Should Millennial Mamas Show Midriff?

Teenage me in the early 2000’s loved the hip hugging bell bottoms and baby tee look. Give me a side angled pageboy cap and platforms and we’re good to go.

I had zero curves when I was fifteen and the look didn’t really work for me. Don’t worry - matching tracksuits were also the rage so I got by just fine.

The skinny-jean-side-part-millennial-mom-slur hit me hard. I didn’t know anymore what was cool. I also decided I didn’t really care. I was tired of tight pants though, and finally this winter I broke the barrier and bought wide leg high waisted Levi’s like I’ve seen high school girls wearing.

Now, should a Very Serious writer who doesn’t wear makeup and wants to be taken as a professional wear an outfit like this? A mother of FOUR? A woman over the age of 35!?

My waist has never been happier. There’s room to move and sit. I feel free. On a mom’s night out I dared pair them with a crop top. I kind-sorta have a waist, 4 kids and twenty years later.

I wondered if I should feel self conscious, like I would have at 15. But I felt fun and free and cute. Only I could see the faint stretch marks on my abdomen. No one else is getting that close.

I’ve heard all the opinions about crop tops. Good, bad, ugly, and also some say adorable.  What if I told you I bought the outfit at Target, a real sign of momhood? Yeah, sometimes I buy my clothes where I buy my groceries.

It doesn’t have to stop me from playing with fashion. And if I look ridiculous I guess can just be written off as a dumb mom by the Gen Z’s (who are starting to become moms themselves).

So should moms show their midriff? Why not, I say. If you think it sets a bad example for my girls then turn around and look at how you’re thinking about my body and theirs. Keep your eyes to yourself.