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I’ve been wearing a new Chopova Lowena pleated wool skirt this week to walk my dog. Its bright green pleats pump up my personal circumference to about the width of a doorframe, and the elastic string used in its design means my skirt bounces along as I walk down the sidewalk. Wearing it is an instant mood lifter. But it has also become the talking point in my neighborhood; no fewer than three people tend to stop Molly, my hound, and me on each walk, asking about the skirt or complimenting it.
Listen, that could have its downside, but after a year of almost no physical contact, a little fabric pinching or casual chitchat on the sidewalk is definitely welcomed. That’s part of the allure of big-dress dressing—it inspires familiarity and its fair share of ogling too.
There’s also a deep comfort in wearing something giant and poufy. No tight waists, no sleeves restricting my movement; I just glide around like a brightly colored, crazy cloud. What’s more, if you play your cards right and purchase your big dress a size too large, you can strategically layer an entire outfit underneath. Recently, I’ve been wearing my running clothes—Nike shorts and a black tank—underneath a taffeta Sea dress I bought in the winter. Once 6 p.m. hits, I peel off the dress, and, voilà, ready to hit the pavement.
Creative dressers will find other ways to make a giant dress work for them. What’s important to remember is that an oversized frock isn’t just about volume but about interest. Kiko Kostadinov and Marine Serre’s asymmetrical dresses might not have a crinoline-worthy skirt, but they contain layers of bias fabric and the visual appeal to get people talking. Loewe’s mini pouf and Bassike’s cotton number offer the same: clothing that is at once comfortable and a conversation piece. That’s a win-win in my book.
