I was just talking to a client who doesn't like all these dress silhouettes we are seeing in the stores for the past seasons.

In general, dresses now have volume, drapes, puff sleeves.

And they can be hard to fit, especially for Petites.

It's also a matter of personal style. What we see in the stores is called fashion. But what we put in our wardrobes is style.

And why are we seeing these loose silhouettes? 

Many macro trends reflect on fashion as well as many other products we consume.

Just think about the "Me too" movement. It came along with more modest outfits for women. Lengths are usually longer, that's why we see more dresses with sleeves. In addition, there is a current desire for comfort and escapism. It only makes sense after what we have been through lately. 

Fashion is always connected with what happens in the world.

For instance, have you noticed how pink has become such a powerful color? Not only in fashion, but you can find many stores and restaurants that look completely pink. 

By the way, here is some curious fact: in the past, pink was considered a strong and masculine color while blue was romantic and feminine. If you watched the TV series Bridgerton, you probably noticed that the main female character wears baby blue most of the time, not pink. Interesting, right?

But let's get back to talking about loose silhouettes, shall we?

I wrote 7 tips to help you wear them and avoid too much volume for your figure. Check them out:

1- THERE ARE DRESSES WITH MORE VOLUME THAN OTHERS

Look for a dress that doesn't have volume all over, puff sleeves, or many drapes on the skirt. It might be too much. 

2- SIZE DOWN 

Sometimes, it's good to order a smaller size than usual if you are petite.

3- WATCH OUT FOR PRINTS

If the dress has a print, it's better if it has a small or small to medium scale. For example, small flowers are better than big ones. Avoid the large scale or too spaced images in the prints because it visually expands the dress. 

4- THE LENGTH OF THE DRESS AND THE SLEEVES ARE IMPORTANT

Websites or streetwear photos that have very long sleeves are seen as "fashionable" now, but they aren't really practical or enhance Petites. In fact, it makes us look smaller - remember, I am petite myself! 

5- PAY ATTENTION TO ACCESSORIES

If you choose to wear a dress with some volume, don't choose a big bag. It will add volume to your outfit.

6- THINK BEFORE BUYING

If you want to try wearing this type of silhouette but aren't sure if it's your thing, don't spend too much money. Besides, consider if a flowy dress would turn on a good cover-up for the next Summers after an alteration.

7- NOT YOUR STYLE? NO PROBLEM!

This type of clothing really doesn't please you? Ignore it! There are other options in the stores if you need to get a new dress now. Try looking for just some small details that are related to this silhouette.

Interested in updating your Summer wardrobe but need help with what to buy? Let's talk about this together. Email me at hello@marciacrivorot.com. 

PS: For more inspiration, read my previous posts and follow me on Pinterest, too. 

Disclosure: Keep in mind that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience and professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.