Chicago may not be a fashion capital [just yet] but what we are known for is having crazy unpredictable weather, deep dish pizza and ridiculously amazing architecture. Now you may not think that has anything to do with the way we dress (referring to the architecture…not necessarily the pizza, although I do have my designated “eating pants”) but what if I told you it actually does?
See? (sort of?)
Architecture and fashion actually go hand-in-hand. When designers are asked what inspired their latest collection, it’s never a surprise to hear the word “architecture.” Sometimes it’s a specific city (like Karl Lagerfeld’s Dubai-inspired collection for Chanel Resort 2015), the clothes might just have angular silhouettes, the styling could be playing with proportions…there’s many ways to interpret architecture and fashion.
These linear and structural silhouettes are something I’ve become more and more attracted to. I used to be all about dressing in color, but now I really appreciate the minimalist and architectural designs, especially from the brands that do it best like Balenciaga, Mary Katrantzou, Alexander McQueen, and Delpozo to name a few. Of course those aren’t the only designers taking architecture into consideration, especially for Fall 2015.
See: Ellery’s exaggerated proportions…
…Rick Owens’s structured shoulders…
…and Fendi’s fantastic linear skirts.
Typically the runways show more avant-garde architectural styles, but there’s plenty you can wear in everyday life. Whether it’s a jacket with hard / round lines, an angular skirt, perhaps a crop top with oversized proportions…overall architectural style is about strong silhouettes. And don’t think for a second you can’t pull it off…because you most definitely can.
Many of these styles are actually super flattering (like overblown A-line dresses and skirts for example). I also find them easier to style, as each piece is typically a statement on its own so keeping the rest of the outfit paired down is the way to go (that way you don’t even have to think about it!)
Although designers I mentioned like Rick Owens, Ellery and Fendi are doing this architectural thing for Fall ’15, it’s not like this is a trend by any means. These silhouettes can be worn any time of the year (and you’ll never look “so last season”). They’re typically on the dressy side, but they can still be worn for many occasions. They’re also an excuse to wear a draped coat or cape, especially if you opt for anything structured from the waist up (trust me, getting your arms in a coat when you’re rocking statement sleeves is not easy). If the clothes might be a little much for you, there’s a ton of architectural accessories out there that will immediately take your outfits to the next level. But the best part about these designs…besides the whole being flattering thing? Regardless of how much you pay for one of these pieces, they always look super expensive (must be the Balenciaga effect…)
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So if you’re like George Constanza and enjoy pretending to be an architect, then you’re going to want to check these out…
Images via Style.com, Fashion Gone Rogue & Pinterest
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