We know the Eighties are back in fashion, but there are some aspects of this era's style we never thought we'd see again outside of a Reflex nightclub — and crop tops were certainly top of the list.

These Flashdance, Dirty Dancing and Fame-inspired, midriff-baring numbers were big news during the decade that fashion supposedly forgot and are usually reserved for fancy-dress occasions now we have reached the Noughties. But this summer, against all odds, the crop top is back, and actually looking quite cool. An obvious requirement for this flesh-exposing trend is a pretty flat stomach, but there's no need to be too concave — curvier girls can rock the crop top, too.

From retro tie-up cropped blouses to cute lingerie-look lace numbers and sportier jersey styles, the crop top is all over the high street this summer. Our Street Style girls kept things casual by pairing their crops with jeans, both skinny and even boyfriend for a real laid-back look, but you can also team your crops with shorts if you're up for a real hark back to the Eighties.

Street style pictures: Crop tops on London's streets

For Fame-style crops, head to American Apparel, where among the leotards and leggings you can find jersey T-shirt styles in a rainbow of colours. Skinny girls will love the super-short and tight baby rib crop tee (£12) in cute pastel pink and blue shades. Curvier girls may prefer the looser styles in equally covetable hues from £16.

If you aren't quite brave enough to expose your tummy button to the world, try layering your crop over a body or tight vest top instead, for dancer style with a little more coverage.

Topshop is top of the crops this summer for choice — with so many different styles, you can experiment and find the perfect one for you. Try billowing jersey cropped tees (from £18); hook-and-eye fastened mini vest tops (£16) in quirky heart, spot or cherry prints; classic Breton sailor stripes and cute, ditsy florals.

Topshop even gives its crops a touch of sparkle — which is set to be a huge look for autumn. Our fave is the gold cropped jacket (£65) which has been beaded and sequined to within an inch of its life. Better start doing those stomach crunches...