Flamboyant flapper
Flapper dresses were invented to get freedom from the clinched waist and tight corset bodices.
The great concealment job has taken over global fashion with a storm, and aiding the effort is none other than the drop-waist flapper dress. Skipping the natural waistline, the style is implemented by letting things hang in an unrestrained manner, ideally as a dress or a skirt.
Providing a sneak peek into its inception, designer Anjali Sharma of the French Curve label says, “The flapper dress came about in the early 1920’s and became very popular with the younger ladies, who wanted to wear outfits which defied the specified norms and roles of society. The idea was to get freedom from the clinched waist and tight corset bodices.”
The Bengaluru-based designer gives a clear picture of the drop waist style and adds, “Technically, softer fabrics with a fall are ideal for a shape like the flapper. Easy details and soft trims may add to the glamour. The colours of course play a big role, since it is a straightforward silhouette, prints and loud hues may just do the trick.”
Echoing a similar opinion, designer Indira Ghosh Baikerikar says, “Drop waist dress is not a new phenomenon, in fact it came in the fashion radar many decades ago. The alluring part of it is that it gives the illusion of a longer torso and in the process makes one look tall. It comes to the rescue of those who are looking to hide the extra pounds around tummy area.”
And like everything else in fashion, the drop waist too offers scope for transformation. Designer Pooja Singhal shares her observation on that note, and mentions, “A classic drop waist dress is diligently designed, it flaunts intricate embroideries and bead settings in sheers. Something that has sophistication written all over it. However, time and trend loudly make the call for innovation and drop waist too has moved beyond its original sense of style. Laces, large buttons, Peter pan collars, sequins and shimmers are all making their presence felt. But do remember, at no point the embellishment can go overboard. The length may vary from short to knee-length while suitable accessories like a long neck piece, strappy sandals and high heels, all complement it single handedly.”
There are lots of versions of this particular style trending at the moment. One is a drop waist dress with a peplum style, or umbrella cut, box cut or with pleats. “The flapper drop waist dress goes straight, and is not fitted at the waist. The key feature is to let it fall straight and at the upper hip level pleating can be a welcome addition. But in a new trend you can belt the flapper dress. Usually the effects are best in solid colours. Red, white, offwhite, nude classic colours are ideal choices. Geometric, retro and vintage prints look better, even stripes look interesting. But floral prints should be avoided, any ethnic or exotic print is not suitable on flapper dress,” suggests Pooja.