Led by Gillian Anderson, peek-a-boo stomachs are the trend of the Emmys 2021
The Primetime Emmys are one of the biggest nights in television not only to celebrate the award winners, but also for the A-list fashion on display.
After a year when the event was conducted virtually, this year's red carpet saw a return to all the gorgeous gowns, smart suits and bold fashions we missed last year.
While there were plenty of fashion talking points - Emma Corrin swapping her crown for a bonnet to name but one - in amongst the classic LBDs and neon bright frocks, another mini style trend seemed to have emerged, with a handful of stars donning outfits that revealed a peek-a-boo baring of the stomach.
Leading the pack was actor Gillian Anderson, who scooped the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work in The Crown and also won the red carpet in a white fringed crop top and matching maxi skirt.
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Though the awards took place in Los Angeles, the 53-year-old actor was with her cast mates at a celebration in London for the 73rd Emmy Awards celebration.
Giving off total boho vibes, the metal, tasselled detailing on her chic white top was cut away to reveal a sliver of toned stomach as Anderson posed on the red carpet in the subtle two piece.
Proving that age is no boundary to revealing your stomach, Anderson looked almost ethereal as she glided up the red carpet.
Later the Sex Education star left viewers confused after accepting her award using an American accent.
Anderson took home the award for her performance as Margaret Thatcher in The Crown, and her speech surprised many viewers.
Despite speaking in a British accent in the majority of her TV appearances in recent years, and playing a slew of British characters, Anderson spoke in an American accent during her speech.
Watch: Stars take to the red carpet at this year's Emmy Awards.
Going for a slightly more stand-out cropped look, fellow award-winner Michaela Coel was a vision in neon as she made her debut at the celebration, turning heads for all the right reasons.
The I May Destroy You actor wore a Christopher John Rogers gown in a shade the designer referred to as "sulphur."
Teaming the striking outfit with matching yellow heels, the actor/writer/director rocked the two piece which featured a strapless bandeau top and an ankle-length column skirt with a sash and two tails trailing behind her.
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She finished the look with a necklace with square diamonds, gold and white Alighieri earrings, and a white square ring.
Also putting her abs front and centre was Ted Lasso star Juno Temple, who was up for Outstanding Actress In A Comedy Series, but lost to her co-star Hannah Waddingham.
The actor, 32, revealed a peek at her toned tummy in an ice blue cropped two-piece with lace-trimmed thigh-high slit by Atelier Versace.
Also jumping on the tummy-baring trend was Hamilton actor Renée Elise Goldsberry, who accepted the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) in a stunning floaty gown with triangle cut-out detailing across her stomach.
Commenting on the stomach-flashing trend at last night's Emmy's, fashion expert Miranda Holder says baring your midriff has been a key trend this past season and it hasn't just been adopted by Gen Z.
"We have seen cropped tops and cardigans grace the high street in many incarnations, often paired with high-waisted trousers which can be the easiest way to wear them without showing too much flesh," she explains.
When all eyes are on you on the red carpet, Holder says baring a little extra is a sure fire way to get people talking.
"It's also a much-welcomed ripping up of the rule book and a defying of convention, without being too OTT," she explains.
Unlike the Met Gala last week, the outfits on show last night were a little more sedate, even with those toned abs on display.
"Stars such as Gillian Anderson, Michaela Coel and Juno Temple all looked elegant and chic as they revealed just a glimpse of toned abs, still leaving plenty to the imagination," Holder adds.
"The ideal 'peek-a-boo look' would expose the wearer just enough to intrigue onlookers, while retaining an air of mystery and leaving something to the imagination," Holder explains.
"The looks yesterday were tasteful but playful, and reminded us that fashion and style are meant to bring us joy - which is much needed after the last 20 months."
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The stars at last night's Emmy's aren't the only ones who have embraced midriff-baring fashion of late.
Earlier this month Zendaya delivered yet another fierce fashion moment in a killer two-piece knitted, cropped top and matching body-skimming skirt.
The actor, 25, highlighted her incredible figure in a plum coloured co-ord by Maison Alaïa while attending the Dune Photocall at Le Grand Rex in Paris.
The chic ensemble showcased subtle cut-out detailing around the waistline, and featured a furry, fishtail- shaped lower half.
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JLo also recently highlighted her enviable abs in a stomach-revealing get-up at the VMAs.
The 52-year-old singer rocked a black front-tying crop top and a body-skimming silver and black sequin skirt, with peek-a-boo, crossed lace-up detailing.
Lopez sent the crowd wild as she took the stage to present the very first award of the evening, flashing her famous abs in the stomach-baring outfit by David Koma.
It isn't just females getting in on the crop top act, with style experts predicting men will be rocking stomach-flashing tops like pros by the end of this year.
