it’s cool to be girly
I am a girly girl through and through. I have been since I came out of the womb (my mom was reading a fashion magazine up until the very moment I was born, so it’s only right). My favorite color is pink, although I’ll never admit it. I feel most comfortable in a dress or skirt. I’m not into sports. I’ve been told more than once I am overly emotional. If you google girly girl, I fit the description to a T. However, there was a period where being too “girly” was negative. As young girls, we were taught that if we spent too much time putting thought into our appearances or if we wore our emotions on our sleeves then we wouldn’t be taken seriously.
However, there’s been a recent surge in owning your inner girliness. I think we can officially say 2023 is the year of the girl. Olivia Rodrigo dropped her sophomore album, Guts, proving again she’s the queen of female angst. Sofia Coppola released her antithesis to Baz Lurhman’s Elvis, Priscilla. And, of course, Barbie. All in all, after the heartache of 2022 for women’s rights, 2023 has been a breath of fresh air. With all the praise of female creativity, 2023 has also been a renaissance for overtly feminine fashion. Brands such as Sandy Liang, For Love and Lemons, LoveShackFancy, and Sister Jane have made it cool to be girly.
Sandy Liang
“As long as you love it and understand it, who am I to say you aren’t my girl?”
If you’ve seen an uptick in bows, you have Sandy Liang to thank for this trend. Although her style has become more recognizable in the last few years, Liang is not new to the fashion world. After graduating from Parsons in 2013, Liang launched her brand in 2014 inspired by “the grandmothers of Chinatown.”
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Liang said the basis of her latest collections is the idea of the dress as a uniform: “I don’t know about you, but when I wear a dress, I feel like I have to get dressed up. So I love the idea of a girl just wearing a dress and she’s doing whatever she wants to do. She’s just going to work. She’s playing basketball. She’s going to the farmers’ market. She’s going to do anything she wants. And her outfit isn’t dictating what she thinks she should be doing.”
Spring 2024 Ready to Wear
Spring 2024 Ready to Wear
Kimchi Blue by Urban Outfitters
“Each piece evokes a romantic ideal, bringing a whimsical feel to every silhouette.”
If your bank account is similar to mine, and you can’t afford Sandy Liang, Kimchi Blue is your go to for a good dupe. The Urban Outfitter’s in-house label was revived back in 2019 with more romantic and femme pieces. Kimchi Blue draws inspiration from vintage shops and flea markets to create their designs. From classic lace sleeves to babydoll dresses embellished with bows, Kimchi Blue is bound to make you feel like you’re starring in a Jane Austen novel.
Blue Monet Bow Mini Dress
Violetta Strapless Bow Dress
For Love and Lemons
Known for their little white dresses, For Love and Lemons is much more than a hub for the perfect graduation dress. The company was formed by two friends, Lauren Hall and Gillian Rose Kern, who bonded over a tiny lemonstand in a small town in Wyoming. How’s that for a meet-cute? The brand is led by an all female team and prides itself on being unapologetically feminine.
Fatima Mini Dress
Jillian Mini Dress
LoveShackFancy
"I like to think that LoveShackFancy is a brand that’s an investment, it can be passed on for generations – to your daughters, friends, I want every dress to tell a story."
Ahh yes. The uniform for Cape Cod girls who have gathered for a glass of Sauv Blanc. Or at least that’s how I was introduced to this ethereal brand. LoveShackFancy was founded by former fashion editor, Rebecca Cohen, after she couldn’t find bridesmaid dresses that matched her vision. Cohen designs are influenced by the history of European towns such as Provence and the English countryside. Today, the brand has become recognizable for their vintage inspiration and Laura Ashley-esque prints.
Lolisa Dress
Madara Maxi Dress
Sister Jane
“Sister Jane customer is definitely someone who stands for her individuality and looks to garments with a vintage feel to fill her wardrobe. She’s a bit of a romantic, but independent, and knows what she wants, especially when it comes to clothing.”
Our last has become a personal favorite of mine and I believe it’s time she deserved her flowers. Sister Jane is a London brand founded by Enrico Ziglio. The coolest part of the brand’s history is Ziglio had prior no experience in the fashion industry, just an eye for vintage designs and aesthetics. Heavily inspired by the eccentric patterns of the 60s and 70’s, Sister Jane is most known for their jacquard dresses, bow blouses and oversized jeweled collars.
DREAM Spell Tulle Cami Dress
DREAM Venus Coral Jacquard Top
Bonus: Reformation
Y’all want me to mention Reformation, huh? Alright, alright. No need to pull my leg. To round out our discussion, here are my favorite girly pieces from Ref.
Pennington Dress
Edalene Dress
with luv,
KK
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