Fashion is pain…
From Victorian era, waist-cinching corsets, to Christian Louboutin's iconic 'So Kate' heels, the price of being fashionable, has long been, discomfort*. However, as with all trends, fashion is constantly changing and there will come a time when the pendulum must swing back.
In the mid-2010s, the 'girl boss' aesthetic was at its peak, and if there was one term to encapsulate the style of this era, it was ‘fitted’. For the full visual, type ‘fall outfits 2015’ into Pinterest.
But as we entered a new decade, Gen Z became the trend makers and fashion took a rebellious turn. Kitten heels replaced stilettos, oversized blazers became more popular than leather jackets, and wide leg trousers finally toppled the skinny jeans, that had reigned supreme for almost two decades.
And this shift towards practical clothing raises the question: could it be possible, that in the 2020’s, it is finally fashionable to be comfortable? With the rise in remote jobs and hybrid working, a large number of Gen Z will never experience the joy of working in an office 5 days a week. Previously, we would shop for workwear that was office appropriate but also cool enough to wear in the evening. But in a post-pandemic world, the notion of buying outfit that can take you ‘from desk to dinner and drinks’, seems obsolete, or dated at the very least…
It is also worth noting that our current economic state plays a role. It is no coincidence that global financial turmoil coincided with the demise of 'logo mania' seen in the late 2010s. As well as Gen Z's infatuation with ‘quiet luxury’, a style that favours linen trousers and flowy dresses over more structured and restrictive garments.
Regardless of the reason, it is clear that there are many contributing factors to this shift towards practical clothing, something that the younger generations are fully embracing.
We believe that you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. And this ethos runs to the core of our design process: from selecting breathable, non-synthetic fabrics, to designing pieces that move with your body, rather than restricting it.
So whilst the jury’s out on whether this trend will continue to the late 2020’s, at Fable Petite, it’s here to stay.
*This issue never seemed to be the case for Men’s fashion (but that’s a whole other blog post!)