ETHEREAL FASHION

Staples are fine, but drama is far more fun. This piping hot trend right off the runway pulls us further away from the minimalism we craved in 2023 by displaying structured dresses, delicate floral detailing, tight corsets, and pastels. This ethereal fashion is not the style we all know, but rather a marriage between dreamy wonderland and subtle intricacy to create something new.

To break this style down, we have to look at its fashion history. Ethereal style, which draws inspiration from mythology and fantasy, is marked by translucent silhouettes and billowing skirts of layered fabrics, such as lace. It became widely popular during the Romantic and Bohemian eras, and ethereal fashion remained an inspiration for generations.

However, this ethereal twist manages to bring contemporary layers to the classic and, albeit tailored to the couture side of fashion, anyone is capable of recreating it. Here are some ways to incorporate the style into their wardrobe.

Florals

Florals are a ruling aspect of this trend, especially since spring is on the horizon. Florals add delicacy to personal style, and ethereal is all about delicacy. Florals, whether in your hair or on your outfit, are a subtle way to reach into the ethereal aesthetic without fully committing to it.

Or you can fully commit to it and wear a full-length gown. Totally your choice.

Lace and Tulle

Lace and tulle perfectly embody the light and airy qualities that you want. Both fabrics add softness in layers, a key element to ethereal fashion. More than that, a well-chosen skirt or dress in these fabrics can complete the trend without any other accessories, making it the simplest choice for your wardrobe.

Corsets

Ah, corsets. Corsets literally (and figuratively) cinch the newly defined ethereal style together. These support garments can elevate any outfit, but pairing a corset (perhaps with some flowers on it) and a lace skirt can transform you into the ethereal princess we all want to be. There are even “corset tops,” which can add extra elegance on top of dresses.

Soft with pops of color

Most colors have fallen to the sidelines with monochromatic trends, which were only propelled by the minimalist movement, but this is the perfect way to update the classic ethereal aesthetic! The best way to add color to your look is a corset or bodice. Small details, such as blue buttons or pink embroidery can make all the difference.

If you’re truly interested in bringing an ethereal flair to your wardrobe, there are a few colors that I recommend: pearlescent white, powder blue, pale pink, and lightly dusted gold. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Blue and gold tones can be scary because we know it’s possible to overdo it in an instant. The trick is to make the color pale and soft. We want the color captured by the light, but not in your face, so consider using lighter shades of the colors listed above. Think about color combinations, too, such as a blue corset with gold beading or a white corset with a blue lace trim. Shiny and shimmery fabric can help create a subtle glow. If you’re unsure how to play with these hues, go back to florals for inspiration.