The S/S13 catwalks were alive with brazen midriff-baring models, but “Do I have the confidence to do the same?” asks Jade Sprowson
Last September we saw taut tummies exposed on runways from Miu Miu to Marc Jacobs. Without daring to doubt the creative mastermind that is Miuccia Prada, I must ask, “Is this a catwalk trend designed only for the girl blessed with an abdomen you could crack walnuts on, or can the ‘average’ girl like myself rock this look?”
There’s a reason this trend returns year after year, and that reason is that it’s not for everyone, therefore it never gets over-exposed when filtered down to shoppers.
This season, we have even more to contemplate, as tops are higher than ever before and waistlines even lower. So, in my opinion, if you’re considering displaying your midriff, you’ve either got to be super-toned or confident enough not to care.
Post bikini diet, I wouldn’t bat an eyelid about wearing a loose, high-cut top on the beach or by the pool. But would I wear one during office hours? No way!
With the weather warming up more quickly than we can knock out 30 sit-ups, why not expose a little flesh? ‘Little’ being the operative word. If you follow my strict rules for working the modern midriff trend, you can make this look work for you without it going belly-up.
Number one: always pair a crop top with a high-waisted knee- to maxi-length skirt or trousers. Remember, less is more.
Number two: keep in mind the venue you’re going to. If you’re off to the mall, keep it covered. But if it’s cocktails at the Jetty Lounge, you get the green light.
Number three: if you’re thinking that your tummy isn’t flat enough for this belly-baring trend, then you’ll feel uncomfortable. And feeling uncomfortable is the death of any fashion look.
I’m definitely ready to embrace my mid-section this summer, but I’ll opt for a more demure approach by pairing my teeny top with a full skirt and ladylike cardigan. That is, until my personal trainer has unearthed my Karlie-Kloss-like abs. I can only dream…
As seen in the April issue of Emirates Woman magazine, on shelves now.
Image: hanelli
