Trapeze dress - traditions of the 60s
Do you still think that the currently fashionable A-line dress is an innovation in modern fashion? You are mistaken, because women of fashion flaunted in outfits of this type half a century ago. The fact that this style has not gone into oblivion, but has returned to modern catwalks in a slightly updated and fresh form is not at all surprising.
A well-known saying says that everything new is a well-forgotten old and constant fashion cycles are the best confirmation of this. In connection with the sharply aggravated popularization of vintage outfits, which is the trapeze dress, I would like to pay special attention to the fashion trends of the period in which this style gained extraordinary popularity.
A bit of history
The legendary 60s were marked by a real fashion revolution. The styles of outfits that came into fashion during this period excited the imagination of the public, because they were never seen before. Frank miniskirts and short shorts, knee-length dresses with maximally flared hemlines, an open neckline and arms - all this reflected the brightness of youth, its fatigue from eternal prohibitions and unsuccessful desire for freedom.
The girls tried to open as much of the body as possible within the limits of what was permitted, and they tried to make what remained closed as feminine and sexy as possible. Soft, but expressive lines of the silhouette, allowing you to feel relaxed when moving, a seductive image with a slight hint of mystery - this is the real ideal of that time. It is in this free and very unstable fashion era that the ideal in all respects style of a dress in the form of a trapezoid appears.
Who came up with
He came up with the A-shaped silhouette of the dress of the young Yves Saint Laurent. Now the French fashion designer has already become a real fashion legend, and back in 1957, being a young but promising designer, he only took over as art director of the Christian Dior fashion house.
His first collection, which came out after only three months of work, made a splash. It was created based on the paintings of the famous artist Mondian and was decorated with abstract motifs of his paintings - colored rectangles and black stripes.
But it was not so much the unusual patterns on the dresses that attracted special attention, but their non-standard cut. After dresses with a rather narrow bodice and flared skirt, the style, which was narrowed at the shoulders and widened downwards, became a real synonym for freedom.
Features and Benefits
The trapeze dress from Saint Laurent was a sleeveless outfit with a round neckline and knee length. Its main feature was that the upper part, due to the tight-fitting cut, made it possible to favorably emphasize the outlines of the chest, and the skirt gradually expanding towards the bottom did not hinder the step at all.
This dress was not weighted with decorative elements and belts, and for girls who had previously had to tighten their waists in the tight vise of a belt, this was of great importance. They could finally breathe freely without worrying that the figure looks shapeless.
There is another version of the trapeze dress - fitted. This style is distinguished by the fact that the upper part of the dress fits the silhouette, and closer to the waist it slightly narrows, forming the most feminine and seductive forms. The lower part of the outfit expands again, repeating the outlines of the legendary trapezoid.
Who will suit
A classic trapeze dress is ideal for girls with a boyish body type. This is when the waist and chest are not clearly expressed, and the shoulders match in width with the volume of the hips. It was these parameters that distinguished the English model Twiggy - Yves Saint Laurent's favorite fashion model. But this style is also good because it allows girls who are not distinguished by excessive thinness to make the figure proportional.
Girls with an apple body type need to choose a trapeze dress flared from the chest to hide a noticeable tummy. Women with lush hips are also shown just such a style of this dress.
But for girls with small breasts, it is better to pay attention to dresses with pockets in the chest area or collars, but of the same cut.
Young ladies who are lucky with the outlines of the silhouette, and they can boast of an hourglass figure type, do not need to hide their silhouette behind an abundance of fabric. They will fit a shortened to the size of a mini dress-trapeze. It is worth considering that in the classics, the owners of ideal forms look very seductive. But for girls with overly broad shoulders, this style is better not to choose.
Popular Models
The trapeze dress is so fond of the fashionable society that eminent designers use this style in their collections to the fullest. In a slightly modified form, a dress from the 60s looks very personal. Fashion designers decorate them with unusual decorative elements - lace, drapery, flounces. They experiment with the length and texture of fabrics, offer models in which only the skirt resembles the standard trapezoidal shape. Girls benefit from such a fashionable variety, because they can easily choose an outfit according to their taste and figure.
