Bare Midriffs Are Back: How To Get Your Waist Ready Now

Low slung jeans are back (gulp), so how low can you go for a bare midriff now? Thankfully, fashion history is not quite repeating itself. And even though there is a touch of bare midriff on show, it’s not teamed with a required drainpipe leg, skinny silhouette or six-pack. Actually, the cut of the jeans, trousers and skirts may be low, but they are also soft, loose, free-flowing — and your body can be the same. We think all it takes is some healthy-looking skin, banish any excess bloating, a possible re-working of your underwear and the confidence to pull it off.  

Bare midriffs: a style in the 90’s  

Bare midriffs are a recognisable feature of the ’90s style, mainly because crop tops were everywhere (thanks, Britney). However, it didn’t just stop at pop culture — even tweed suits were short on hems, from the jackets and shrunken shirts to the micro miniskirts. Body piercing and tattoos were a true ‘90s bonus, of course.  

For a quick fix try: 

1. For shape lifting and reshaping the body’s contours, apply a Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert from the ankles up to the waist in the morning or evening. The product formula with quince leaf extract is visibly smoothing and firming your skin.

2. The secret of an even self-tanning is to exfoliate your skin before applying tan. For example, treat your target area with an Exfoliating Body Scrub, including natural bamboo powders. The surface of your skin will become soft and smooth, ready for golden tan and bare midriff.

3. If your stomach lacks glow after the long winter, the easiest confidence-boosting thing is to add some tan. Black skin tones will look less ashy, and the palest among us, it will take the ghostly cast away. Mix 4-6 drops of Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster with your body moisturiser and apply evenly. Don’t forget to wash your hands straight after use. This moisturising and firming product gives a natural-looking tan.

Read next: How To Feel More Body Confident, According To Experts   

Banish the bloat 

Bloating will seriously hamper your stomach-baring styles. It can be symptoms of an unhealthy gut and include bloating, gas, diarrhea/constipation, pain/discomfort, low mood/depression, anxiety, eczema and fatigue. Nutritionist Adrienne Benjamin explains what you can do to support and balance the digestive system for a healthier gut. 

Remove and replace 

Remove problematic foods and toxins from the diet — this can include caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, bad fats, and other foods that might be causing issues, such as gluten and dairy. In addition, be sure to replace the essential ingredients required for proper digestion and absorption, including digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid, and bile acids. 

Reinoculate and repair 

Reinoculate by restoring the balance of bacteria in the gut. This can be achieved by introducing good bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria through a probiotic supplement such as Shapeline available at Proven Probiotics — with a total of 50 billion live bacteria per capsule; each capsule also contains vitamins C and D and zinc to support the immune system. Prebiotic foods can also help feed the population of good bacteria to help restore balance. You can also repair the gut by eating an unprocessed diet and including nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, L-glutamine and antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E, zinc and selenium). 

Manage your stress  

High levels of stress have a negative impact on your entire body, including your gut. Meditation, walking, getting a massage, spending time with friends or family, diffusing essential oils, reducing caffeine intake, laughing, yoga, or owning a pet are all healthy strategies to reduce stress. 

Find time to exercise  

A 30-minute walk or a gentle yoga session can be a great way to help move foods through your digestive system, with the added bonus of calming your mind and reducing stress!  

Give your digestion a rest  

Allow four hours between meals if possible. Taking time between meals to allow your gut to fully digest and absorb one meal before moving on to the next can significantly affect how you feel. You could also include a 12-hour overnight fast — avoiding late-night snacks and delaying breakfast slightly in the morning can often make this possible. 

What makes the midriff so attractive? 

Why is bare midriff so attractive? Even a tiny part of bare skin in the front looks intriguing. If nervous, venture into the trend with some of your existing wardrobe. For example, a shorter than usual tee with your high waisted jeans to show a glimpse of skin, or a low-slung skirt and blazer. For some inspo or nostalgia, check out the 90sFashionBoard on Instagram.   

As with everything in life — the best modus operandi is everything in moderation, and as long as you have the inner confidence, and you feel great, anything is possible.  

If you need more body confidence tips, try this…

How To Feel More Body Confident, According To Experts

And, speaking of the 90s… why not pair your sleek midriff with the signature thin 90s brow, without overplucking?