What is feminine dress?
Given the cultural climate of today’s society, some would argue that feminine dress, like femininity itself, is nothing more than a social construct. Nothing could be further from the truth. One of the most basic distinguishing factors for women’s clothing is where the waistline is sinched on the garment. Being that men’s natural waist falls much lower on the body than the natural waist of a woman, many women’s garments are centered accordingly. This waist placement allows for garments designed for women to accentuate and even celebrate the anatomical differences between men and women. Skirts, dresses, and even blouses gathered at the waist subtly create a more feminine appearance naturally lending itself to a more feminine style of dressing. Not all, but many cultures distinguish between masculine and feminine dress through different levels of embellishment, intricate design details, and color selection. The list below offers a good starting point for how to select garments that speak to femininity.
Eyelet and/or crochet detailing
Vibrant solid colors beyond the standard black, grey, and khaki
Floral and other tropical prints
Embellishments like gold threading and ruffle trims
Embroidery
Garments structured around the natural waist either in a dress, high-waisted trousers, or skirts
The above is by no means a comprehensive list but it is a sufficient starting point for building a wardrobe that speaks to femininity and feminine essence in style and in dress.
