If you thought petticoats were reserved for the likes of Suri Cruise, princess brides, and ballerinas, think again. No longer are these double layered, ruffled mesh, and crinoline styled skirts meant for Halloween parties or a “goth” subculture. If worn right, petticoats can be a good investment for any fashion loving girl, that’s willing to take a risk, and possibly a twirl.
Petticoats are actually nothing new. They have been around the fashion block for quite some time, and women have worn them throughout the ages, as fashion dictated. Marilyn Monroe made hers famous when she posed for the iconic photo by Milton Greene, because the original dress she was suppose to wear over it didn’t fit. Little did she know that her picture would become iconic, and the popularity of the petticoat as a fashion statement would start to rise. A few decades later Madonna’s grunged up version of her petticoat led to a generation of teenage girls frolicking around town in petticoats paired with Doc Marten boots. It’s a trend that’s also popping up on the runways, thanks to designers like Betsy Johnson, who almost always incorporates a petticoat into her collections, and pop stars like Katy Perry who knows how to glam those petticoats up.
Today you can find an assortment of colors, textures, lengths and widths while petticoat shopping. My favorite choices for the most up to date, truly wearable petticoats are American Apparel. This version of the skirt almost anyone can wear. It’s a softer version, and not too poofy. The material works with you. At Magicpetti, you can find every shape, color and size, and has a few more choices for the more adventurous petticoat fan.
Styling the petticoat can be a bit tricky. You want to embrace the feminine nature of the skirt without looking like you’re wearing a costume. Here are a few tips I’ve come up with on how to wear this trend with out looking like you’re on your way to ballet class.
*TIPS FOR WEARING A PETTICOAT *
1. Pair it with a fitted t -shirt and a blazer
Petticoats are generally pretty girly and frothy. They look great when you pair it with something slimming on top with a bit of masculine layering, such as the boyfriend blazer. Try a fitted tank, or t-shirt, topped with a cropped blazer like Chictopian Marcella. For even more inspiration, check out Rhianna working this look! This is also perfect for the girl who is slightly tomboyish, but doesn’t want to give up on all things girly just yet!
2. Pull on a sweater.
A sweater works great when you pair it with a petticoat. It’s more of a sweet look, that has a girlish charm about it, and adds an element of casual comfort. Check out the ever so stylish Alexa Chung, making me want to wear this look everyday.
3. Throw on a jacket
Adding a jacket is another simple way to wear this look. Besides the chic blazer, nothing adds to the cool factor more than a leather motorcycle jacket. One of my favorite ways to wear a petticoat is like Anne Hathaway, with her very chic pale pink petticoat and her rough fitted leather jacket. The contrast between the two styles is both chic, and sexy. For a lighter look, try a denim jacket, or white blazer as seen here.
4. Don’t forget your socks.
Whether you decide to wear little ankle socks routed up with wedges, like Chictopias style icon
Mayo Wo, or knee high socks pulled up high with boots like Chictopian wanderlust, whichever way you prefer, socks are a great way to style up your petticoat.
The biggest tip of all, is to have fun with it. My non fashion loving friends are always asking me the same question. “What is it about clothes that makes you love them so much?” The answer is always the same. “They are fun!” I think the petticoat is the perfect example of how fashion can be fun. So go have yourself a Carrie Bradshaw, moment, and don’t forget to take pictures!
by Tracy
Main image via Out Magazine, shot by Richard Corman, 1983
Supporting images via Vogue, September issue 2006, and Google
