2020 Formal Wear Hits: Your plans might be cancelled but our dreams of glam dressing can thrive
By Manon Wiliam, Second Year Liberal Arts
The Croft Magazine // With summer formals becoming a faded dream many are downhearted at the loss of a formal event to attend, but alas, they can't take the glamour away from us - introducing the isolation formalwear wishlist!
With the current global situation, you may be feeling slightly downhearted as you watch all the events on Facebook you planned to attend, send you a notification saying ‘cancelled’. I certainly was, as I love an opportunity to dress up at formal events. However, I’m well aware that the important consideration during these uncertain times is to serve the common good, bear the bigger picture in mind, and stay indoors to literally save lives.
But fear not, as I have come up with a few solutions so you can stay safe but still enjoy the opportunity to dress up with friends – group FaceTime calls, a phenomenon I recently introduced to my mum as she joined a Facebook video party with all her drunken middle-aged friends, also in quarantine. Why not? It’s fun and socialising is incredibly important for your mental health, especially whilst self-isolating. Also, whenever this pandemic finally draws to a close, you’ll be prepared and will have something new and stylish to wear for any events! So let’s party (virtually that is)!
This season, broderie anglaise was a key aspect of the spring/summer catwalks of 2020, with designers such as Zimmermann, Kate Spade, and Erdem, allowing the freedom of a warm summer’s breeze whilst also adding a touch of elegance and prettiness, with each unique embroidered pattern.
I chose this stunning tomato red dress as a suggestion from ASOS, which features unique structures such as a flattering plunge neck, a maxi skirt overlay to dance around in, and beautiful blouson sleeves.
A new era of body confidence also entered this season’s catwalks with sheer fabrics almost revealing all. The Gucci collection which showcased this new sensual trend was branded by the designer, “Gucci Orgasmique”. This Forever Unique fine white mesh dress with a nude under-layer adds an ethereal-like quality along with the 3D flowers bringing a tropical feel, another predicted trend for this season. The ruched detail, was also popular with designers such as Roksanda, providing an extra layer of sexiness through texture.
However, if you’re not a fan of dresses, or simply fancy a change, to edge formal-wear up a bit, then you’re in the right place at the right time, as the 70s are back with an abundance of streamlined suits, with so many designers advocating these looks, such as Marc Jacobs, Victoria Beckham, Rochas, Gucci and Pacco Rabanne.
This lightly coloured checked suit provides a feel that could be a bit smart but also a bit slouchy - perfect to feel cool but comfortable.
If you fancy brightening up this sophisticated outfit, you may want to add some boldly coloured heels to the look, such as these aqua blue square toe mules from Public Desire.
Handbags for formals are always useful to carry the essentials – phone, purse, keys, and maybe some mascara or concealer if anything goes wrong with your makeup! So, I decided I’d pick out a cute shoulder bag, not to get in the way of anything, and chose this bold ASOS hot pink bag. It is described as being a 70s style bag, partly because of its ruched finish, but I can’t help thinking about the iconic pink hue of the early 00s, with the girly and glamourous outfits of Barbie and Paris Hilton, capturing all attention. This bag would bring any pattern-less or monochrome outfit to life. Definitely your new side-kick.
Spring Fashion Forecast: The top to watch in 2020
The inspiration is set, when life is back to normal we'll be able to strut our finest formal wear through Bristol once again - stay safe all!
Featured: Epigram / Laura Mallinson
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