How to Wear the New Dressy and Drapey Fashion

Style is literally arriving in waves this season in a flurry of dressy and drapey fashion designs complete with stunning cascades of breathtaking fabrics. We first saw them as they appeared on the S/S 2017 runways - Rosie Assoulin, Self-Portrait, Diane von Furstenberg (under new creative director, Jonathan Saunders) and more - and we couldn’t get enough.

Here’s everything you need to know about this trend and tips for pulling it off…   

 

 

The Innocent Shoulder Reveal

One of our favorite ways to wear the drape is the effortless, innocent shoulder reveal. Wear your draped dresses and tops so that they casually move to the side, revealing one of your shoulders. It should seem as if the fabric moved to the side on its own and that you’re not even aware it happened. Your secret is safe with us.
 
To make for even easier styling, some of our favorite designers have created dresses and tops with buttons and cuts specifically designed to accommodate the casual reveal.

 

We are not ready to put our shoulders away. And for the spring and summer seasons, why would we?

 

 

 

 

Dresses and Pants


The drapey silhouettes continue with combinations of dresses and pants. Slouchy jeans or pants are being brilliantly styled with long and flowing dresses that hit below the knees or sweep to the ground. Flowy shirtdresses, smartly pleated frocks, and yes - even those gorgeous ruffled dresses that drape from the waist down.

 

 

Style demure versions for the office and sexier iterations for date night or a chic day out and about around town. Sexy styling tip: unbutton a button-down dress from below the navel all the way to the floor. You’re still covered up because of the pants, but you’ll radiate a certain bombshell vibe. It’s also a good way to finally wear that dress you bought with the high slit up to the heavens.

Is your style more high fashion hippie? Opt for a printed sundress over a flowy pair of pants, add earthy jewelry like interesting turquoise rings and you’ve got a cool, easy, luxe boho style. And to try something new for a fancier affair, wear a gown over silk pants for your next black tie event!

From Sweet to Edgy

Dresses with super sweet ruffles can be too girlie for some of us, and that’s okay. If you still want to incorporate this trend, make it a little less saccharine by adding some edge. Wear a romantically printed tea dress or shoulder-revealing minidress with daring fishnet stockings.

 

The Sweater as Styling Prop

Sweaters are the new styling props when you drape them in any which way over your shoulders. It hints at the effect of an entrance-making cape but with less drama and a more modern appeal. Yes, it looks amazing (and totally unexpected), but it’s also practical. It’s a work-friendly trend and incredibly travel-friendly too, prepping you for fluctuating temps as you saunter in and out of air conditioned venues. The new, draped sweater is also appropriate for just about any event - simply select the right sweater for the occasion.

 

The Total Look: Accessories and Shoes

These fabric-filled looks work best with delicate, strappy sandals (heeled versions or flats). They’ll keep you from looking weighed down. As for the accessories, experiment with the earrings of the season. Try oversized, show-stopping styles for an art crowd or garden party event or the mismatched earrings trend: a single stunning stud in one ear and a dangling statement earring in the other.