I t’s always good to never say never because the future is just so unpredictable. What’s hot in fashion now might become a faux-pas in a week or two from today. And what used to be considered passe could suddenly be cool again. Just like one of this season’s hottest trends.
Bare midriffs reached their height of popularity back in the late nineties thanks to the “Pre-Millennium” pop-starlets like Britney, Christina Aguilera as well as girl groups like All Saints and Destiny’s Child. With the rise of boho-chic in the early “Naughties”, bare midriffs pretty much checked-out of the Style Section, until now – in the year 2012, when flat abs and belly-buttons are finally back on display.
Fei Fei Sun of TIME’s Style & Design included the bare midriff as one of the most difficult trends to pull off this season. Well, she’s got a point there because you definitely need to be in shape or at least have a flattering figure to rock this trend.
Just a few months back, local actress Nabila Huda was slammed by the conservative local media for attending an award show in a dress with a midriff cut-out by designer Alia Bastamam. Well maybe it is not a popular choice of trend here in Malaysia yet but it sure will begin to pick up slowly.
Nabila Huda in her midriff-baring dress
Just for being a reader of Emmagem, you definitely would be among the first few to rock this trend, the right way of course! Let us show you how:
1. The new bare midriff is paired mostly with a skirt in a longer length (ie: pencil skirt, maxi skirt or tulip skirt). It is a much better combo as it balances out the proportion.
Whitney Port pairs her midriff-baring top with a longer, more conservative skirt.
2. Never show too much. Just a slight hint of skin should be enough.
3. This is not the same type of bare midriff trends from the eighties and nineties so don’t start running scissors across your t-shirt because it just wont work this time. Slashed tees and sweaters should be reserved for Halloween parties when you decide to show up as “The 80s Madonna”.
Scalloped hem: Midriff-baring top, RM193, Topshop
Well-tailored: Cropped top, RM79.90, from H&M.
4. You really should start hitting the gym and eat right if you want to rock this trend. There is no other way to do it. As harsh as this may sound, this trend is strictly for those with really good (or at least above average) figures. You’ve always wanted to lose weight anyway, so this might be the right time to do it!
Toned abs are a prerequisite to pull off this look. (Alexander Wang SS2013)
5. Belt it up. A belt can further highlight this trend. As the midriff is the focal point, a belt is the only accessory to “decorate” it.
Belt it up for a classy look ala Kate Bosworth.
Ready to bare it? Go for it and do it with confidence because you can’t go all day with your hand around your waist or with your clutch held against your stomach!
(Photos: au.yahoo.com, style.com, my.topshop.com, hm.com & celebuzz.com)
