Basque-waist dresses are having a moment this season, and no occasion has proved this as much as the 2024 Met Gala. Signing off on the new-season trend, a swarm of celebrities took to the biggest event in the fashion calendar in romantic gowns that championed the classic waist detail.
Originally popularised in the Victorian era, the trending design features a drop-waist silhouette with a "V" design that typically hugs the waist in the manner of a corset before billowing out at the skirt. Reminiscent of vintage gowns, these dresses naturally impart a romantic and elegant silhouette—making it a clear choice for the Met Gala's The Garden of Time theme. Whilst it's proven to be a red-carpet favourite, the style has been picked up by designer brands and high-street retailers too—and we expect that it won't be long until it becomes one of summer's biggest dress trends.
On the 2024 Met Gala red carpet, actress Uma Thurman wore a sky-blue dress by Tory Burch. Featuring a basque-waist design with a pleated effect, the floor-length gown retained a romantic energy that worked well with the theme. Meanwhile, wearing a Loewe gown, Ariana Grande also embraced the emerging trend. Styled by Mimi Cuttrell, Grande's dress featured a strapless design embellished with a basque-waist detail and longline pleated skirt.
Styling a sculptural take on the vintage trend, actress Taylor Russell also opted for a Loewe dress, with a high-neck design and neutral colour palette to let the smooth wood-effect top half of the elegant dress do the talking. It was fairytale-inspired romantic energy all round.
Kendall Jenner also opted for a basque-waist dress for an afterparty—an archival Givenchy by Alexander McQueen basque-waist dress, no less.
As low-waist trousers, skirts and drop-waist dresses continue to be popular this season, basque-waist dresses offer a similar torso-elongating effect for a fresh silhouette that bites back at the looser designs that have dominated for years.
Spotted across some of our favourite brands this season, read on to discover the basque-waist dresses we're shopping right now.
DISCOVER OUR EDIT OF THE BEST BASQUE-WAIST DRESSES:
This also comes in olive green and white.
The basque-waist detail adds a romantic touch.
Style with heels or leather ballet flats.
This comes in sizes XXS 3XL.
This also comes in nine other colours.
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