August 17th, 2012 
Most designers placed heavy emphasis on women’s waists in their Fall/Winter 2012 collections. This is not surprising given recent 1940′s and 50′s references in fashion that gave way to the explosion of peplum jackets, suits, dresses and tops on designer runways and local town and city sidewalks last fall and spring. This trend continues its forward momentum.
(Photo Credits left to right: Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth
Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Boden, Ralph Lauren)
As I shop for clients and myself at various retailers, I have noticed that full skirt dresses are ubiquitous, and they are not reserved for evening wear only. Designers, magazines and retailers understand that we want to experiment with our appearance, but also want wearable pieces. The full skirt or dress, like a peplum, accentuates women’s curves by juxtaposing extreme lines with each other. When paired with a fitted bodice, a full skirt causes one’s waist to appear relatively small. Meanwhile, one’s rib cage and the skirt itself curve to complete a shapely feminine form. What’s more, this pairing is flattering on every frame whether created by separates worn together or by way of a dress. Demand for flattering, wearable clothes and retro influences, in my opinion, are driving the influx of practical, full-skirt dresses to retail stores near you. This year’s crop can be worn casually or at the office and transition easily from day to night. Here are a few currently available.
Read more about women’s Fall 2012 fashion here.
