The Cure of Reformation Dress Fatigue: extolling the virtues of the occasion wear set
Originally authored by Viv Chen and posted on The Molehill. Reposted with permission by the author on Sustainable Baddie.
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Graduation and summer wedding season is around the corner. This weekend, I asked you about your occasion wear gripes on Instagram and there were some resounding themes:
pressure to buy something “suitable” for an event that does not fit into personal style, so it feels more like a costume and not a part of your wardrobe
difficult to get the right fit, alterations often needed
expen$$$ive
poor/mediocre craftsmanship
I can relate to all of the above. When I think of an occasion dress, this is what pops into my head…
floral fuschia emerald ruby satin cowl neck polyester bodycon slinky weird cutouts
AKA the Reformation dress. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate Reformation (there are some sleeper hits on their site if you browse with a selective eye, and this one is quite cute…or is it just because it’s on a model with Jane Birkin hair??). It’s more what their brand and business represents: the $200 marked-up poly blend party dress has become the go-to option for occasion wear. I too wore a Reformation dress to a wedding a few years ago. It was a midi length slip dress, black with white polka dots. And honestly…it was horrible quality. My personal style was still developing. In hindsight, I wore it because it seemed like the socially expected thing to wear.
Which got me thinking about the set. A matching top and bottom is an unexpected and refreshing cure to Reformation dress fatigue. Reasons why:
A set is composed of a top and a bottom, which opens up your styling options. You don’t have to wear a dress. If you want to wear a blazer or suit jacket, it will look beautiful with tailored pants.
Expands the fabric options. I do believe there is a time and place for polyester. Some garments require a poly blend to hold a certain shape. However, the occasion wear market is absolutely saturated with cheap polyester that’s thoughtlessly designed.
Blends in better with your actual personal style and broadens opportunities for wear beyond an event. A fancy top can be dressed down with jeans and boots, a fancy skirt with a tee and sneakers. You’re buying something that makes sense for your style identity.
If you are shopping on a budget, consider buying only a top or a bottom, and then match it with something in your closet that makes it look like a “set.” For example, if I really want baby blue silk trousers I’ll buy those, but then match it with a top in my closet that’s either the same color/tone, or the same fabric/texture.
For an upcoming graduation ceremony, I am planning to wear a silk taffeta set from Chelsea Mak in a pink gingham check that I’ve styled before in separates.
However, if I were looking to buy a set, below are 5 options that I wholeheartedly adore, with styling suggestions.
2. Ganni Lily Green Top and Skirt: I do not identify as a #gannigirl because my personal style lacks Scandi influence, but this beaded set is dreamy. It reminds me of a Monet pond with green lily pads and tiny frogs. The fullness of the skirt is very 1950s, I would play into the retro silhouette with mary jane heels and an ironic opera glove.
3. Elliss Lady in Red Top and Skirt: For a Y2K beat, I’d suggest this slinky Hellenic print set that exudes a mysterious air. If you like Paloma Wool and Jean Paul Gaultier, this would suit your personal style. Because of how much skin it shows on the top, I’d style this with a tall black kitten heel boot.
4. PH5 Bra Top and Dress: I’ve covered PH5’s captivating retro futuristic pieces before. The way the bra is layered over the dress is so innovative and brings an edge to formal attire. And can we talk about that statement, erratic dress hemline?? No basic scalloped hems here.
5. Home of Hai Top and Trousers: This set is so wearable, yet the taffeta and tiny floral appliques make it elevated enough for a special event. I envision a full-on baby blue monochromatic look, with the metallic blue Isabels from Nicole Saldana and a thrifted blue sequin purse.
Viv is the founder of fashion newsletter The Molehill and creative consultant for secondhand fashion platforms. Follow her work at @vivthemole.