Subtle Dressing : Spring's Quietly Demure Sexy New Trend...

This spring and summer, one of the biggest (and best) runway trends could be your secret weapon to presenting yourself with class in any situation, from office to date night!  For a handful of designers, sex appeal was on the back burner, and represented in a garment's detail and cut.  It was hinted at playfully rather than overtly put on display.  From the recent past in which we saw the platform heel reach outlandish heights, the inevitable backlash has now given us pointed flats, chunky short heels and a wardrobe to match subtler sensibilities.  Check out some of my favorite designers who embraced this trend beautifully.


Some designers chose waist cinching to show femininity.  Marc Jacobs chose a boxy shift (a la late 60s style) that left everything up to the imagination, and the stems on display!  The graphic print and high neckline keep it sweet, and his low heels and flats let the show of leg almost girlish.




Another spring hit.  A reminder of new buds aren't the only thing that makes this bold green gorgeous.  The silky satin finish is so feminine, and the longer hem length (not to mention overall construction), are entirely proper!




No doubt you've heard (and read) all about sheer looks, but this is different.  Rather than being overlaid on a bra (or braless) top, it's a textured element on top of a refined strapless sheath.  Pure class!




This model is covered from head to toe in an unbelievably fabulous look.  Everything is left to the imagination, but for a sliver of skin down the front of her blouse.  So subtle, and so sexy.

 


One more Valentino for the road!  The sleeveless shirt-styled bodice is fully buttoned, the skirt is below the knee.  And all you see are tiny pieces of skin showing through small slits.  Brilliant!




What do you do when you pair an old school print with an old school fit-and-flare shape?  How do you make it fresh, youthful and midday boardwalk appropriate?  Exactly like this.  While some skin is showing, the overall effect is covered due to the placement of cut-outs.  Simply gorgeous.




Rarely has colorblocking been used to such great, innovative effect.  It's the shape of the pieces and color choices that draw the eye down an imaginary hourglass curve.  The dress itself (as you can see) is a standard short-sleeved short style.