Look like a diva in a babydoll dress

9 Aug 2015 4:56 AM IST

From festivities and date nights, to brunch with the girls, these flirty frocks are easy style for any occasion

Red pleated trapeze style with with ornamented neckline

One of my favourite looks and this season’s big trend — is the babydoll dress which has made an elevated comeback. It first came into fashion from the 1956 film Baby Doll and today it’s one of the most widely used silhouettes and easy to wear styles. They say that this style staple has the most staying power for summer and fall.

Flimsy fabrics with strappy yokes and a sleeveless can be used for summer and the simple addition of tights and half-length sleeves gives you the perfect transition into fall. Everyone loves this style as it looks feminine and sexy due to the 4” above the knee length it usually comes in. Also, it can look flattering on a thin person as well as a not so thin person due to the way the trapeze like silhouette falls. At the same time you can wear it as a fully structured A-line like dress with an open neckline.

You can opt for fabrics like cotton florals or plaids, silks and even an embellished or plain georgette. For an evening out, I recommend the babydoll silhouette with some embellishment throughout the dress or maybe even a heavy yoke. Otherwise a sequin fabric can be used for the same. Dress it up further with pumps or ballet flats and if you want to wear your boots then opt for the ankle cut boots for a modern look. You probably will take centre stage if you wear this silhouette to a party or a brunch, but be careful not to opt for polka dots especially if you are above 26!

You might choose to wear it with knee high boots for a more sensuous look, but remember boots below the knee will take you into looking like the 70’s and we are getting over that now and moving into the 80’s & 90’s look. Use flirty fabrics and ruffles for an extra feminine look and a collar might add the sophistication to it. Pick it up to a super grown up level with retro florals and sheer sleeves. This is my personal favourite and I would accessorise it with platform sandals. For make-up choose the luminous look.

If you like the grunge look, accessorise a ruffled lace babydoll with a biker jacket or puffed short sleeves with sheer tights and ankle laced boots. Either which way you wear it…rock the trend as it is back and back BIG!

- Michelle Salins is a leading fashion designer from Bengaluru.