With long sleeve
Models of such dresses are distinguished by very non-standard sleeves. They, as if succumbing to the general laws of the trapezoid, have a slightly narrowed cut in the area of the shoulders, and then sharply expand to the very hands. The length of the outfit may in this case have a shortened look, which, in combination with a long sleeve and a cut that is narrower at the top, looks very unusual. The neckline in such dresses is usually closed, it may have a slight slit. It is worth considering that warmer models of dresses can also be made with completely narrowed sleeves, which are complemented by a narrow cuff.
Sleeve 3/4
A fairly popular model of a trapezoid dress in modern times. This sleeve length can be called optimal, because it allows you to feel comfortable both in very cold and hot weather. Evening dresses can also be complemented with sleeves of this length. In lace form, they give the image a very delicate and at the same time sophisticated look. There are models with a narrowed strap on the sleeves of this length.
Short-sleeve
Such dresses are ideal for creating a light and very romantic look.The concept of "short sleeve" in this case can be very vague, because the sleeves can reach the elbow, be a little shorter, as in the version with a T-shirt, or only slightly cover the shoulder. Models with sleeves - flashlights and in the form of wings are popular. According to the cut, short sleeves can be both narrowed and expanded.
Without sleeves
Models of dresses in the classic variation are also very common. Shoulders can be girdled with wide straps, as in the traditional version, or very narrow. In this case, the collar can also serve as a shoulder strap, which covers the neck like a necklace. Variants of trapeze dresses on very thin straps, like a sundress, are also a popular phenomenon now. Sometimes, it is the neckline and shoulders that serve as the main decoration area for designers.
Fitted
This dress differs from the classic one in that it elegantly frames the waist line, thanks to the narrower cut in this area. Unlike the traditional version, it can even be supplemented with a belt. It can be a very thin lacquer belt, only slightly emphasizing an already fragile silhouette, or a wider belt with a small buckle. This model suits almost everyone. The only exception is girls with a noticeable tummy.
On a coquette
A yoke dress can be the perfect complement to any romantic look. In the case of a dress with a trapezoidal cut, a spectacular assembly can be located in the neck area, that is, in front of the shoulder strap or under the chest. This small but noticeable element allows you to correct some figure flaws - visually make the breasts more seductive or the rounded tummy less noticeable.A-line dress with a yoke at the waist is perfect for girls in position.
With a frill at the bottom
A dress with a frill at the bottom is perfect for those who find the classic A-line silhouette too strict. The ruffle sewn to the hem of the dress will give the image more lightness, naivety and seductiveness. In a shortened version, this dress becomes the perfect addition to your everyday look. In a more elongated one, the outfit looks pretentious and will fit well into the evening look. Such an outfit can even have a slightly asymmetrical skirt, which still does not lose the shape of a traditional trapezoid.
With flounces at the bottom
The flounce dress differs from the previous version with a more flared ruffle, which is sewn to the hem of the skirt. This dress looks no less seductive than the previous one, but it can hide the flaws of the silhouette much better. Excessive thinness of the legs will not be so noticeable under the shuttlecock, and the rectangular boyish silhouette will take on more feminine forms. If the shuttlecock is made of a fabric that differs in texture and color from the main outfit, then it will take on a completely different look.
high waisted
Such a dress makes it possible to transform your feminine image into a gentle one and do it unobtrusively. A dress with a high waist is shown to women who want to hide excessive silhouette volumes, as well as to girls in position. The length of such an outfit can be completely different, which only plays into the hands of modern fashionistas.
With a collar
The classic model of a trapezoidal dress, which completely exposes the neck due to the absence of a collar, has taken on a slightly different look in a modernized version. Now such dresses can be complemented with collars - collars that visually enlarge the chest.Models with stand-up collars allow you to slightly lengthen the neck, and dresses with small lace collars give the image a slight romanticism. There are also models of such dresses with collars, as on a shirt. The image in this dress looks elegant, but seductive.
With detachable back
Such models are often called dresses with a surprise. The fact is that the front part of such dresses can be absolutely no different from the standard ones, but if you look at the back, you can see this very “surprise”. The cutout on the back can be very deep and expose almost half of the back, or it can be quite small and expose only the area between the shoulder blades. Sometimes the neckline can be closed with a zipper or buttons.
