made your wrapped lbd on black silk, but i wasn’t tooo convinced regarding the wrapping part, simply because i’m kinda plain, if you know what i mean, and anything wrapped on my torso makes me look like a boobless mommy haha
i thought about the chance of working an strapless bra, but i think we have a winner with this crop top… now i just need to thrift a black tank dress (or a whatever color tank dress and dye it)
you’re a constant inspo source, lady. thank you so much for sharing your magic with us <3
LOVE THIS. I prefer your DIY more to be honest. You’re so talented!
-Char
charsd.blogspot.com
Wow! this looks fabulous! We love it!
I love how the top turned out 🙂 this would look perfectly resort with some big bad palazzos
This is fantastic!!! Tank tops look out:)
I love yours DIY. =)
xoxo
http://dreamforeverandlivetoday.blogspot.com.es
Okay this is sooo cool! It turned out so great and looks incredible on you! I’m going to have to try it, post it on my blog and link it to you! 😉
you look incredible! Perf body and top
The end result is so beautiful, definitely bookmarking this DIY! xoxo
This one, I am definitely going to try! I happen to have a long singlet that I’m not currently using, this is great!
http://currentlylovingblog.blogspot.com/
love it! you look amazing!
I tried this project and I love the outcome!!! I’m posting a blog picture asap!
xoxo
oh my…i love this and all your DIY’s. keep it up such an inspiration to not have idle hands and excuses to not be fashionable.
I love this DIY! I loved the the runway look but the DIY version looks way more flattering 😉 I was wondering what you did with the back of it, did you leave it as a knot? And did you cut off the excess fabric?
love from İstanbul, ece
[…] and A Pair and A Spare DIY by Geneva is no exception! She recently posted a diy project for a Balenciaga Inspired Top. It was totally easy and quite honestly, I think I’m going to repeat this project in […]
Amazing body. This top is perfect on you.
[…] […]
AMAZING!
Love this! So easy to do but looks so stylish x
I absolutely love this refashioning! it’s so easy, and yet so effective. Thank you!
Is there anyway we could make the front less V-neck? :/
nice tits
[…] Source […]
[…] 3. Hvordan lage din egen cut-out topp […]
WOW! Looks incredible!! Such a good idea
xoxoanniexoxo
xx
I love all of your DIY projects Geneva. Definitely going to try this one, thank you!
I just tried to make this an failed miserably… Think ill go through quite a few singlets before I get it haha
Would this still work with a long sleeve top?
Could you do this with a long sleeve top? I want this cropped look, with a more appropriate shirt type for cold weather 🙁
This is super helpful! I am soooooo inlove with crop tops this season I dont know why. And to think this is super cheap and easy! Thanks love! <3
Thank you!
I did this with a long sleeved tee from H&M and cropped it a little less. Perfect for colder weather!
Your version is so much cooler than the DIY!
I wondered if you could give me any tips on how to finish off the back nicely. When I tie it at the back the left over strands are too short to look nice and if I tuck the knot in it makes a horrible bump.
Thanks so much for this great idea.
I love this I do diy all the time but I haven’t done any crop tops (getting my belly back into shape post baby) Im almost there. I refuse to have a four pack not a six pack. I would wear this with a fun circle skirt a loose light cardigan unbuttoned and some flats or gladiator sandals for summer or for winter I would wear with a high waist pant a pair of scrappy heels a statement necklace simple earrings and a blazer
Hermosoooooooo y eso que vi todo el bloc traducido porque hablo español , pero que lindo y facill . lo pondre en practica
I really love this DIY because it is such a pretty piece of clothing and so simple!! I’ve recently discovered the blog and absolutely adore it!! Thank you so much for sharing you ideas with us Geneva!! <3
Holy amazingness!
You are flawless. and SO creative.
http://www.superholly.com
I have just found your site through Pinterest and I am ecstatic with inspiration. You are fantastic, thank you for sharing your creativity and talent.
