Popular fashion trends have increasingly included the baring of skin, creating added frustrations for fashion-minded women who try be modest in appearance. As if we don’t have enough frustrations in our lives? Not wanting to resort to Victorian-era dresses with impeccable detail, skirts hemlines that pass the shoes, high necklines, and sleeves to wrists (I get claustrophobic just thinking about all of it), many resort to time-consuming personal creations, or (don’t say it!) dowdy “mom wear” in order to avoid trendy mini-length sweater dresses, low necklines, or sleeveless blouses.
As in the flapper-girl days of the roaring 20s, today’s fashions also pose a challenge to stay current and attractively modest. Fashion is circulatory. Designers play with new combinations of color, silhouettes, and patterns to come up with something that is “new.” The 60s mod shift dress recalled the shapeless form of the androgynous flapper girl, including everything from dramatic eye makeup to headbands.
Perhaps due to current popular television shows, movies, and music that are inspired by or set during the 50s, 60s and 70s, designers Zac Posen, Michael Kors, and even the cutting-edge Prada have begun to create looks featuring high waistlines, A-lines, or pencil to-the-knee skirts, bringing the midi and maxi back into style. These classic looks flatter the shape when fitted well and worn appropriately.
Prada featuring a fit-n-flare 1950s-style midi dress.
Photo from style.com.
Midi length falls below the knee at the smallest part of the leg between knee and calf muscle, which elongates the upper legs and brings the attention to the narrow part of your lower leg, creating a tall, slim silhouette. Wearing a skirt that falls at your natural waistline creates a flattering shape and comes straight from classic movie sirens Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren.
Although this is technically a dress with a shirt over it, the silhouette's
break creates a high-waisted look that elongates the leg... though this
model doesn't really need it. Photo from freepeople.com.
The maxi length is, well, the maximum length before you begin to trip. This look was a great trend for summer 2011 channeling 70s breezy boheme, and, as always, with a structured blazer or chunky knit sweater, this trend gives you a much warmer option for winter months.
Photo from runwaydaily.com.
Emphasizing the woman’s shape and flattering in all the right places without being tight or revealing are just a few of the perks associated with this feminine trend. A departure from the style of recent years to those of latter years incorporated with more modern pieces can keep you modest and on point for the season’s trends. Dressing for what flatters your shape in styles that you can find in high-end stores or even D.I. will keep you fashionable, trendy, modest, and warm this winter!