If there's an underrated piece of modern womenswear, it's surely the shift dress? It's the Cinderella of dresses - understated and all too often not allowed to go to the party! But in fact the shift's simplicity is its beauty and it doesn't need loud patterns, fancy trims or an exaggerated silhouette to make a stylish statement. Defined by a cut that falls straight from the shoulders and has darts around the bust, the shift is often forgotten because it's thought of as less form-fitting than other styles. The waist is not particularly cinched, offering the shift an elegant and slender silhouette, perfect for slim and tall figures.
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ARAMINTA CAP SLEEVE |
ARAMINTA SHORT SLEEVE |
The first real shift dress that gained popularity in mainstream culture was the flapper dress, worn by young party-goers in the roaring 20s. Back then, the boyish, column-like silhouette of the flapper dress was a marked statement against what had come before it, notably corset designs with a narrow uncomfortable waist that restricted movement. In 1920s London, Paris and Berlin, girls wanted to dance till the sun came up, and the flapper dress gave them all the freedom and movement they required, while also redefining outdated ideas of what it was to be feminine.
SHIFT DRESS SHRIMP |
SHIFT DRESS LILAC |
By the time WWII came round, western womenswear had gone full circle, with the shift dress back in the shadows of the collective closet in favour of Christian Dior's 'New Look' which saw a return of the bust, hips and waist triumvirate, but by the 60s (another era of female empowerment), the shift was back. Popularised by Hubert de Givenchy's design for Audrey Hepburn's Breakfast at Tiffany's dress, and Lilly Pulitzer's designs for Jacqueline Kennedy, the shift had matured from simple party dress to an elegant and sophisticated dress for even the smartest of occasions.
Since then, the shift has been an ever-present fixture in stylish wardrobes thanks to it's modern silhouette, hint of rebellion, ease of movement, and versatile simplicity - all the reasons why we love it here at Favourbrook!
SHIFT DRESS DAWN |
SHIFT DRESS EAU DE NIL |
This season, we've created our iconic shift dress silhouette in a number of different fabrics from Shantung silk to linen, all of which provide a flattering option for a range of different summer events.
For advice on what to wear for specific occasions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Theresa and Sophie will be delighted to guide you through the collection to ensure you make the very best choice.
