The hourglass silhouette is back in fashion among New York women. Signalling a departure from pandemic-era casualwear, these stylish ladies now favour belted waists over the loose loungewear of lockdown.
The pandemic gave us more than just escalating luxury fashion prices. It also drove the sloth-like look of baggy sweatsuits, wide-leg pants, and oversized raglan coats. It’s no wonder that, after years of paying a premium for designer versions of the slouchy, unisex silhouette, the female waist is being celebrated again on New York’s streets.
Far from simply a return to the styles of the past, in the middle of this chilly winter, stylish New Yorkers are now belting their puffer jackets, putting a fresh and modern spin on a centuries-old trend. Case in point: Harpers Bazaar recently reported that Jennifer Lawrence accessorized her cozy Dior coat perfectly by cinching it with a chic black leather belt for a more polished look.
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Adding a belt to your winter coat or a blazer for a more flattering silhouette can add some drama to your outfit. To amp up the drama, try a corset-inspired belt. Or go a little casual with a belt bag.
With its captivating exaggerated curves, for centuries, the hourglass silhouette has symbolized femininity. However, historically, this body type has also been associated with female oppression and disempowerment. Despite this, in recent years, the fashion industry has been resurrecting waist-centric designs, creating new takes on this age-old silhouette. And these new styles are more in tune with the modern woman, exploring volume and shape without sacrificing wearability.
With the rise of corset-inspired fashion, the hourglass silhouette is one of the key trends moving the fashion world out of the dark pandemic days. And, while we all love our sweatpants, isn’t it time we re-considered structure, style, and tailoring in our wardrobes? Based on what we’re seeing in New York, the answer to that question is a resounding ‘YES’.
