Baring the Upper Midriff: Hot or Not?

Posted by Hafsa | Friday November 26, 2010

A trend that took us rather by surprise at the Spring/Summer 2011 RTW Fashion weeks was high-waisted skirts and pants paired with cropped tops and jackets. We shudder at the thought of the low-rise-jeans-entire-belly-baring fad making a comeback, but this new spin on showing skin seems more tasteful and and high-fashion.

Here’s what it looked like at Fashion Week...

Marc Jacobs, Antonio Marras, Giorgio Armani
Versace, Jonathan Saunders, Rodarte

And here’s how some celebs are interpreting the trend...

Cassie, Rihanna, Leona Lewis

Cheryl Cole, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga

Wondering how to transition the style from the runway and red carpet to the streets? We put together some styling options to help you decide if you’d rock this look...

Charlotte Russe Purple and Black Pearl Bracelets US$4, Alisse Thatcher Refine Crop Camisole US$37.80, Forever 21 Strappy Knit Skirt CAN$18.80

Forever 21 Estate Oval Ring CAN$7.80, Costume Dept White Sequin Black Mesh Crop Top US$172.40, Black Halo High Waist Pant with Skinny Belt US$168

Gap Classic Blazer CAN$128, Rare Opulence Beaded Bustier Top at Asos US$44.82 (sale), Alice By Temperley Polka Dot Buckle Skirt US$126

Eryn Brinie Black Shiny High Waist Pants US$70.99, Noble Youth Jamaica Vest US$28, Banana Republic Genuine Freshwater Pearl Earrings CAN$40

Urban Planet Sequined Cropped Top CAN$12.95, Charlotte Russe Trio Bangle Set US$4, Topshop Moto High Waisted Skinny Jeans US$80

Asos Tailored Animal Print Pencil Skirt US$41.38, Marc by Marc Jacobs Perfect Purse Ostrich-Effect PVC Bag US$225, Bebe Dolman Sleeve Crop Tee US$49

Barila Tencel Pocket Crop Top US$28, Vivienne Westwood Red Label Pants US$280 (sale), Forever 21 Netted Pearlescent Necklace CAN$9.80

We're wondering if this is just a runway style or could become a bona fide street trend come Spring. It'll be interesting to see if this look will be reflected in 2011 swimwear...

Would you wear this style?

*runway images via Style.com

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12 Comments

	on November 30, 2014 glumbumble 10,038 said: That one blue and white dress is gorgeous, except for the patch cut out for her stomach. I don't like this style at all. Seems very childish. And way too attention-seeking (like the other fad of having a perfectly nice dress, but then there's this peek-a-boo style hole cut out for your cleavage - the women who wear this are exactly the women that will say 'my eyes are up here...').
	on November 29, 2010 mamaluv STAFF said: I agree that a discreet version of this style (as Thetats mentioned) could look amazing on the right person. Showing a lot of skin is always a risky move regardless of what body part, and I'd bet you'd look back years later and think it was a fashion fail.
	on November 29, 2010 jchang212 106 said: @Anya, haha yeah defs reminds me of the 90s... esp of Britney Spears in her prime!
	on November 27, 2010 Anya said: I wouldn't wear it, reminds me of the 90s too much! High waisted for sure - say hello to more feminine waist line. Baring the midriff? I don't think so...
	on November 26, 2010 thetats 692 said: @jchang212 it was barely showing but yes, she was showing the midriff. if was one of those tighter fitting tops
	on November 26, 2010 jchang212 106 said: @thetats was she showing her midriff?
	on November 26, 2010 thetats 692 said: I actually saw a girl working at H&M; wearing a similar top today with a high-wasted skirt - it looked not bad at all
	on November 26, 2010 The Hip and Urban Girl said: The last time I did the bare midriff, I swear I was 18 and I had a crazy metabolism. Now...not so much. Bikinis make me nervous...the midriff actually feels scarier!
	on November 26, 2010 Ali de Bold STAFF said: I think this is an uncomfortable trend. Some people can pull it off wonderfully but they'd probably get a lot of cut-eye from those who can't.
	on November 26, 2010 jchang212 106 said: I am in LOVE with the F21 Strappy Knit Skirt!! And I wouldn't dare to show my middrift until all the pudgies are gone! :)