Is 2024 the Year of the Belly? Let’s hope so…

Instagram: @na0__

I have to admit, I was shocked whenever I saw young people dressing like their Y2K idols of yesteryear. And to be completely honest the revival of the Y2K trend sort of made me grimace. I saw my younger self. Trying to find my personal style through girl groups, screaming at boy bands, and fantasizing about my future with Phil of the Future. Just like my youth, the fits we wore were confused. From pairing vests with thinly made scarves. To skirts over jeans (which I see nowadays as a trend that I quite like). We were a jumble of things not meant to be( just like me and Phil’s life together).

@samanthamoweryxx

But growing up In the 90s and early 2000s, there was one trend that enveloped every tween, teen, and it girl wannabe. The low-rise jean. But who was brave enough to flaunt such an oddly risque piece of clothing?

Well, not many did. But there was a sort of secondary accessory that gave whomever had the courage to sport the dreaded low rise jean the bravery. The accessory was washboard abs and/or a flat stomach. I would say that the crop top, for men, is the equivalent to these jeans, for women. Men and women sported their abs equally. But the guild of low-risers were mostly young women. Which would be adorned with a tertiary layer, the belly piercing. Picture a Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, early 2000s, aesthetic.

But there has been a shift. While I’m brainlessly scrolling through Instagram I see various, who I like to call style-istas, bravely adorning the look of the past. But with one item missing from the trio seen in the early 2000s. And no, it’s not the lack of g-string being shown. Some have seemed to switch out those washboard abs and flat tummies for an adorable and plush belly. 

And I guess we could thank the heyday of the “body posi” era for this new generation of Y2K-ers. No longer is Paris Hilton’s flat tummy the ideal but simply a blueprint that is oh-so needing an upgrade.

Instagram: @lookingforlids

Which is odd isn’t it? Growing up in the era of high-waisted and skinny jeans. We may have been subconsciously swayed to hide all things bulbous. Everything must be stuffed into all things skinny and high-waisted to create a seamless silhouetted look. Could that be the reason for Gen-Z’s vitriol for skinny jeans? Were they onto something? 

I see so many beauties adorning their fupas for all to see. From Ice Spice to SZA, it girls now where their tummies proudly. Like the Venus of Willendorf, let’s continue to take a stand against what others deem to be acceptable for women to look like.

Throughout history, it has changed so many times. And I believe that this generation is allowing diversity in the form of body type to shine once and for all. We don’t need a cookie cutter ideal to try and squeeze into anymore. It’s the diversity that makes style so beautifully eclectic. And let’s keep it that way.

So the next time you reach for those high waisted skinny jeans to hide your belly. Be reminded of the plethora of style-istas that are cheering you on. The ones that understand what it feels like to unwrap at the end of the day with those painful Jean imprints on your belly.

I’m not encouraging you to rock low-rise yet again. And honestly I don’t even think I’d ever wear them or even try to. But I just want to acknowledge the beautiful diversity that has been gracing my instagram feed. And you should too. Go Bellies!