Unless you’ve been living under a rock, or have somehow managed to avoid interacting with social media for the past few months, you’ll know we’re in the midst of a full-blown ’90s resurgence. Whether it’s everyone and their mother dying their hair Bessette blonde and donning a pair of Selima Optique glasses, or Rachel Zoe tantalizing us with stories of everyone “in leather jackets and Calvin slip dresses” at Moomba and Bungalow, the not-so-distant decade still has us firmly in its clutches.
Vogue’s Favorite Shift Dresses:
But change is in the air. Look around on your daily commute and you’ll notice another era making its return: the swinging ’60s–which, funnily enough, inspired all the short skirts, skinny trousers, long blazers and mini dresses of the 1990s–slowly creeping into our wardrobes via shift dresses and Jane Birkin-approved ballet flats galore. Geometric prints are everywhere, The Beatles are once again a cultural talking point, and as the warmer months roll around, we’re looking to the era for fresh inspiration. The clearest sign of all? The street-style set has adopted the classic shift dress as its unofficial uniform for summer.
Here’s a handful of ways to style yours.
Light and Breezy
One of the many virtues of the ’60s shift is its simplicity. Requiring minimal fabric and minimal fuss, it’s ideal for navigating heatwaves and sticky city streets. In cotton or linen, the mini will keep you cool while still looking polished. Pair it with heeled ballet flats and a raffia tote for maximum summer nonchalance.