TREND ALERT: Drop Waist Dresses

Nene Leakes

Michelle Obama

Octavia Spencer

Drop waist dresses are one of the latest trends to come back on to the scene. This look, originally emerging in the 1920's, is characterized by placing the flare of the dress at the hip instead of the waist, where most dresses/skirts usually flare.

Once upon a time drop waist dresses had a boxy, almost baggy look that was not flattering to any woman's figure. Nowadays designers are updating this style by making the dress more soft, flowy, and romantic:

Etro Spring 2012 RTW Collection

A drop waist is great for women with short torsos because it helps to elongate the upper half and appear more balanced! But since this style doesn't flare at the waist, be warned that it can be very unforgiving because it doesn't hide any imperfections of the midsection. IE: Your rolls might show!

To avoid this problem, make sure you do the following:

1. Pick a skirt length that works for you

Drop waist dresses come in all lengths and styles, so it's important to pick a length that does make you feel comfortable but doesn't make you look like you're being swallowed up. Here, Jennifer Lopez is wearing a more conservative drop waist dress that hits the knees. Perfect length for her!

2. Make sure the dress is made of a forgiving fabric

Let's be real here. Most of us don't have perfectly smooth bodies! If you wanna rock this trend, make sure you pick a heavier fabric that has a little stretch so it can suck in any imperfections. Ponte fabric (a Rayon, Polyester, Spandex blend) holds its shape, doesn't wrinkle, and washes easily. Porsha Stewart's dress is made of a similar fabric and it hides all lumps & bumps!

3. Make sure the flare is right for your body type

Not all drop waists are made the same! You have to get a dress flatters your curves. Jennifer Lawrence, an actress that is known for her curves, shows us that this style is possible for any woman as long as the cut is right!

Can you see yourself rocking this trend? Fashion always comes back so it's not the last time we'll see this look!