I see many midriff-baring clothes on the runway and red carpet, but I'm not ready to go all out. How can I still wear this trend?

Indeed, there have been many exposed midriffs of late.

Actress Lily Collins recently bared hers in a white Cushnie Et Ochs dress at the Los Angeles premiere of her new movie The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones.

At the recent New York Fashion Week, the look featured on the pieces of designers Thakoon, Peter Som and Alexander Wang.

For those who do not have rock-hard abs, it is a look that can be difficult to carry off. The trick lies in wearing outfits with strategically placed cut-outs.

For a night out, try dresses with small cut-outs, such as this one from H&M (photo 2, $17.90).

This dress bares the midriff slightly and has a cut-out at the waist so that the focus is not just on your stomach.

If your back is more flattering than your midriff, try this dress from Miss Selfridge (photo 3, $73) which exposes the side and entire lower back but is still modest because of its long hemline.

If these two dresses are still a little too much for you, try this pink Papina dress from Alice + Olivia (photo 4, US$599.04 or S$748, www.net-a-porter.com). It has a netted layer at the midriff area which allows you to show a hint of skin.

Cut-out dresses are not only for nights out. The cotton Papina dress is also perfect for going to brunch.

Aside from dresses, you could also pair a cropped top with a high-waisted elastic band skirt, such as this one from H&M (photo 5, $59.90).

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