Style Is Infatuated With The Drop-Waist Dress Movement I became enamored with the drop-waist dress trend a few summers ago when the “Lynette” dress from New York-based brand Khaite’s Resort 2022 collection was unveiled. I was enthralled by its huge, billowing, bell-shaped skirt, which nearly gave the impression that it was draped atop a crinoline skirt. In a sea of A-lines and miniskirts, the low-slung waist was an unusual cut at the time, and I must admit that I thought the silhouette would not last long.
But in the last few months, and two years after I initially noticed it, my Instagram feed has been overflowing with pictures of celebs and the fashion set experimenting with the drop waist dress trend. Sofia Richie Grainge wore a color block drop-waist dress she designed with Solid & Striped back in March. A month later, Zendaya wore a special Loewe tennis dress (made for the Challengers worldwide press tour) to give the drop-waist look a sporty twist. and most recently. In an iconic Givenchy drop-waist dress, Kendall Jenner looked stunning at the 2024 Met Gala afterparty.
Drop-waist gowns were also the talk of the runway at a few Spring 2024 shows. Sandy Liang wore a version with flowery appliqué and crisp pleats, while Ferragamo embraced old ’50s design standards with a drop-waist dress that evoked nostalgia. Jil Sander, meanwhile, gave the look a contemporary update by sewing a flowing skirt with a knitted sling bodice.
I’ve put up a selection of the greatest drop-waist dresses for your summer capsule wardrobe, complete with bubble hemlines, smocked fabric styles, and drop-waist dress versions of your fave button-downs, just in time for the upcoming warm months.
The Simple Drop-Waist Outfit Style Is Infatuated With The Drop-Waist Dress Movement
Look no farther than a white maxi dress with a subtly low-slung waist for a polished summer ensemble. Its simple design and neutral color offer a plethora of styling options. Think about using a glossy designer handbag and bold shoes to anchor your ensemble. Look toward Khaite and Lovers and Friends for revealing silhouettes if you want to expose skin. Cecilie Bahnsen and Reformation, on the other hand, provide slightly more covered styles.
The Drop-Waist Dress with Bubble Hem
Bubble hemlines are quickly becoming one of the trendiest summertime looks. Embrace this style with a billowy drop-waist gown accentuated with gathered fabric folds. Put on this voluminous look for those occasions when you want to turn heads and get ready for nonstop compliments. While Mare Mare’s dress has a lovely mid-length silhouette, you may try the barely-there looks by Shona Joy, Proenza Schouler, and Amanda Uprichard if you’d want a thigh-skimming fit. Invest in muted accessories to allow your chosen bubble dress to steal the show.
The Shirtdress with Drop Waist
For summer, a drop-waist shirtdress is perhaps the most sensible option. If you want to stay cool while having a picnic in the park or relaxing by the shore, choose this billowing style over formshaping drop-waist dresses. In addition to their roomy design, drop-waist shirtdresses are frequently made of breathable materials that will ward off sweltering heat. Take note of how the pieces from J. Crew, Victoria Beckham, Simkhai, and La DoubleJ below are all made from gauzy cotton and poplin blends. To further accentuate the summertime vacation vibe, pair these pieces with your preferred woven beach bag.
The Drop-Waist Color Block Dress
A color block pattern that walks the edge of neutrality and print is something you can always rely on. For a more dramatic appearance, this two-tone design will also draw attention to your dress’s drop waist. Choose a neutral look with a more muted version from Free People, or go bold with a colorful drop-waist dress from Never Fully Dressed. Alternatively, you might wear Line & Dot and Staud designs, which follow the classic formula of a black top and white skirt. You can elevate your color block dress with heeled strappy shoes or go casual with chunky sneakers, depending on how you’re feeling.
The Drop-Waist Dress with Texture
Consider a textured drop-waist dress as an easy way to add some flare to your wardrobe. While Matteau and Agua by Agua Bendita show how easily collected pieces of cloth can create dimension, L’Academie and Sea Juni are masters of the smocking method. These drop-waist dresses are so elaborate that they don’t require any further embellishment; a basic clutch purse and a pair of wedge sandals would do just fine.
