01 June 2012

Fab Frock Friday: Hello High-Low!

Lush skirt, seen here 

 forever 21 skirt, seen here


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 Ella Moss skirt from Bloomingdales

 Elie Tahari Spring 2012, seen here

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A fashion trend which I've been noticing lately is high-low hemlines. I've got to say, this is a tricky look to pull off, in my opinion. I have more often than not seen examples of this style looking rather unflattering. However, I have also seen some beautiful examples, as well.

Lightweight fabrics, especially sheers, work very well for a high-low hem, because they flow more easily, catching a breeze and moving beautifully. I feel that it is best to avoid a skirt that is too short in front (too-short skirts always look trashy, to me), or a hemline cut too straight-across. An assymetrical hem drapes well when it is at a curving angle which moves gracefully around the body. 

I remember designing some high-low silk chiffon dresses with empire waistlines in shades of peach, pink, and lavender, for a modern dance piece, many moons ago, when I did costume design. Those dresses turned out to be quite lovely. I almost wish I had kept one (not that it would fit me now!). The dance was inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe's flower paintings, so I was trying to evoke the delicacy of flower petals with the costumes.

If the weather was warmer here in Oz, I'd try wearing a high-low skirt. Alas, today is the first day of winter down under. I guess I will have to leave this breezy style to those of you enjoying summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

Happy Fab Frock Friday! Have a fabulous weekend, everyone.

4 comments:

Menthe Blanche said...

This is a nice selection. The third photo is my favorite.
And thank you for your visit and my blog ;)

lamb and blonde said...

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and commenting, MB. It's lovely to see you!

michele said...

i was thinking modern dance too! and disco! which can go terribly wrong with the wrong knees, yes?

smiles and happy hemlines to you.

michele

lamb and blonde said...

It's good to see you, Michele. Yes--disco, too--it's all about the movement. Have a beautiful weekend.