We’re All Architects In Here!

Well, maybe not. But with the structured trend making baby steps into our quiet little fashion lives (I suspect it’ll be huge by fall, so buckle up), 2 things pop into my mind, the 1st being its inherent architectural trait (a bit stretched out to assume we’ve all taken upon this craft), and the 2nd kinda resonating with the mess in my generation’s life, when it’s work hard, party hardER, refuse to grow up, thus having to put up with those dayum-girl-you-need-some-structure-in-your-life-looks. No need to keep on bitching then – we’ve got more than structure in our lives, we’re wearing it, so talk to the hand girlfriend! Designers have been fascinated by straight lines and rigid forms, strong shapes and architectural designs in clothes – so no wonder the structured trend caught on. Especially in haute-couture. Remember all those carpet events when celebrities donned super structured dresses? Yeah… there was a reason for that. The trend that’s upon us. But is it safe to say it’s quite limited to the red carpet and when discussing it we’re basically just discussing Structured Elegance in Evening Dresses? Or did it stretch out to the streets as well? Aaaand most importantly, is it making justice to the body or is it just a fad? All these questions and doubts are not meant to confuse me/us even more, but I honestly do not know where to stand on this one. While on some evening dresses some structure looks fabulous, on others it’s too much, so it probably must be a case of balance as well. Yet… I’ll give you this: structure looks brilliantly dramatic. It looks high couture, super glamorous in a very inaccessible way. And the best part is, it adds shape and creates volume where nature hasn’t blessed us. Abrupt straight lined peplum is a fantastic trick for hiding big hips, or creating some where there’s less. It accentuates the waist and adds tons of royal femininity. Such an evening dress requires you to play up on all the drama, so don’t be scarce on beads or lace. For extra umpf go for black structured evening dresses, such as the ones from Forever Unique. Highly glamorous yet not too hard to pull off, should the occasion require, the long black peplum dress is one made for the red carpet, so work it girl.

Red carpet aside, structured clothes may be less visible on the streets but that could just be a case of the past. The structured little thang that’s about to change the world of architectural clothes and bring them to the daylight – is the mini cocktail/princess daytime dress, such as the one below from Forever Unique.

This shape is very flattering on most body types and depending on the fabric it can definitely work for both day and evening. You don’t believe me? Just have a look at these front row faces from Fashion Week or the non-VIP fashionistats gracing the street style pics on blogs. Ah-mazing! Structured clothes may be hard to digest, but once you find your lines and shapes I guess you’re hooked. Truth is there is something very posh and crispy about a structured dress, and depending on your shoes (heels or flats) it can make quite the fashion statement. I love how they look with dramatic jewelry like a statement necklace or earrings. One of the most accessible structure in clothes has got to be the bold sharp shoulders on tops/jackets/blazers. They look super poised, dramatic and give the illusion of a tiny waist. They don’t call this trend Structured Elegance for nothing. It is quite reminiscent of the 40’s and 50’s if we’re looking at the harsh shaped dresses or skirts. But at the same time it’s got a futuristic side to it, new shapes, weird lines that push your imagination and are somewhat of a fashion risque. A combo of the 2 is ideal though! Though I’m not sold completely on structured clothes for daytime… I will however say that these street style pics are giving me second thoughts and Forever Unique’s short structured dress, with those luxurious embroideries is one piece that has me hooked on that shape. All in all it’s a trend, so we’ll probably rock it for fashion’s sake at least once, so let’s get inspired and comment away on the YES or NO behind it. 

xoxo