Plus-size blogger Sarah Conley got wind of the feature and penned a post decrying its tone. “I was shocked to see this kind of body shaming language from any magazine, much less one named after a woman who has had her weight scrutinized throughout her career,” she wrote. “Flat stomachs are like thigh gaps – we’re not all meant to have one. I know women who have worked out four hours a day, five days a week in pursuit of that dream only to be thwarted by genetics. But the good news is that crop tops can work for any woman.”
Obviously, anyone can wear a crop top and it can actually be quite flattering – no matter what your body type. Realizing its misstep, O has already come forward to apologize. “We support, encourage and empower all women to look great, feel confident and live their best lives – in this case, we could have expressed it better,” it said in a statement. “We appreciate the feedback and will be more mindful going forward.”
If any good has come out of this debacle, it’s the inspiring photos of women of all sizes proudly wearing their crop tops to prove they can wear whatever they want. #rockthecrop is officially a movement. Below, a few of our faves.
This is a first for me in a brand new top, my tum is my least favourite feature but I’m embracing it! #rockthecrop pic.twitter.com/6ZfZAAjGxU
— Jacquina (@jacquina) July 9, 2015
#RockTheCrop because I can wear whatever I want! You see that pudge? I DO NOT care if it bothers you! pic.twitter.com/2l9SIUUBYR
— Hazel Eyes (@Blondiemocha) July 9, 2015
#rockthecrop ! Rome in vintage Ralph Lauren pic.twitter.com/EFFXDK767k
— Re Fab (@ReFab_) July 9, 2015
Heard a writer for @O_Magazine said only wear a #croptop if youve got a flat stomach. Missed the memo. #RockTheCrop pic.twitter.com/zMjdZMQTki
— BKJ (@FatabulouslyMe) July 9, 2015
@styleit the minute I read it, I knew I had to #RockTheCrop. @O_Magazine we make our own rules! pic.twitter.com/tiVWXprH2N
— Zadry Ferrer-Geddes (@ZadryG) July 8, 2015
Crop tops are life no matter what @O_Magazine says #RockTheCrop pic.twitter.com/zf456GgR0K
— Jeniese Hosey (@Jeniese) July 8, 2015
Only women with flat stomachs can wear crop tops @O_Magazine – I beg to differ #RockTheCrop #effyourbeautystandards pic.twitter.com/yZxUETwMDS
— Fran Hayden (@frannnh) July 9, 2015