Putting a name to the puff-sleeved, floral-printed, plaid-layered trend we’ve seen everywhere
You’ve seen it on your Instagram explore page, in Spring/Summer editorials as of late and even little bits and pieces of it in real life. That’s right, we’re talking about the dainty whites, voluminous sleeves, square necks, layered plaids, dainty prints and an abundance of aprons––or rather, the tasteful combination of all those things. Ladies and gents, meet prairiecore.
Technically speaking, this trend isn't particularly new. Like most, it had its moment decades back, and then resurfaced again a few years ago (Spring 2016 was a particularly strong return, what with Erdem and McQueen hopping on board). It's gradually crept its way back into the seasonal cycle, previous runway patterns a sartorial prelude to its eventual comeback. It was in the floor-sweeping, tiered dresses of Fall 2018's Americana trend, in the perennial florals that remain a constant from one Spring season to the next. Now it's back and arguably more dynamic than ever––and hey, we'll be the first to admit we're all for it.
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Ahead, we break down the multiple facets of prairiecore––and show you where to shop the trend while we're at it.
| Perhaps the simplest gateway into the trend is the dainty white dress. Think puffy sleeves, a mid-calf to floor-length hemline, and perhaps a pair of sneakers to balance out the look.
White puff-sleeved midi dress and printed crossbody satchel, KATE SPADE. |
Shop similar whites below:
Floral printed midi dress (P2295), MANGO | Poplin top (P1695), ZARA | Terno mini in Puro (P5400), ARAW |
| Plaid and tartan, much like whites, are another crucial prairiecore tenet. Pair a denim skirt with a plaid top––but make it a little more interesting with an unexpected layering situation. When it comes to revealing layers, high slits are your friend.
Checked linen dress (P2995) and floral printed scarf (P1295), MANGO, denim worker skirt, ZARA, yellow Mary Jane slingback sandals (P2599), CHARLES & KEITH. |
Get started on building that plaid/tartan/checked collection with these pieces:
Manchester gingham top (P795), LO AND BEHOLD | Textured gingham check dress (P2995), MANGO | Checked cropped top (P1995), ZARA
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| Print-on-print will always be tricky, but like any fashion dilemma, there are little ways to maneuver around it. Case in point: you can nail prairiecore's floral aspect by banking on contrast. Juxtapose a large floral pattern with a more colorful microprint. Tie it all up with a thick belt or a casual corset and call it a day!
Floral ruffle-sleeved blouse, MANGO, black floral print dress (P2495), corset belt and scarf (used as belt), ZARA, white line detail sneakers (P2599), CHARLES & KEITH. |
Shop similar pieces, all available online, below:
Midi long-sleeved floral dress (P2149), POMELO via ZALORA | Floral tiered dress (P1990), H&M | Hanami skirt in floral blue (P1900), TRICIA GOSINGTIAN X AVA |
| Even the most casual, everyday pieces in your wardrobe can be turned prairie-worthy with strategic layers and fine tuning. Take a casual checked dress, for instance, and pair it with an embroidered vest. The added texture and ruffles––plus the straw hat and sneakers––transform the look nice and easy.
Rustic check dress (P2495) and embroidered top (P2295), ZARA, white line detail sneakers (P2599), CHARLES & KEITH. |
Get the look with a little help from the pieces below:
Lace trim straw hat (P849), DANDELION via ZALORA | Tweed buttoned vest (P2499), POMELO via ZALORA | White cotton dress (P3490), H&M STUDIO |
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Congratulations on completing your prairiecore crash course. Now that that's over, what are your thoughts on this Little Bo Peep-meets-farmer gal mish-mash of trends? To each their own, but don't knock it 'til you've tried it, right?
Art Alexandra Lara
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