Trend Alert: Feathers
Throughout history, feathers have been adorned to identify social rank, symbolize allegiance to goddesses, for celebrations and theatrical costumes.
In more recent fashion history, Yves Saint Laurent sent a model down the runway in a full feather coat in 1983 and guess what… 40 years later they are all over the runways. I think we are craving celebrations and a bit of over-the-top drama so I’m all for finding a little plumage to add to your wardrobe.
YSL is definitely embracing feathers this season with some gorgeous gowns, and even a denim mini dress. But you can also play it a little more low key with a feather-cuffed white button down or silk mules from J. Crew. Feathered clutches are another fun way to add just a touch of this trend to your wardrobe. You can go big with Dries Van Noten’s Marabou pearl-handled clutch, or stick with my rule of not spending a lot on trends and find some beauties on Etsy or even Amazon. You can find a range of feather adorned dresses from Net-A-Porter, And As by DF has a very wearable and beautiful feathered cardigan that looks cozy and chic. I am absolutely in LOVE with this unique coat from Zara that includes floral jacquard, a feathered lapel, sequin appliqué in the back and a leather tie belt with studs. It sounds like it would be a hot mess but I think it’s amazing. On the budget side, Sam Edelman has a classic LBD with a trim of feathers along the bottom. Very classic and reasonably priced. Cynthia Rowley has a unique feathered pencil skirt that would look great with a black silk top and heels, and I adore Lamarque’s Deora Feather Topper Jacket in pink.
My mother-in-law gave a feather shawl many, many years ago. I thought it was bonkers at the time, but I also loved something about it. It seemed luxe, unique, dramatic yet classic because it was navy blue. I tucked in the back of the closet and it even made it through a couple of moves. I’m typically very quick to purge things I don’t wear, but something about this felt worthy of saving. I am so glad I did because I will finally wear it this year. I absolutely love it when I can shop in my own closet. I paired it with a blue satin Babaton skirt that I bough in Paris (thinking it was a Parisian brand - turns out it’s Canadian) and my blue Bagley Mischka wedding shoes. Now I just need somewhere to go!
Guide to style board:
Zara coat
Lamarque top
YSL Demin dress
J. Crew Mules
Cynthia Rowley skirt
J. Crew button down
Lamarque jacket
Sam Edelman sheath dress
Dries Van Norton clutch