By Alexi Knock, Assistant News editor

The 1990’s was a decade marked by the launch of the Hubble Telescope, the trial of O.J. Simpson, and President Clinton’s impeachment. However, nothing was as astronomical as when ladies decided to reveal to the country a secret that had been covered up for years: the midriff.

 “If you watch shows like ‘Saved by the Bell’ everyone was wearing cut off T-shirts,” said sophomore public relations major Rebecca Capozzi.

With the turn of the century, however, America’s belly got larger and its shirts got longer. Women thought they had seen the last of the midriff until the summer of 2010 when the United States was invaded with its latest fashion force: crop tops.

“Crop tops are everywhere on this campus,” said sophomore journalism major Chelsea Tirrell. “Everyone is wearing them to every single place possible.”

To put it simply, crop tops are oversized blouses that cut off about an inch above the belly button.

“I have a few crop tops. I wear them with high-waisted skirts or a tank top underneath,” said Capozzi. “If you’re really skinny you can wear shorts with them.”

These crop tops can be seen not only at Hofstra, but all over the country as part of a casual outfit or a night on the town.

 “Depending on how it’s worn, sometimes I think it’s skanky and sometimes I think ‘that might be cute on me,'” said sophomore public relations major Sarah Travaglini.

As with all trends, however, not everyone is a fan.

“I don’t feel comfortable having my midriff out for everyone to see, nor do I think it’s attractive on anybody else,” said Tirrell.

No matter what side of the crop top debate these ladies fall into, they can all agree on one thing. “It’s not a fashion piece that everyone can wear,” said Capozzi. “You have to have a good body because a crop top can either go really good or really bad.”

Rebecca Capozzi shows off her crop top worn here with shorts. (Alexi Knock/The Chronicle)