Length
But with the length of trapezoidal dresses, the situation has always been ambiguous. No, the classic model from Saint Laurent can only be one length - to the knee. But subsequent designers allowed themselves to play with the length. Modern fashion designers also “sin” with this. Given the fact that now there is no public framework regarding the length of dresses, in stores you can find such dresses in completely different variations.
Mini
Models that are more like a trapezoidal tunic in length are chosen by very young girls, and those that can boast of ideal silhouette proportions and slender legs. Such an outfit always attracts the attention of the opposite sex, but keep in mind that you should not get carried away with excessive frankness. If you choose a dress of this length, its upper part should be closed, as in the classic version.
A short
A-line mid-thigh dresses are most often chosen by young and active girls.They allow you to feel light and comfortable even in the hottest summer period and create the most light look. Such an outfit opens up the legs of a young lady for everyone to see, so before choosing it, make sure that your legs are enviably slender and perfectly even.
Midi
A dress of this length can afford to be worn by an adult woman, and a young girl with a good figure, and that young lady who is distinguished by slight fullness in the hip area. The skirt of such dresses always has a flowing texture, which makes the silhouette as elegant as possible. If the dress has a classic, closed top look, it can easily become businesslike and fit into any dress code framework. More modified versions of dresses of this length will be the perfect complement to an evening, romantic and casual look.
Long
Such a dress reaches the ankles of the young lady in length and opens her shoes to the public eye. That is why it is better to choose the most elegant and stylish shoes for such an outfit. It can be sandals with heels, shoes or standard ballet flats, but the main thing is that they are combined with the outfit in terms of their texture.
To the floor
A floor-length A-line dress is the perfect option for a chic evening look. Models made of light and flowing fabrics are suitable for an everyday look. This length can be called the most versatile, because it allows you to hide any figure flaws, is ideal for young ladies of any age and gives free rein to experiments with combinations in the form of other elements of the wardrobe.
Actual colors and prints
Since the style of a trapezoidal dress does not particularly accept the presence of various decorative elements, designers give free rein to their imagination when decorating dresses with various kinds of patterns.This season, geometric, striped, floral and polka dot prints are especially popular.
Gradient patterns that combine several shades from the same color scheme at once are also at the peak of popularity.
Animal print is back on the fashion scene in the form of a leopard print on an A-line dress. What shades are the most fashionable?
Black
The perfect match for a little black dress is an A-line outfit in this shade. This dress will become the lifesaver of any modern woman. It will easily fit into a business look if you choose a slightly elongated midi model, it will be a great option for an evening, being in the form of a maxi, it will look good in a casual look if you choose a shortened model and will give an image of romanticism if it is very short.
White
This shade has always been and will be relevant. It is he who allows you to give the image of aristocracy and purity. A trapezoidal dress of this shade will make the image as light as possible. Such an outfit can be worn for any event and chosen as the main clothing element in the case of a casual style.
Red
Dresses of a fatal shade have always excited the imagination of men. This color is good because it is bright and often does not require additional details. This means that if you want to wear a red trapezoidal dress, you will not need to think about what kind of jewelry to complement the image, because they simply will not be needed.
Blue
A noble blue shade will help you make your look more fresh. Outfits of this shade are usually chosen by conservative and calm natures who crave constancy and stability.Best of all, this color is in harmony with dark hair, blue eyes and fair skin.
Pink
A dress of this shade is best for blue-eyed blondes. And not because this color is somehow able to characterize the girl's naivety and her degree of intelligence, but solely because this shade is ideal for such young ladies in terms of color type. And yes, there is no better dress for a romantic date than a pink A-line.
blue
Blue color is associated with the crystal clear sea water and the vastness of the sky. That is why it is better to choose dresses of a blue tint for young ladies. A-line outfits look equally good in this color, both in an elongated version and in a shortened version. This color looks great in a gradient transition between rich blue and white.
yellow
A sunny-colored dress always cheers up, not only for the girl who wears it, but for everyone around her. This color is ideal for the summer period, when nature is replete with an abundance of colors. Now, it is very fashionable to complement such outfits with blue sashes, so if you choose a fitted A-line cut, be sure to experiment with the image.
Gray
This dress will perfectly fit into the office dress code and help create a harmonious business image. Combining it with clothes of classic colors, you can look presentable in any office. Combining dresses of this color with blue clothes, you can look boring in a casual look. Brighter color combinations can help create even an evening look.
