The Oscars Red Carpet Declared the Crop Top the Quintessential Fashion Item

We can’t be the only ones who have been itching for glamourous award-show fashion moments, and the 2021 Oscars delivered all that and more. Some of the most spectacular dresses from the Oscars red carpet shared a very summer-appropriate design detail – an exposed midriff, otherwise adorned by a showstopping, floor-length gown.

Who would have expected that elevated crop tops and exposed midriffs would be the defining look of the 2021 Oscars red carpet? We certainly didn’t, but we love to see it. Crop tops and exposed midriffs are all about a carefree, body-positive summer, which is exactly what we need after such a long year indoors. For some, belly-baring tops are a bit intimidating or they can seem a bit too casual, but the stars of the 2021 Oscars red carpet offered examples for how an exposed midriff can also be elegant and elevated.

We love that although dresses worn by Zendaya, Vanessa Kirby, Andra Day, and Carey Mulligan featured a sultry, exposed tummy, their floor-length skirts really balanced out the cropped and cutout tops. Zendaya and Vanessa’s looks showed us that if you’re wearing a solid-colored gown, then pair it with a classic diamond or silver sparkling necklace. And in the case of Andra’s cutout dress and Carey’s crop-top matching set, a sparkling outfit is enough of an accessory that it doesn’t require extra jewels.

Keep reading for a closer look at the exposed-midriff fashion trend from the 2021 Oscars red carpet.