IT'S time to breathe in, gals... this summer the stomach is the new fashion hotspot - as the midriff makes a comeback.
It's all thanks to designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Versace, who have been parading some revealing new styles on the catwalks.
Coupled with our new love of all things Eighties and super-slim celebrities stepping out in slashed tops and cut-out frocks, it seems that showing off your tum is the hot new Trend.
It's not the first time fashionistas have turned to the torso - but this time size matters and the Midriff trend is all about modesty and being subtly sexy.
Baring all ... from left, singer Rihanna teams hotpants and stripy sweater with lots of gold, Sugababe Amelle Berrabah
looks slender in skinnies and breezy vest and socialite Kim Kardashian in Gucci with waist-whittling cut-out
XPOSURE/ Splash/ Steve Ross/Capitallooks slender in skinnies and breezy vest and socialite Kim Kardashian in Gucci with waist-whittling cut-out
In the 1950s sex kittens such as Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot teamed cropped jumpers with capri pants and shorts.
In the 1960s women flashed their flesh as the sexual revolution gathered pace and in the 1970s Studio 54 style meant boob tubes and flares. In the 1980s stars such as Madonna made slashed T-shirts a craze and in the 1990s hipster jeans took the Midriff Trend to a whole new level.
Cream of the crop top ... from left, singer Eliza Doolittle in skater skirt and bra top, model
Daisy Lowe in Versace and X Factor judge Kelly Rowland in lace top and parachute skirt
Daisy Lowe in Versace and X Factor judge Kelly Rowland in lace top and parachute skirt
In the Noughties baring your middle fell out of fashion but today the hottest way to show off your midriff is to give just a glimpse, with cut-out detail or slices of Tummy shown under a loose or longer-line top.
Here we show you how the stars are wearing the style, how to get the look on the High Street, plus style dos and don'ts. Can YOU stomach summer's big trend?
Do
Aim high - show off your torso above the waist as it hides muffin tops.
Layer up - a crop top over a body works without flashing much flesh.
Go criss-cross - strappy dresses are far easier than Rihanna's short top.
Don't
Skimp on sizes - this trend is unforgiving. So if in doubt, go a size up.
Forget to tan your tummy - it's often paler than your arms, legs and face.
Wear short skirts - try mixing midriff tops with maxi hemlines or trousers.
Source: http://www.thesun.co.uk
Source: http://www.thesun.co.uk
