In 2016, the dress-combination was firmly included in the list of compulsory purchases of fashionistas around the world. And it all started back in the 90s, when the first bold outfits were demonstrated, positioning the element of underwear as an independent top in the image. America is considered the birthplace of the combination dress, from where it began its triumphal procession around the world. Year of birth - 1931 (Gene Harlow in the film "Enemy of the Society"). Then the next wave of popularity in the 50s, 60s, 90s.
Source: combination as underwear
In the 1930s, corsets were replaced by designers offering women free and lightweight elements of underwear made of flowing fabrics. The task of the combination was to mark the seams on the panties and bra. So the top dress was perfectly even on the figure.
The popularity of the combination quickly gained momentum. There were models with cups that could be worn without a bra. Light fabrics - silk and smooth satin looked feminine, sexy, and in addition to practical functions, they also gave confidence.
In the 90s, the women's combination (under the dress) became an element of the top, turning into a designer trend, beaten by leading fashion houses.
Models and Varieties
There are several main varieties of the popular dress.
- Fully woven combination dress. Depending on the choice of fabric, it is suitable for both daily and holiday images. Such a dress can also be worn in the office, beating with a jacket or cardigan, with classic shoes.
- With lace trim. This style is suitable for a party, celebration, romantic date, or dinner with friends. Lace additionally emphasizes the linen orientation of the style and requires complementary balancing details. It can be a cloak, a jacket, a leather jacket, and classic shoes.
- With narrow or wide straps. The choice of width depends only on personal preferences in each individual case. Narrow straps look more frank and sexy. Wide - will allow you to adapt the dress to a day look. There are strapless or halter-top models.
- Mini, midi, maxi options. The type of figure, self-confidence, environment, an event for which you stylize a dress - all this in one way or another affects the choice of length. The decision to take the owner of a new wardrobe.
- Silk, satin, lace, woolen trim, velor, etc. The choice of dress fabric is dictated by personal tastes, cost, season, and other small and important factors that vary among each female.
- A little black combination dress. This is a classic win-win outfit for all occasions. If you don’t have a little black dress in your wardrobe yet, let it be a model in a trendy linen style. Average length is the most optimal solution.
Ideas and rules of styling
The combination dress looks easy and spectacular, however, you need to clearly know the rules of how and what to wear with it, so that there is no similarity with underwear, because with the wrong styling it can look defiant and inappropriate. Let's look at them.
1. No lace
The safest option is to choose a combination dress without lace trim and other decorative elements that add similarities to underwear. This option is suitable for all fashionistas who want to try on a trend, but are not sure about the end result.
2. The choice of hairstyles and makeup
You might think that for a light and loose dress, you should choose the same natural minimal makeup. However, stylists recommend avoiding careless hairstyles and make-up “a la natural”. High retro styling on smooth shiny hair will look good. Any hairstyles with clear, finished lines balance the impression of the dress. Bright lipstick or cat eyes makeup will also help outplay the look.
3. Expressive jewelry
The combination dress will look best with expressive and voluminous decorations that remove its similarity to linen. A large necklace, a bunch of bracelets, long earrings, elegant shoes and a geometric-shaped clutch are all that you need to complete the image.
4. Wrinkled fabrics
Silk dress-combination has another property, which is worth paying attention to - it does not maintain its shape and smooth surface for too long. This is very important if you want to preserve the perfect silhouette. When choosing a dress, consider this feature. There are a number of fabric options that will retain their flawless surface throughout the day.
Experiment with a neckline
A deep and wide neckline is traditional if it is a combination for a dress, however, for outerwear, a variety of neckline shapes gives freedom of choice. Think about which option suits your body type and chest shape. You can choose a combination dress with a halter collar, or in the style of a sports T-shirt. The main thing is to look stylish and original.
Safety dress length
For a party or any celebration, the longest combination dress will be the safest . In the short or midi version it will be easier to move and have fun, but it’s worth evaluating the scope of the dress code of the event that you plan to attend.
There are a number of “pitfalls” in the styling of combination dresses. And one of them can be called high cuts. Be careful that they do not open underwear, otherwise the whole outfit will look like a night set.
Dress combination
Taking into account the popularity of the lingerie trend in clothes, many female representatives will not dare to try on similar outfits for publication. An alternative is always the combination of a woman’s dress, which gives self-confidence, comfort, practicality in wearing outer clothing, and riddles in the eyes of the owner. Choose a model by color, size, type of fabric, style, and enjoy the new sensations in the presentation of your own image.
Celebrities in Combination Dresses
At different times, representatives of all generations of world celebrities with constant success appeared in them in public. The most popular option is a combination dress with lace. This is a win-win model, adapted for every day, and for the red carpet, and for attending important events. The queen of style is considered to be Kate Moss, thanks to the features of her boyish figure, on which the combination dress sits perfectly.
Reviews
The new trend did not leave indifferent any fashionista. After analyzing the reviews, we can draw the following conclusions:
- The combination dress goes to thin and slender girls or women, without restrictions. And owners of magnificent forms need to pick up complementary wardrobe details to balance the silhouette.
- Stylists recommend combining dress combinations in the new season with deliberately crude and simple things to soften the erotic image.
- Think of non-creasing fabrics if you are choosing an outfit for long-term wear, as well as anti-static for a synthetic dress.
For everyone who still doubts whether to buy a combination dress in the new season or not, there is an optimal solution. Brave - be sure to buy and catch admiring glances. To the modest women - risk being bright and original, just beat the seductive dress with restrained and balancing wardrobe details and accessories.