If any style has dominated designer brands and the
high street recently, it’s
the cut-out dress. They’re everywhere: slashed at the waist or open at the back from shoulder right down
to coccyx.
Don’t get me wrong –
I love some of the playful, architecturally interesting designs from designers like Christopher Esber. I like the drama they bring to an otherwise classic column dress. I just don’t love them… on my figure.
On a rational level, I completely believe that any woman should be able to wear anything she chooses. But I struggle to see myself in a midriff-baring column dress
à la Margot Robbie’s headline-making appearance in green Bottega Veneta.
The past few years have seen the rise of inclusiveness and diversity on the catwalk. It felt like the start of a brave new era of body positivity. Until it didn’t – and super-thin models started appearing in shows and advertisements again.
“Brands continually show cut-outs or any kind of bare stomach on only thin bodies. If we were able to represent all body types in those trends, it would be completely amazing.”
– Plus size model and writer Laura Roscioli
This week, our stylist Lucy Wood has pulled together some dresses that are statement but not cut-out. We hope you love them, whatever your body shape. And if you’re rocking the cut-out trend, we salute you.
COS
$150
SIR
$540
Oroton
$499
Alémais
$595
Meet The Women Making Thousands From Their Wardrobes
BY CAROLINE ZIELINSKI
Read more about the politics of cut-out dresses at PRIMER.
READ IT HERE
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