Luxury fashion houses have been reimagining whimsical wardrobes for decades. Balenciaga, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent have all famously referenced Marie Antoinette’s courtly chemise gown over the years. While Vivienne Westwood built her brand on corsetry and theatrical silhouettes rooted in fantasy. In more recent times, the Cecilie Bahnsen brand is rooted in modern whimsy, using innovative fabric manipulation and sculptural silhouettes to make overtly feminine pieces feel contemporary. Simone Rocha, too, has been catering to romantic dressers since launching her label in 2010, while Molly Goddard built its cult following through billowing tulle gowns that fashion folk continue to covet.
Contemporary brand such as Dôen, Reformation, Damson Madder and Ganni have embraced the mood, producing playful dresses, bloomers and lace-trimmed separates that have become summer staples, finding fans in Alexa Chung, Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber and Emma Chamberlain, to name but a few It-girls in on the trend.
“There is a fear with this trend that it can all go a bit Hamnet cosplay very quickly,” says Amy Bannerman, eBay’s Pre-Loved Style Director, who has noticed an uptick in shoppers searching for whimsical pieces. “The key is to mix in whimsy staples into your existing wardrobe alongside more modern staples like jeans and simple pieces. Corsets paired with longer skirts are also part of this vibe but style yours with jeans or tailored trousers to stop it looking too theatrical. Vintage nighties and slip dresses are also an easy way to wear this trend in a subtle way. There are a plethora of them on eBay at amazing prices too, making them a super comfy way to pull off this trend,” she told Vogue.