I just came across your site a couple weeks ago. I have to say – I am so in love with your DIY projects!
I just did this shirt today. I substituted white for black, and royal blue high waisted palazzo pants. I’m going to a camping festival next month and it’ll be a perfect outfit. Thanks for the inspiration and tutorial!!
[…] DIY BALENCIAGA INSPIRED CROP TOP […]
[…] Vía: https://apairandasparediy.com/2013/07/diy-balenciaga-inspired-crop-top.html […]
[…] source: a pair and a spare […]
Great idea, but just to let you know, if you don’t have the body of a 12 year old you’re going to need a long shirt not one that fits you normally because it won’t reach around the back.
[…] Collab (Iggy Azalea & Ariana Grande with PROBLEM) Favorite D.I.Y to try (source: https://apairandasparediy.com/2013/07/diy-balenciaga-inspired-crop-top.html)Favorite Quote(source: http://www.trashthedressonline.com/category/divorce-tattoos/) Favorite […]
This looks amazing!
But did you create pleat around the busy or was it already there?
Exactly what is considered a thick jersey fabric? I have a 55% polyester 55% cotton, 95% cotton 5% elastane, 93% cotton 7% spandex, or 92% nylon 8% spandex. Which of these do you think would work best for this? Thanks!
Created This Piece Last Night! Amaze Balls!! Thank You!
Hello! I love your blog and just recently used this post in a DIY compilation on my new blog dyingfordiying.blogspot.com
Loved this blogpost! I tried doing my own diy crop top! If you want to check it out go to: http://sweettrendsandsequins.blogspot.com/
~M
This surely looks better than the inspiration. I must try this. Awesome!
I actually like your design way better. Great job!
Fabulous I love it!!!
Whoa!!! That’s creativity. I love it. Thanks
you are just amazing ,
I’ve went thrpugh so many diy’s and yours was the simplest <3 .
Well this was a great iidea to wear today, and i totally ruined a shirt for nothing. I’m a it frustrated. Maybe its the fabric.
[…] fase cropped e saia longa. Certo dia, eu passeando pelo meu pinterest, encontrei um tutorial do a pair & a spare que ensinava um passo a passo para fazer de forma simples e barata esse crop top e claro, tinha que […]
[…] source: a pair and a spare […]
Hello Geneva, I’ve included your awesome t-shirt hack in a blog post featuring the most inspiring t-shirt reconstruction ideas out there: http://skyturtle.net/sewing-projects/11-t-shirt-hacks-totry/
I also think it’s better than the inspiration photo. Love your blog!
[…] For the full tutorial please visit apairandasparediy.com. […]
I love your work I’m a textile deisgner so I design my fabric. Then use your ideas and make the garment you are so helpful
[…] Do you want to upgrade your old tank top and make it more fashionable? Read on to learn how to make this stylish DIY Balenciaga-Inspired Crop Top from A Pair and A Spare. […]
I like this soooo much better than the runway version. also its super easy for a broke college student like me!!!!!! thanks so much for this 😀
I honestly like this version much better than the inspiration pic that you put it side-by-side with!! I totally want to try this!!!
i thnk its awesome i tried it perfect 5/5
I like your wrap top much better than the runway version.
It appears there are some darts in the t-shirt you used. I wonder how that affects the fit. Also how stretchy is the jersey?
I am glad I came across this. Thank you.
I LOVE THIS. I already tried it and it looks really good, so thank you for the tip!
[…] Image via A Pair & a Spare DIY […]
I’ve been looking ALL OVER the internet for a DIY crop top that criss crosses like the BEAUTIFUL one you did but w/ LONG SLEEVES!! maybe someone (or you!) Could complete one & share it w/ me so I can have the crop top I’ve always been dreaming about!!
Sincerely,
Livvy L.
I’m fairly confident that you could simply purchase a long-sleeved jersey knit shirt and apply this process to achieve the result you’re after. Since she only modifies the bodice area of the garment, the sleeves shouldn’t get in the way.