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Prepare yourself for a spring of running in fields, kneading dough and sowing grains (actual research of stereotype pending) because prairie fashion is back for a visit. Turn of the century, American colonial garb might be plagued with questionable historical connotation but, with its decidedly modern take based purely on aesthetics, we’re down for the revival (sans bonnet…most of the time).
In New York, conservatism as a cult fashion micro-trend is widely emerging with labels like Batsheva creating pie-crust-collared, puff-sleeved smocks based on vintage dolly dress patterns. Looks that reflect the traditional wears of Amish and Hasidic communities as well as styles that hark back to Victorian and Georgian eras are making a certain comeback. Looks that also cause heart-exploding nostalgia to every sweet little dress we wore as children. Smocked, floral and corduroy fabric tunics made with love by Grandmas in their sewing rooms…and worn by us, bursting with pride, to 4th birthday parties.
2018’s prairie is a little mish-mash of all these ye olde looks. Street style has done wearable versions including Blanca Miró Scrimieri in Ganni’s babydoll smock with pony print, while the spring summer 2019 runways were ripe with the floatiest of gowns. Chloe’s take was embellished and regal while Stella McCartney and Ulla Johnson presented full-length sheer, gelato visions. Emilia Wickstead gave love to traditional structured bib-fronts and hair bows and Coach injected a handsome dash of western tailoring to make their look a front runner for best on ground. While on the celeb side, LA locals like Vanessa Hudgens have been spotted in doing nana-nighty-chic in labels like The Daily Sleeper (shop it right here). Basically, it means there’s more than one way to ride a wagon over the savanna this season.
Personally, we’re pleased to see the return of the waistless smock frock. No other garment offers quite so much chic comfort, so much opportunity to enjoy the delights of the buffet, so much breezy, ethereal dream-dressing. ‘Tis the antidote to the crop tops + abs momentary trend that requires oh so much more behind-the-scenes effort.
Perfect for a long day churning butter or for your next birthday party…
SHOP NOW
Lee Mathews ‘Penny’ dress, $699, SHOP NOW
Ganni ‘charron’ dress, $213, from net-a-porter, SHOP NOW
Alice McCall ‘Way To Walk’ dress, $490, SHOP NOW
Les Rêveries floral midi dress, $701, from Net-A-Porter, SHOP NOW
My General Store ‘The Flower Dress’, $350, SHOP NOW
Innika Choo ‘Maya’ smock, $498, SHOP NOW
Zara Patchwork dress, $139, SHOP NOW
Zimmermann ‘Tempest’ laced dress, $895, SHOP NOW
Batsheva western cotton midi dress, $1581, from Matches Fashion SHOP NOW
