Fit and flare

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A fit and flare dress is a dress silhouette featuring a fitted upper body (the "fit") and a full skirt (the "flare"). [1]

Contents

A 1954 Christian Dior gown and evening glove with a fit and flare silhouette. Christian Dior Dress.jpg
A 1954 Christian Dior gown and evening glove with a fit and flare silhouette.

Description

Like the A-line silhouette, fit and flare dresses feature a fitted upper body and a wide hem. Both silhouettes flatter a wide variety of body types. The difference between the styles is that the fit and flare necessarily includes a fitted waistline while the A-line silhouette does not.[ citation needed ]

History

The origins of the fit and flare dress can be traced to the 1930s with the move away from the drop-waist silhouette of the 1920s.[ citation needed ] The fit and flare silhouette is linked to Christian Dior's "New LooK" of a cinched waist and full skirt that became popular in the post-war decades. [1] [2] Fit and flare dresses allowed women to show off the hourglass figure that was in vogue in the era. The flattering nature of the silhouette has ensured its popularity into the present day. [3]

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References

  1. 1 2 "The History of the Fit and Flare Dress". Lady. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  2. Borrelli-Persson, Laird (30 September 2016). "Christian Dior's Most Famous Silhouettes in Vogue". Vogue. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  3. "How to Find Your Perfect Dress". Stitch Fix. Retrieved 25 October 2020.