Sensual display of midriff!

If you’ve been clued in on what’s trending in the fashion scene, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to find out why a bevy of celebrities are sporting the midriff-baring trend —  pegged as the successor to the hugely popular ‘off shoulder/cold shoulder’ trend, a bit of a skin show exudes a free-spirited, spunky and chic vibe.
 From Sonam Kapoor who gave us style goals by sporting a plain pastel hued midriff baring outfit recently, Athiya Shetty who struck a simple yet striking look in a casual number to Jacqueline Fernandez’s matchy blingy midriff baring outfit, every fashionista is showing their thumbs up to the trend. We talk to city stylists and designers to lay down the rules...

Simple yet striking: “There is a streak of understated sensuality, when the midriff is exhibited through an aesthetically designed outfit. Making a peek-a-boo of your tummy, paired with a smart choice of clothes, gives out a very chic and confident vibe,” begins designer Arzu Sait. One of the biggest trends of the ‘90s, the midriff baring trend is seeing a renaissance, because quirk is certainly (and sartorially) in. “I think the concept of dressing up has changed. While you do need a flat tummy to pull this look, even voluptuous girls can sport the look if you pair a high waisted jeans with a crop or tank top and an oversized jacket thrown over the outfit. One must realise and milk the versatility it offers. The perfect athleisure look can be spruced up by sporting a sports bra paired along with high-waisted active wear tights. For an elegant appeal, you could pair a blouse/ bralette with high-waisted palazzos,” suggests fashion blogger Aswathi Balakrishnan.

Skin show, the right way: “Midriff baring outfits work amazingly well to break the monotony that comes with separates. I’d suggest women to pull their bottomwear a tad higher so that the navel button is not revealed. High-waisted bottom wear wins hands down.  This is a handy style hack, especially if you are giving this trend a go without being entirely confident,” adds designer Prerana Sarkar.

Asserting how it’s a good idea to stick to the same colour from head to toe while giving this trend a go, Aswathi adds, “Stick to hues from the same colour family if you are not great at mixing and matching. As a rule, it’s always better to tone down on the accessorizing bit. It’s also best  when you get casual with your bottom wear while sporting a midriff baring top. Denims, palazzos, culottes, plain jeggings are great options over jazzy or extremely short bottom wear. I’ve also noticed women flaunting fringe accessories with this, and I think it’s a great idea! A fringe jacket or bag for that matter really amps up the style.”

Enthusing how women most tend to go wrong with the styling, stylist Rhea Shetty adds, “If your top is a tad short and snug fit, keep the bottom wear easy and free flowing. A fitted blazer is the best shield against a fashion blooper. Stick to monotones and plain designs and always make it a point to steer clear from contradictions if you aren’t sure of the colour combos.”