It’s been a while since we had such a dominant trend sweep the world of fashion.
Sure, we’ve all been obsessed with colourful sneakers and polished loafers, but in terms of clothing items, the trends tend to be more broad. We have been embracing colours like burgundy and pastel, or layering up with knitwear but their shapes have been more diverse.
But as the season moves into the northern summer, one style that’s been emerging over recent seasons is now reaching fever pitch.
Drop-waist dress styles, those slim-fitting styles that flair into gathered volume slightly below the hips, are dominating fashion collections. The Basque-waist, a similar style with flared volume but where the shape dips in the front, forming a “V” or “U” shape below the natural waistline, is also everywhere.
The feminine dress style is often paired with a strapless design, which makes it more difficult for those of us going into winter to style. Common ways to layer it up include a boxy leather jacket or fitted cardigan over the top, worn with dainty woven flats or kitten heels.
The Basque-waist has emerged in bridal styles over the previous couple of years, taking its cues from romantic ‘Cinderella’-style dresses of the past. The nuptial style is likely to gain steam with the emergence of images showing Margot Robbie wearing the style as Catherine Earnshaw in filming for the upcoming Wuthering Heights film. But it is also appearing in plenty of more-casual styles right now, and makes a fun way to change up your usual dress go-tos. Popularised during the Victorian period, the style gets its name from Basque region that straddles the borders of France and Spain.
A more subtle variation of the drop-waist dress simply includes a slightly dropped waistline, seen in more boxy or straight, shift-style dresses, that can be above-the-knee instead of the popular midi-hem.
Our edit of the best drop-waist dresses to shop now:
Dissh Florence Dress
Shona Joy Maiori Midi Dress
Esse Studios Illi Dress
Aje Behold Maxi Dress
Zara Midi Dress
Hansen & Gretel Bellini Gown
Sotto Alessia Dress
Ganni corset dress
