What Is a Trapeze Dress?
Contrary to what it sounds like, a trapeze dress is not something worn by a female flying aerialist. The name actually refers to the word "trapezoid," a geometric figure in which the sides flare out. The trapeze dress, narrow at the top and wider at the bottom, originally saw popularity in the 1950s and again became popular at the beginning of the 21st century.
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Description
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A trapeze dress can have many variations and still fit the definition, but the term basically refers to a dress that is narrow at the bodice and flares out loosely at the bottom so that it swings freely. The classic trapeze dresses were sleeveless, but some featured long sleeves, sometimes cuffed.
Origin
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Yves Saint Laurent became the head of the House of Dior when Christian Dior died in 1957. The following spring, the young Saint Laurent, only 21 when he was thrust into the spotlight, came up with a new collection that featured the trapeze dress. Part of the popularity of the new fashion was attributed to the freedom afforded by a loose-fitting garment in contrast to the tight waists women were used to wearing.
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History
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In 1958 First Lady Mamie Eisenhower wore a silk shantung trapeze dress, decorated with bows, as part of her spring wardrobe; manufacturers produced instant copies, and the popularity of the style took off. By the 1960s the trapeze dress evolved, becoming a mini-dress and usually featuring a sleeveless top, sometimes cut to resemble a halter. The dress style has continued to fade in and out of style over the years
Purchasing Possibilities
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Many department stores and women's dress shops offer variations of the trapeze dress in both casual and dressier fabrics. Online sources offer a variety of purchasing possibilities (see Resources below for one source). Retro clothing stores and online auction sites often feature trapeze dresses.
Considerations
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Trapeze dresses are considered appropriate dress styles for most figure types; however, it is usually suggested that women who are small may appear overwhelmed by the style. In addition, trapeze dresses that hit below the knee are generally considered frumpy looking. An exact fit, with a dress that fits snugly at the bodice and under the arms and then flares out to just above the knee is considered to be the best look.
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