Post #6: Show Some Skin

            Although it’s already getting so cold that there’s a chance of snow on Friday, I just couldn’t resist writing about a non-weather-conscious fashion trend that’s popping up all over: the cut-out. While Elle Magazine went so far as to make a “Missing Links” trend page showing deconstructed menswear, stores all over are choosing to make standard pieces of clothing a little more…interesting.

            Now, you could take my words quite literally and attempt to pull off a Regina George...

...in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, I would advise that you not deconstruct your shirts with the scissors that are sitting on your dorm-room desk.

            Instead, imagine ways in which staple items of clothing (such as the little black dress or the blazer) could be made more innovative. Alexander Wang chose to “cut out” the midriff in his Fall Ready-to-Wear Collection (go here for the full collection: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010RTW-AWANG) and Hervé Léger by Max Azria played with cut-outs around the shoulders and collar bone (a must-see collection: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/F2010RTW-HLEGER). However, my personal favorite way to show some skin (in a classy way, of course) is the back cut-out.

            Unless any of us has a three-way mirror here at Colgate, I know that most of us tend to look at ourselves only from the front (and maybe the side) when we get dressed in the morning. And yes, when you have to wear a coat because the high of the day is 49 degrees, you tend to want to bundle up instead of strip down.  Yet, never discount the impact that a back-baring exit can have on someone you’re talking to. That moment of surprise can leave quite an impression.

            While I don’t quite know whether I approve of Cynthia Rowley’s Cut-Out Blazer (http://www.cynthiarowley.com/womens/shorts/cut-out-blazer.html) with its racerback detail, I do have a few favorite clothing selections from Urban Outfitters (http://www.urbanoutfitters.com) to share with you.

           

For the Girl Going For Sex Appeal:

• Sexy and fitted, the architectural back cut-out detail of the Motel Lesley Dress is one of the most innovative designs that I’ve seen this season.
• If you used to like playing “dress-up” and still have an affinity for patterns and bows, the Motel Bowtastic Dress is a sexy way of saying that you’re still a child at heart even though you’re all grown up. The stacking of the three bows in back is both flattering and striking. 

For the Girl Who’s a Casual Romantic:

• The Pins and Needles Chiffon Open Back Dress with its ethereal layers of gray chiffon will make you look as if you should be dancing in a fairy glen. Its cowl back surrounded by a floral pattern paints a beautiful canvas.
•  The (casual) little black dress gets a new spin with the Sparkle & Fade Knit Bow Back Dress. While fairly average from the front, the deconstructed bow that shows off in back will surely turn some heads.

For the Girl Who Wants to See Something Other Than a Dress:

• Probably my favorite cut out piece that I’ve seen, the combination of the sheer lace and the lower cowl back of the Sparkle & Fade Lace Cowl Back Tank Top work in perfect harmony. While from the front you’ll look like you’re ready to take on a day of photography or a concert, the back is date-worthy.

Now while I may seem solely to be promoting Urban Outfitters apparel this week, remember that you can use these examples for inspiration. Cut-outs are running rampant in stores this season and the back is the perfect blank canvas of skin with which to show them off. Play with shape or play with sheerness, just always remember to keep it classy.