The Summer Dress That Just Converted Me Back to Body-Con
I never thought I'd say these words again, but I wore a body-con, and I liked it, and I think you might too. We all like to categorise ourselves, particularly when it comes to fashion, and while there's nothing wrong with wanting to be part of a style group, it can also result in us pigeonholing ourselves. For me, this is how I ended up disavowing body-con dresses after a long and tumultuous love affair with them as a teen. But 10 years later, I've finally changed my tune.
As I hit my early mid-20s and entered the world of work, swearing off those skintight styles felt like graduating into adulthood. Looser, smock-like frocks were my way of showing the world I was now dressing for myself rather than striving to fit in with everyone else around me. Yet it wasn't until this summer that I realised I had been identifying as someone who doesn't wear body-con dresses for over a decade, as if it were a badge of honour, whereas all I was doing was closing myself off from a plethora of dresses that could happily complement my personal style.
My change of heart was also helped along by this season's slew of slim-fit dresses that look nothing like the flimsy iterations I wore as a teen. It was a particular dress from Staud that sealed the deal: a two-tone midi that came in a flattering ribbed fabric and featured a V neckline. This knit-like fabric is one identifying factor of the body-con 2.0, and everyone from COS to Totême has been offering up their own versions for summer 2021. However, other styles come in everything from crochet and linen to cotton and plissé fabrics, and they all look equally as stylish.
I've been wearing my Staud dress during the heatwave with gold hoops and Birkenstocks, and the weighty, body-skimming fabric is comfortable, easy to wear and looks unexpectedly polished. And while I think I will always feel a little more me in a loose-fitting dress, I'm so glad that I've finally broadened my wardrobe horizons. Who knows? Maybe you'll become a convert too. Scroll down to shop my dress and see similar body-con styles.
Shop my dress:
Shop my body-con dress edit:
Up Next: We Went Into an Actual Store and Fell in Love With These 19 Dresses
-
Suddenly, Every Classy Fashion Person in Paris Is Wearing This Elegant Heeled-Shoe Trend
A fresh take on classic Mary Janes.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Simone Ashley Is in the Fast Lane
Since her breakout role in Bridgerton, our Spring Issue cover star has quickly risen to A-list status. Up next, she masters the rom-com leading lady.
By Liv Little
-
Jamie Mizrahi's World: The Celeb Stylist's Favorite Red Carpet Look, Most Worth-It Shoe, and Album She Listens to on Repeat
A modern-day style expert.
By Allyson Payer
-
How Everyone Will Be Wearing Their Non–Skinny Jeans This Spring
Here's your outfit inspiration.
By Michelle Scanga
-
Suddenly, Women With The Row Style Are Breaking This Fashion Rule
You should too.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
We're Fashion Editors—Everything We Saw, Wore, Did, and Ate During NYFW
Let's dive in.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
Jenna Lyons's World: Her Go-To Red Lipstick, Her Latest Eyewear Collab, and the J.Crew Pieces She Still Wears Today
A true fashion icon.
By Judith Jones
-
Not Into Trends? Renée Zellweger's Winter Outfit Combo Is 100% Classic
Just as you are.
By Drew Elovitz
-
Emma Chamberlain's World: Her Warby Parker Collab, Two-Phone Rule, and Spiciest Fashion Takes
"I just want to bring the most joy to people."
By Anna LaPlaca
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in Europe
Classic looks that are always in style.
By Natalie Cantell