Fall Trends! Ode to Draping & Ruching

Hey Glamazons,

I don't pick favorites in fashion, but if there was any genius silhouette and fabric technique to emerge as a huge trend within the five years I've worked in this industry, it's draping and ruching. Short of getting plastic surgery to become Beyonce or Amber Rose, there is nothing you can do to better create and accentuate curves than buy a draped or ruched dress. And they are everywhere this season (and next! Spotted on the Spring 2010 runways!!).

The gathering and/or layering of fabric vacillates between flowy and fitted to create a masterpiece where your flaws are flattered and your curves are celebrated. Don't believe me? Check out the draped & ruched celebrities below and then try one on for size! And of course, I have tips for you at the end; when draping goes bad, you look like you threw a blanket over your shoulder and came outside...take heed.

Draped and ruched beauties - Kerry Washington, Sanaa Lathan, Zoe Saldana and Rihanna

Yigal Arouel showed a turtleneck dress that gathered at all the right places.

Derek Lam's ruched dress creates a beautiful silhouette that's subtly sexy.

Donna Karan - the fluid silhouette looks stunning on eveningwear.

Balenciaga skirt accentuates the curve of the hips while minimizing the waist.

Just gorg. This silhouette is truly a woman's dream!! Make the most of a few tips (below) and draping/rouching will become your best friend this Fall:

Don't - wear a draped dress that's too loose, i.e. it mirrors a toga. Too much fabric and you look like Jesus of Nazareth.

Do - wear draped blouses with fitted pants and draped skirts with fitted tops to create a balanced, flattering silhouette.

Don't - wear a too-tight dress. Nothing's tackier than a ruched dress that's too tight. It looks like the fabric is creasing at each of your stomach rolls. ::Shudders::

Do - be mindful of the length. Ruched dresses that are too short can look extremely cheap - looks that graze the top of the knees are always best.

Kisses,

Coutura