I love SSense for their healthy selection of sartorially stretching pieces, but sometimes I just have to roll my eyes. I appreciate when designers take risks, but it can be hard to figure out which risks are appropriate to try, and which ones are a lost cause. When it comes to asymmetrical clothes baring one shoulder is simple enough, but how can you keep exploring this trend without falling into the rabbit hole? Try out these tips for looking like a stylish wunderkind without looking like you’re in Alice’s Wonderland.
1. Keep volume in check.
[Viktor & Rolf, $1125; Maison Martin Margiela, $740.]
The model on the left looks like half of her dress was ripped away in an unfortunate farm accident; or like one side of her dress had a stroke. Too much volume turns clothing into caricatures. Instead, take your cues from the dress on the right and keep the volume low.
2. Stick with one color.
[Maison Martin Margiela, $620; Rick Owens DRKSHDW, $365.]
A two-tone top conjures up images of a court jester. To be taken more seriously, wearing a single shade keeps the focus on the shape. It doesn’t have to be neutral, either. Helmut Lang has some great colorful asymmetric pieces:
3. Take a chance!
[Alexander Wang, $845; Alexander Wang, $625.]
Fashion is meant to be fun, and sometimes faux-pas happen along the way. The toga on the left is a bit shocking but I like the combination of a cropped, button-up shirt with a soft draped bodice. It shouldn’t work, but it does! The dress on the right has a lot going on: an asymmetrical, halter neck with a deep-V, a slit up the leg, and a ruffle on the bodice (click through on the caption to get a better look). It could be too much, but it could also be just right.
What do you think – would you dare to wear any of these pieces, or venture anything asymmetrical at all?
What's your opinion?