The bottom line: waist-down dressing is back
THE GRADUAL EASING of lockdown means a return to getting fully dressed. Extravagant collars and swinging earrings might have been sufficient for the Zoom groom, but now life has expanded beyond a screen, it’s time to think 360 again.
Besides, who says your top-half should have all the fun? Your legs and bum deserve a bit of love too. Now would be the perfect time to ditch tired trackies for a pair of party pants. And besides, they’re an easy ‘in’ to the new out-out energy. Baggy silhouettes rule right now, but dial up the pattern and colour – Chanel’s candy pink jeans or Emilio Pucci’s psychedelic, pleatfront pants would add some oomph to a plain white tee or simple knit.
If, however, you are ready to embrace spring with bare legs as well as an open heart, then please get ready for the return of the miniskirt. Thigh-skimming styles were seen on the catwalks at Miu Miu, Hermès and Eckhaus Latta. And, if you’re going to say, ‘But I don’t have the legs for a mini,’ hush. If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that life is too precious to stay hidden away. Besides, raising hemlines are said to indicate economic prosperity – wouldn’t you like to be part of the boom?
Something you probably haven’t worn all year is heels. Consider giving them an outing now too. Proper out-all-night parties might still be a little way off, so you don’t need to think super-high, but a block or mid-heeled mule or boots – preferably in a zingy colour – will put a sufficient spring in your step and shouldn’t be too perilous for navigating the pub garden.
You could feasibly have functioned naked from the navel down over the past year, but, alas, this time is done. Still, if you have discovered a secret exhibitionist side during lockdown, daring cut-outs are having a moment; see Versace’s trompe l’oeil thong waist bands or Givenchy’s so-low dresses styled to reveal an actual thong. Thought the thong was over? A lot can change in a year. Welcome back fashion!