Baring Bellies: Can Less Be More?

Oh the 1990′s. The fabulous 1990′s, when everyone showed off their bellies in midriff baring shirts. Hot for the club, they are making a come back this spring / summer season as part of a dress ensemble or through individual pieces paired with pants or pencil skirts. But are they worth the investment?

Midriff tops were all over the runways. We’ve seen Selena Gomez and Katy Perry both rock them out at the Kids Choice awards. Midriff bearing beauties are definitely here for a moment or two, and if you have stellar abs that you want to show off, what better way than this. But remember, while perfect for night-time or a weekend afternoon they’re definitely a no-no in the work place… unless you get innovative and wear it under a blazer or sweater – fully buttoned.

Also, longevity is debatable. For sure, you’ll get a wear out of them this season, but fall / winter is out of the question, and depending on the style your ab flaunting midriff top might be dead by next spring / summer. So at tops you’re looking at once per week for this season as a guarantee. Based on this, let’s figure out the cost per wear.

Let’s take this one, from a dance store:

This style will go with skirt or wide leg pant nicely, and if you want to try to extend its use through the fall winter months, will totally work under a blazer or sweater. Let’s be a little weary of the creeping turtle neck, but overall it’s not bad for a shirt. Available in a variety of colors, it’s going to cost you roughly $17.

Cost is: $17

You wear it: let’s be reasonable – only 1 / week… so you’re getting 20 wears (maximum) this season

Cost per wear: $0.85 … less than a dollar!

The verdict would be it’s a cheap trendy fix, but if you’re looking at a really tight bank account (or abs that need some work) save the splurge for something better. This baby might not be around another year.

NJ Sullivan spends days as an on air announcer for 1035 The Eagle and nights writing about the joys and tribulations of being a single parent at www.seriously-single-absolutely-attached.com.