For several years we've witnessed hemlines dominate the runway, courtesy of shrunken or elongated hems and the dropped waist dress trend is set to become one of 2024's most lauded fashion movements. You could say it's somewhat of a revival. Dating back to the revolutionary Roaring Twenties (through to circa 1930s), low-slung dresses adorned with tassels or fringing became a widely coveted style, which evolved into loose but pronounced silhouettes with stretched-out bodices.
Spearheaded by the likes of Mirror Palais, Phillip Lim and Rocksander (to name but a few), dropped waist dresses were spotted on many Spring/Summer 2024 catwalks spanning New York to Paris and subsequently the presence of dropped waist dresses is growing exponentially in anticipation of a warmer forecast.
The re-imagined style comprises similar elements as far as the elongated silhouette and hip clinging feature are concerned, albeit a touch more contemporary and with less focus on the hemline but instead the longline body element. Unlike designs of the 1920s, 2024's many drop waist dresses span long form and mini dresses, alike — with some comprising other complementary trends, such as voluminous underlays (or overlays, as is the case with 16 Arlington), cloud-like bubble skirts and V-shaped corsets with protruding skirts, to add further dimension. There's an undisputable reference to cinched bustiers of the 16th and 17th centuries to create hourglass shaping, however, there's an empowering element to the modern interpretation of dropped waist dresses in supple fabrications, where comfort is prioritised and the individual form determines the fit — a subtle ode to the female form (in its many shapes).
We've seen many iterations of similar trends over the years (if you recall Abercrombie's viral Plunge Corset Maxi Dress, for example) demonstrating the recurrent nature of the dropped waist feature. There are a variety of fits from which to take your pick. Below, I've listed 19 styles that caught my eye, if you're also taken by the timelessness of this darling trend.
Shop Dropped Waist Dresses:
This beautiful frock will be suitable for a civil ceremony.
The tank component of this dress would suggest casual, however, the full skirt adds an element of drama.
Pretty in pink!
Polka dots are another big dress trend for summer 2024.
The stretched bodice and double lined skirt makes this piece feel whimsical, despite its deep hue.
Perfect for a summer wedding.
Combine 2 dress trends in one with this drop-waist, bandeau style.
This remains one of my favourite dresses.
I'm in awe of this buttery hue and gathered hem. It's ever so slightly Grecian.
This olive hue and linen fabrication loans itself to the impending summer season.
There's nothing quite like a thick waist panel to turn a jersey dress into something special. It creates a beautiful shape.
The faint pinstripe and full skirt is a balance between smart casual.
Trust Khaite to fashion a directional frock with plenty of voguish elements.
While many dropped waist dresses feature a waist panel, draped styles like the above sit low on the waist and naturally fall into that category.
Two trends in one piece, courtesy of the jolly bubble skirt.
If you're a fan of Essen, you'll notice how they've been well ahead of the trend forecast with dropped waist silhouettes for many seasons prior.
Although this has a cinched-in silhouette, the linen fabric lends it a relaxed feel. Wear this to summer picnics and evening soirees, alike.
A taught bandeau overlay in a vibrant terracotta hue.
Note the cut-out detail on the hips paired with the raw edge trim.
The smocked bodice offers a slight sculptural feel and the fluted sleeves detail is so sweet.
Earthy tones for those of us with a penchant for neutrals.
A limited stock item but it's far too beautiful not to share. In the event it's out of stock in your size, create a similar silhouette with a long sleeve Bardot top pulled over a full skirt.
The drop waist is further accentuated with the full skirting detail. You can only imagine the movement.
So chic.
I love the mushroom shade of this pretty dress.
Just throw on and go.
The perfect beach-to-bar dress.
