Not that it’s anything new, of course. The Belly was first released in 1932, thanks to French dressmaker Madeleine Vionnet whose silk and glass evening gown featured an exposed midsection. A prescient symbol of women’s liberation, the waistline found further expression in bandeau and backless tops during the counterculture sexual revolution of the 60s and 70s. On its heels, MTV gave us a reason to cutting the hems of our t-shirts in the 80s thanks to artists like Madonna and Bananarama until…

Yes indeed: the ‘Kaybug’ years. A curious thing happened in the 90s and early 00s. Pop music ingenues like Britney Spears, Shakira and Christina Aguilera upped the ante a few inches, pairing “baby” t-shirts to waist jeans and shrunken cardigans to micro-mini skirts. Let’s not forget about those misguided navel piercings.

And so, the chest wars began, as did an era of abdominal crunches and toxic body culture. Fast forward to the TikTok generation and those who experienced it the first time have the same question. Is it ‘hit me baby one more time’ or do we sit down?

It all depends on his appetite for risk. The Spring/Summer 2022 shows ran the gamut, from deliberately performative to more inclusive styles. Versace’s menu ranged from flashing oblique cuts on jackets and dresses to handkerchiefs and crop tops in varying degrees of undress. Miu Miu’s cable-knit sweaters and skirts turn into belts for a show-stopping skin parade, as do Missoni’s decorative boob tubes with trailing side panels and low-rise jeans. Christian Siriano, on the other hand, celebrated waist-inclusive torso dresses in blushing cut fabric, while Stella McCartney showcased sophisticated peek-a-boo tops under colorful suits.

Although it is not an extreme sport, the execution of the belly does require a certain level of skill to ensure a successful result. It all starts with a desire to play with proportions. Trust me. Torso length and bust width can bring a crop top into risque bralette territory in a hot minute. Before committing to a new abbreviated style, experiment with what’s already in your wardrobe. Grab an oversized white shirt. Unbutton it above or below the navel, before tying a knot. Get an idea, based on your size and shape, where the knot sits best. Pro tip: Tuck the ends in so they don’t show and wrap the knot around the middle to create a chic fabric bun at the navel. Then again, you can skip the heavy lifting and take a spin online at Massimo Dutti Studio (formerly Uterqüe), whose reimagined button-up shirt (€79.95) allows for crossover draping and an instant flash of flesh. The result? Polished Katherine Hepburn vibes when paired with wide leg pants and summer flats.

You don’t know how much is too much? Avoid the rose-tinted lens of nostalgia and take an understated approach with strategically placed peepholes and cutouts. Street heroes & Other Stories and Mango win big here with their selection of long sleeve midi dresses (€49.99-€79).

Ditto for Jonathan Simkhai whose experimental Alex shirt dress (€420) gives an adult glimpse of the size. Plus, adjustable back ties allow for a base layer underneath.

Warning: we are now entering treacherous bralette territory. This applies especially to fans of the controversial ‘bra-digan’: the 2019 moniker was coined when actor Katie Holmes stepped out in a coordinating cashmere bra and cardigan. Replicas circled the high street of River Island and Zara while legions of cool girls like model Hailey Bieber whipped up street style iterations with cargo pants and baseball caps..

If you like the idea of ​​wearing one but can’t stand showing too much skin, go for high-waisted partners like jeans, skirts or pants and cover some extra area with a wide belt. Better yet, opt for a more modest crop top and draw the eye vertically with summer-ready ensembles like Self-Portrait’s embroidery co-ord pieces. Balance a white embroidery bra top (€250) with a fit and flare midi skirt (€325) and layer with a prim embroidery shirt (€290) for extra coverage. Consider this an all-occasion outfit, as long as you’re not invited to a wedding.

For a more inclusive take on the trend, sustainable and ethical brand Loud Bodies live up to their “true style has no size” mantra in sizes ranging from XXS to 10XL. Crafted in organic cotton, the whimsical Flora crop top (€85) features long sleeves and an adjustable chest ruching while its matching skirt (from €180), crafted in nearly 7m of ethereal cloud print fabric, evokes a dreamy Renaissance silhouette.

Similarly, New York designer Mara Hoffman crafts elegantly tailored sets using ethically sourced and recycled natural or organic fibers in sizes XXS to 3X. Her stretchy black Kiyoko crop top (€320) and her Tavi skirt (€320), appreciated for their smocked popcorn texture and flattering lines, combine comfort and confidence for ease day and night to wear together or with casual basics like jeans or culottes.

If this all sounds too much like hard work, take the path of least resistance and layer an oversized blazer over a cropped tee, served with sweatpants and Birkenstocks. If fear of God takes over, you’re just a button away from ‘what was I thinking?’

Remember, though: have fun with it. It’s just fashion. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse will not hit you for indecent exposure. Fire and brimstone are Armageddon-only matters. Plus, the sulfur smell is a nightmare to wash out.

DEALERS

& other stories – www.stories.com

Brown Thomas – www.brownthomas.com

Jonathan Simkhai – www.mytheresa.com

Loud Bodies – www.loudbodies.com

Mango – www.mango.com

Mara Hoffman – www.marahoffman.com

Massimo Dutti Studio – www.massimodutti.com.

Self-portrait – www.selfportrait.com