Is it a Shirt or is it a Dress? Why, it is Both!

Shirt-dresses are extremely versatile. It is both feminine and masculine. There is structure, but there is also flexibility. They can be flirty while being professional. You can also dress them up or dress them down.

There is something so mystifying about a masculine piece worn on the female form. There is an element of mystery ; it accentuates a woman’s curves while hiding them at the same time, leaving much to the imagination. In fashion this androgyny is very popular and many collections are constructed around this concept. Where do I think that this attraction to blurring gender lines through fashion comes from? The evolution of the woman. Masculinity is synonymous to strength and power, which is often the foundation for success. As women become more multidimensional figures in society, thus giving men more room for exploration themselves, we began to question both the idea of femininity and masculinity.

What I really like about this particular shirt-dress is its wonderful hem, the contrasting material with the mesh and the smooth silkier material, the cape flaps on the back, and the rich color. It is a high-low hem, but it almost looks like a tuxedo tail. The front is quite high and sexy, but the tail tones this down. I can show off my legs, but not appear too racy. I love the solid material that transitions into the sheer black mesh over the shoulder and down the back. It is very feminine and fashionable. This piece is full of surprises, most notably the split cape that flaps in the wind. I love that this piece is very feminine, but certainly has its masculine elements with the shape, collar, and breast-pockets. I actually love love this piece; it has such a classic feel to it.

Accessories: I went with nude heels because they elongate my legs, can go with just about any color, and they lighten the already dark outfit. I also wore a gold-leaf statement necklace and small gold dangling hoops.

What do you think of shirtdresses?

What do you think of the manipulation of classically male pieces for the female form?

Join the conversation!

Ah, Harem Pants!

Harem pants have made an appearance several times in the past few decades, notably the 1980’s and 2010’s.  The harem pant: a mix between a skirt and a fitted pant, originated in India. What is a harem? A harem is a section of a Muslim place of residence in which the women reside. A harem can include mothers, sisters, wives, concubines, daughters, entertainers, and servants. Harem pants made a big splash in the U.S. when they were donned by entertainer MC Hammer. Hammer made this style of pant so popular that the pants earned the nickname “Hammer pants”.

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Why do we love harem pants? One, obvious reason is that they are really really comfortable.  Much of women clothing can be constricting, but harem pants compliment and possibly add to your shape, while remaining roomy and loose. Also, because they are tapered at the ankle it is easy to adjust the length of the pants. Another awesome thing about harem pants are that can be made with materials that are very lightweight and durable, while providing full coverage. Harem pants are intriguing and fashion forward partly because they come from cultures outside of the U.S., and partly because they are really cute. They also look great with heels!

The harem pants that I chose to wear are black with a red floral print and green leaf accents. One of the unique aspects about the pants that I am wearing is that they are high-waisted, a fashion trend that has become pretty popular over the last year. I was visiting UCLA Law School so I paired the pants with a black camisole, a red blazer, and dark red ballet flats.

Harem pants have many nicknames: Aladdin pants, drop-crotch pants, balloon pants, pantaloons, etc.

What do you think of harem pants?

 Do you like them? What do you like about them? If you do like them do you own a pair, and what pieces do you think compliment harem pants?

Let everyone know what you think-leave a comment!