Do we now think we’re in Little House in a Prairie? Can somebody explain the fashion?

[sodoffputin]

I went into my local clothes shop earlier today. It’s called ‘Iris’ (there are a few in London, but not sure about elsewhere) and usually it’s quite handy and has quite a few things I like - eg. a selection from Ba&sh, things like that. But I had to say something to the staff because look at the dresses in these pictures - this is just a small selection of similar stuff they are now selling. Have you ever seen anyone wear such dresses in recent history? What is happening? Can any fashionistas explain this please?

The big frilly bits on clothes are a no no! Hate them
I like nice plain clothes. No bits and pieces on them

YANBU @sodoffputin UGLY FUGLY dresses. Wouldn't be seen dead in them tbh.

I just get on eBay or go to charity shops and buy the styles that I like! Fuck wearing clothes you don't like

I love a puffy sleeve and smocked bodice (more milk maid rather than prairie) for the summer. That said I have a couple of tops that pick up the prairie trend, frill to the sleeve and lace detailing.

I love them but, being an enormous biffer, can't wear them, unfortunately.

Mine was a dark blue with red and yellow tiny flowers and a deep frill. A nice warm winter fabric. Summer was the year of tiered flowered skirts and ankle strap sandals.

@Blossomtoes

What’s to explain? Those dresses are currently in fashion. Nobody’s forced to wear them.

Not sure anyone can explain it better than this tbh.

FWIW I love the green one with the collar.

i was very interested in the post by scottishnames Tue 22-Feb-22 17:50:03

Thanks bubbles What I wrote was honestly true to my experience. Fashion does not come from nowhere; almost always it is in reaction to what has gone before. But in these instant communication days , info/images get transmitted so quickly, and completely out of context.
So often, as in this example, they are interpreted though more recent and anachronstic eyes. I had never heard of Little House on the Prairie when I wore those styles around 1970. And the Handmaid's Tale was just a glimmer in the (excellent) Margaret Attwood's eye.

It is essential for all historical understanding that we try to look at objects - such as clothing - as people at that time might have seen them. Only then can we hope to understand what they actually mean.

I’m mid 40s and absolutely love those dresses. In fact I have the first one - the Shae dress - in red. I see loads of people of all ages wearing similar - with boots when it’s cold and with trainers when it’s a bit warmer.
I’m fairly slim but not tall but I think they look great on bigger women too. But then my style has always been very feminine and I love lace, frills, pastels, florals etc. If you’re not into that, I totally get why you wouldn’t like them.

+LivesinLondon2000* that’s exactly the same as me, I always used to wear shorter dresses with knee length boots but thought this looked dated to switched to the longer dresses. I’m really short but feel taller when I wear them. I’ve always loved prints and the dresses are so comfortable.

I like the first one except for the colour, would buy the second at a 10th of the price, and like but wouldn't wear the 3rd.

Am stocking up on supermarket versions of these dresses while they're in fashion, I'm normally out of fashion!

My teenage daughter said it's a style known as 'cottagecore'

There are so many -cores going at once that people can just pick the style that appeals to them.

I like the idea of Cottagecore because I think it might fend off sleazy men; but if everyone is doing it it maybe loses its meaning of saying something about one's ideals etc.

If cottage-core fashion is meant to fight off sleazy men, it didn't work for Carrie Johnson!

@the80sweregreat

If cottage-core fashion is meant to fight off sleazy men, it didn't work for Carrie Johnson!

I think she likes sleazy men though

There's a grandmacore as well 😄

Yes they’re in fashion. You would wear with big chunky sneakers. No I don’t like it. You can get more flattering versions though!

I look like Les Dawson in any type of dress , these ones would steal the deal.

It’s peak 70s Pam Ayers!

Must say totally agree but can see it looks good on tall thin willowy things with clumpy boots and beaten up jackets or petite people or sensible people with their hair in a severe bun sensible shoes and a makeup free stern face. Each to their own I guess. When are they gonna bring back full length crinoline type gone with the wind frocks I am dying to wear one of those with bloomers corset and hobnail boots

DMs might look good with the first one. On a young willowy type.
Instead of ' lady in red' they could sing ' my lady in frumpy cottage core '
Not quite the same effect though.

Wow those are ugly! I imagine they’re meant to look “cottagecore”, but unfortunately it’s come out more as “Holly Hobbie’s least nice dress made out of great-aunt Elsie’s old curtains”.

Yep 80s ….and I remember having some longer length empire waisted dresses in the 90s. These look comfy