Dressentials: The Fit and Flare Dress

There are certain dresses that belong in every girls' closet. No matter the occasion, you can always fall back on a favorite dress that is detailed enough to stand out on its own, but can easy be dressed up with sparkling accessories like a ornate clutch or statement necklace. For some, this is a breezy shift dress. Others, a flowing maxi dress or a vintage-inspired fit and flare. Our "Dressentials" series is here to inspire you to explore outside of your sartorial comfort zone and discover the beauty of classic silhouettes that both timeless and flattering.

These cute dresses will inspire you to curate outfits perfect for exploring a foreign city or your own backyard! From sophisticated drop-waist dresses to casual a line dresses, any lover of cute dresses needs a few staple silhouettes in her closet. As you can tell from our extensive collection of cute dresses, we adore all different types of dresses, and our first post in this series covers the lovely fit and flare dress. Check back with us to learn more about your personal staples or discover a new favorite dress silhouette with our Dressentials series!

Ready for a little history of the fit and flare dress? Fit and flare dresses first rose to popularity during the 1950s thanks to famed designer Christian Dior. With the introduction of his "New Look" silhouette between 1954 and 1955, the fitted waist and full skirt that the "fit and flare" was named for rose to popularity. The fit and flare has always been characterized by a slim-fitting bodice and flouncing skirt, which continues to be a flattering silhouette still loved today! These dresses were often crafted in the pastel hues and bouncing taffeta that were at the height of popularity for 1950s fashion. The fit and flare dress is one of the vintage style dresses that has remained a favorite for countless women since their first debut to 1950s fashion by the one and only Christian Dior.

With the introduction of ready-to-wear fashion during this era, this look was more easily accessible and was no longer limited to wealthy fashion lovers. Previously, women would construct their own garments or rely on a tailor, but with the industrialization of fashion, they could simply stop by a store and purchase a dress on the spot! Can you imagine having to sew your own fit and flare dress, or have to stop by the tailor each time you needed a dress for an occasion or "just because?" You can learn more about vintage fashion with our Vintage Clothing Guide!

While the fit and flare has risen and fallen in popularity throughout the years, this silhouette is a stand-by for any vintage-inspired fashion lover who needs a flattering, yet sophisticated dress. We adore the fit and flare for casual dress or for making an entrance at an evening soiree. Even though the ladies of days past looked picture-perfect when pairing their fit and flare dresses with gloves, hats, and dainty strings of pearls, today we style our fit and flare dresses with cozy cardigans and ankle boots in winter, and opt for cute sandals and dainty jewelry when the sun is shining. The fit and flare dress has twirled its way through the decades, and remains a wardrobe staple for women everywhere! Want to find your perfect fit and flare dress? Shop our collection here, and don't forget to take 30% off your purchase of 4 items with code OVER, or 15% off your purchase of 3 or less items with code UNDER through tomorrow, 3/7 at 11:59 PM PT!

xo,
Ruche