Hanging out in the Victoria and Albert Museum I was reminded of the creative ways 18th Century fashionistas showcased their silhouettes while adding sophistication and story to their looks. While tight body outfits definitely have their place in a woman’s wardrobe, playing with loose effects (in the right proportions of course!), can throw in a unique edge and flow to your look and when contrasted with tight closing in the rest of the outfit can still highlight the hard work you’ve put into your silhouette. So don’t be afraid to mix it up and if you’re in London and want to try on the effect, head to the Victoria and Albert Museum where you can try on a wide petticoat… Now of course, you won’t be streetstyling the 18th Century look (although it would be priceless to see someone try that in a crowded city! Weddings however are fair game… done that! 😉 ) but what you can definitely do is loosen your streestyle looks with wide-leg trousers or harem pants…

Right: Adjusting dress volume to nowadays city life where living spaces are shrinking compared to Left: Mantua and petticoat illustrating the grandest style of court dress in the 1740’s and 1750’s in England. This mantua is a display of decoration in Rococo embroidery along with patterned silks and printed textiles. The dress can be seen at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

My favorite on the run, comfy and passe-partout outfits