Green
The green shade is often called the shade of wealth, and for good reason.If a girl chooses a dress of this color, she will definitely look like a million. Such a dress will be perfectly combined with wardrobe elements of other shades - black, brown, red, orange, white, coral.
fabrics
But the materials for sewing trapezoidal dresses are always chosen differently. The choice depends on the season for which the outfit is designed and its functional purpose. So evening dresses are made from more solid and sophisticated fabrics, and everyday clothes are made from light and breathable fabrics. Dresses from what materials are most often found in modern stores?
Knitted
A-line dresses made of dense jersey are ideal for colder autumn and winter periods. The material has a thick enough texture to warm the body, but at the same time it is light enough. Knitted warm dresses are often complemented with oversized collars. There are also models from light and thin knitwear. They are perfect for the warm season.
Woolen
This dress is just made for the cold winter. The dense texture of wool will not allow the body to freeze even in the most severe frosts, especially if the dress is 100% woolen. Those who do not like the prickly texture can choose softer varieties of fabrics - cashmere, mohair, bike. Remember that wool products require special care, the features of which are always indicated on the label.
from chiffon
These dresses are perfect for summer. The flowing texture of the fabric makes the dress almost weightless, and its naturalness and small thickness do not allow the body to overheat even in the hottest weather. Chiffon is used both for tailoring evening dresses and for creating everyday ones.Regardless of the length, they always look advantageous and create a feminine look.
From a staple
Staple fabric is valuable because it is breathable and pleasant to the touch. That is why it is often used for sewing light summer dresses, which is often a trapezoidal one. This fabric has a flowing texture and is similar in appearance to natural cotton, but in fact it contains the presence of synthetic fibers of viscose. The fabric lends itself perfectly to dyeing, so dresses can be given any shades.
Guipure
Guipure can be used both as a basis for sewing a trapezoid dress, and for finishing certain elements of it. Popular now are dresses with lace sleeves and stripes in the form of a belt around the waist. Lace can be used to decorate the hems of skirts, décolleté and side parts of the dress. In models with a detachable back, a lace element may be present in the area of the cut on the back.
Lacy
A lace dress always gives an image of a certain romanticism and seductiveness. Light translucence of the fabric allows you to create both very revealing outfits and restrained, but very beautiful. Often, lace fabric is combined with other, non-luminous materials to create a more rigorous model.
Linen
Linen fabric has always been a favorite material for designers. Its light texture, absolute hypoallergenicity, breathability and beauty allow you to create exquisite summer outfits. Best of all, such dresses are suitable for an everyday look, because the fabric does not have a special charm and is very simple in appearance.
What to wear
A-line dresses can be worn with the most familiar elements of the wardrobe.As a cape, you can use any jacket, cardigan, bolero or even a cropped jacket. The main thing is to make sure that the texture of the cape matches the heaviness of the dress. The combination of the same textures of the cape and dress will be ideal.
Light summer dresses can be complemented with silk scarves, while warmer models go well even with a raincoat. In the latter case, it is important to ensure that the length of the dress does not go beyond the hem of the outerwear. And in general, you should make it a rule: the shorter the dress, the shorter the cape should be.
Under a trapezoid dress, a small handbag or a stylish clutch is ideal. On your feet in a colder period, it is better to wear tights and be sure to ensure that their color scheme is combined with the shade of the outfit. The best summer accessory for such a dress will be glasses that were fashionable in the 60s - those in an unusual frame.
What shoes to wear
If you decide to match the style of the 60s as much as possible, combine A-line dresses with sandals with thick soles, shoes with massive heels or platform. Remember that floor-length and long outfits must be combined only with high-heeled shoes or stilettos. Shorter models are even combined with low-speed shoes - moccasins, sandals, ballet flats.
Stylish novelties 2022
In 2017, not quite standard models of trapezoid dresses will come into fashion. These will be spacious and voluminous oversized models. The skirt will become as flared as possible, sometimes it will differ in asymmetry, and the sleeves will be voluminous and flowing. Simpler models of sleeveless dresses will become more like a trapezoid than they used to be.This effect will be noticed due to the fact that the skirt will become looser, and the narrower cut of the upper part of the outfit will remain the same as before.