Fashion World a Soft Spot for Smocks

For the last three seasons the fashion world has had a love affair with the smock dress, whether because of their comfort and versatility, or simply the fact that women can cover the majority of their figure flaws in one fell swoop.

The popularity of the figure-friendly smock shows no sign of waning, and due to the multitude of cuts and designs, it looks much less like maternity wear these days. Spring and Summer 2008 versions are full of painterly florals and metallics, in styles that transcend all age groups.

A fashion tip for older women: in order to look good in a smock, keep the length just above (or on the knee); anything lower is frumpy. Don’t avoid smock dresses simply because you don't have the legs to wear them. The beauty of the smock is that it can be worn over pants, leggings or jeans.

Invest in a light-fluid fabric which will hang well and will not add extra bulk to your shape. Avoid fussy detailing like bows and ruffles and volumnous, puffy sleeves. Go for a darker, single-block colors, which you can accessorize to the hilt with this season’s fashionably chunky necklaces or wide belts.

Comfort

1. Given the choice of loose and concealing or clingy and revealing, the majority of women with a few too many figure flaws will go for the volumnous smock.
2. This is an opportunity for pregnant women the world over to actually feel fashionable and right-on-trend.
3. Comfortable and cool, the smock dress wins hands-down when it comes to an easy-to-wear, throw-it-on dress.

Versatility

• For a more girlie look, wear a smock dress over bare legs, opaques or ribbed-tights. Chunky heels are essential to give it balance, either in the form of wedges or platforms, or this year’s fashion-forward ankle boots.
• Wear it as a tunic over a pair of leggings or narrow-legged jeans or pants.
• For eveningwear, choose a just-above or on-the-knee metallic smock, or one that is embellished with gemstones around the neck or hemline.
• For cooler days, wear it over a sweater or T-shirt.

Body Camouflage

• A smock covers the tummy and skims the hips and so hides a multitude of sins.
• Pear-shaped women can work the look well, as they have a slim torso but a bigger butt, which is hidden beneath the volume.
• Choose a style which is fitted below the bustline if you have a large bust. This means the volume falls from under the bust, rather than the neckline and gives less of an impression of a maternity dress.

Rules For Wearing a Smock Dress

• To reduce the volume, cinch in the waist with a wide belt.
• Balance is the key. Very short styles need voluminous sleeves. Older women should go for a long-length and less bulk around the sleeves.
• Unless you are in your twenties, then avoid girlie prints. Go for a plain color or metallic, which is more flattering.
• Wear it with this season's chunky high heels, to balance out the volume, or cute and feminine ballet flats or this season’s gladiator sandals. High heels are a must if layering with pants or jeans.
• If you want to be really fashion-forward, then team a smock with this year’s up-and-coming ankle-boots.