How to wear tulle without looking like a ballerina
Tulle gets tough this season. KATIE WRIGHT reveals the looks to try now
ONCE the preserve of occasionwear departments and ballet recitals, tulle has shaken off its prissy connotations in recent years – and we’ve got one designer to thank. London Fashion Week favourite Molly Goddard has made the gauzy fabric her calling card, creating oversized dresses that have been a hit with fashionable young things.
Naturally, in the wake of Molly mania, we’ve seen an influx of the diaphanous fabric on the high street, and not just voluminous frocks either. With styling options including denim and Doc Martins, even tomboys will want to get on board with this textile trend. Here’s how to wear tulle now...
TULLE BABYDOLL DRESSES
TEMPER the frou-frou feel of a babydoll dress by layering it over a white or grey marl T-shirt dress – the more distressed the better – and pairing with chunky boots (yes, even in summer).
PRINCESS DRESSES
GOT a tulle prom dress lurking in your wardrobe that you wore to a wedding once? Give it a new lease of life by adding black lace-up booties and a bold red lip (think Nineties Courtney Love and you’re halfway there).
TULLE SKIRTS
TOUGHEN up a tutu-inspired skirt by teaming it with a vintage band tee and a biker jacket, or layer a sheer skirt over jeans (Topshop have a hybrid pair that marries the two for you). Forgo this season’s ankle tie ballet shoes in favour of chunky velvet platforms, in a punchy hue like fuchsia or violet.
TULLE TOPS
DID you know ‘going out tops’ are a thing again? Embrace the Nineties trend by pairing a pastel tulle cami or blouse with faded (and preferably frayed) jeans. Finish with kitten heels for the ultimate Nineties homage.