Today it's all about the waist. Not really a trend, you say, more a body part... But like the Americas, it's being re-discovered by people who act like it's something new. Spring's lines are featuring the usual suspects: sailor palettes of navy and reds, flowy florals and satins, and linen and cotton weaves with a bit more starch to their underpinnings. All good things, (with the exception of the clownish, impractical shoes... more on that tomorrow). "Resort" and spring lines historically have drawn on vintage and feminine lifestyles of years past for inspiration, (Oscar does it best), but today's post isn't just about seasonal trends, but what's working well for our bodies.
You'll notice the majority of well-assembled looks have one key ingredient: a defined waist.
With the rare exception of a few sari-like draped dresses for the long-limbed, last spring and summer's tunics are gone. Being a guilty purchaser of several Forver 21 versions I now cringe at my photos from this era.
Yes, they're cute and if made well can evoke a 60's flounciness, but we all have to remember this was also the era of Twiggy. Tent-like shirts, make you appear tentlike in photos. Wider is not better. I now diligently tuck all of them in, slap a belt on top, and try to minimize the child-like collars with as many necklaces as possible...
So, you'll have to get past the Out of Africa safari looks this spring: cute, but too casual for a party, to costume-y for work...they require a specific event, like tea with the Queen in Nairobi....but you'll see that designers have re-embraced the feminine form.
By highighting the narrowest part of your body with wide belts (not every single day, however); tailored, nipped-in jackets; and separates that define the sections of your body, you're all set.
I'm loving this "trend"(or collection of trends that is), what women have looked good in for 50+ years: a well-defined waist, pointing shoes, lady-like make-up.... hopefully designers won't screw it all up come next fall.
Love, Ms. M
