Isn't it lovely when a major trend comes around and appears to genuinely suit everyone? That idea is thrown around a lot in the fashion industry (for example, I'm always told wrap dresses should look good on me because they're supposedly universally flattering, but they really don't work with my boobs). But occasionally, something magical does come along and really does live up to the hype.
One such wardrobe winner is this year's batch of shirred dresses. Don't know what shirring means? Let me explain: It's when a fabric has many horizontal lines of thin elastic thread stitched into it in order to draw the fabric together and create a stretchy, flattering panel that will snugly fit waists but happily expand over boobs, tummies, bottoms and more. It's like body-con but bohemian, and it's bloody good on (not to mention comfy).
One of my favourite shirred dresses—a style from Rhode Resort from last year.
Such is its sudden presence on the scene. There are already multiple beloved frocks featuring this modern kind of smocking—some are super affordable (like a leopard-print maxi from ASOS) whilst others take the trend to a more extreme, experimental and expensive end of the spectrum (I'm looking at you, soldout Totême midi). But what they all share in common is that they love your body—no matter how you feel about it. And for that—during the summer months—I am eternally grateful. Keep scrolling to shop the shirred dresses with fan clubs forming, and then carry on with the best of the rest.
Since Lucy Williams wore this pretty blue floral dress in March, we've been seeing it appear in many more cool wardrobes across the land. It's now available at Urban Outfitters, and with its easy beach-to-wedding-to-work flexibility, I don't expect it to hang around for long.
I own Free People's Oasis dress in a mustard colour and adore it. It's so comfortable to wear, features so many cool design details and has quite a lot of fabric, so it feels very luxe for the price point. This has been trending all over the world and now comes in many different hues and finishes, but I love how Rachel Zeilic has discovered her white version is just as great in her third trimester of pregnancy. Shirring, I tell you, is genius.
It's gingham, red and has huge statement sleeves, so I'm not surprised this has been such a hit on Instagram (despite the fact that it's from a brand you might not know yet).
There are hundreds of pretty dress on ASOS right now, but the shirred bustier dresses are flying out fast. They come in both Curve and straight sizes and in many different fabrics and colours. This leopard one has already been notching up proud owners left, right and centre.
Dôen is one of the independent brands that Net-a-Porter is now stocking globally online. It means you can finally get your hands on signature beauties like this, which, until now, you'd have to ship in from California. Say buh-bye to those import taxes!
Where many of the loveliest shirred dresses naturally veer towards bohemia, this minimalistic one really stands out from the pack. Created by influencer Elin Kling for her brand, Totême, it has garnered a lot of likes across the internet and is currently sold out. Add yourself to the waiting list before I do.
Shop more of the best shirred dresses on the market right now…
Now all you need is a field to run around in.
In a slightly different fabric to the one pictured above, but what a gorgeous colour.
Come on, you didn't think Ref would be left out of this trend, did you?
I have this one, and it's so comfortable.
An excellent workwear option.
Related: The Only Dress Styles You Need on Your Radar This Summer
A perfect summer-to-autumn-to-winter option.
Enjoying the modest neckline on this one.
Add a basket and sunhat and you're good to go.
Rhode is the master of this trend detail.
Shirring + print + frills = all of the right things.
You can find the trend discounted on The Outnet right now.
This is all kinds of cute.
If you want to go for the ultimate option, this is it.
I love the simplicity of this shape.
Next up, the sandal trends of 2019. Perfect for all o the above dresses.
Opening image: @monikh
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