Now if you’re a regular here on the blog or on my Youtube channel, then you know how much I love a glammed up, super feminine, romantic look. So naturally, I turn to fashion designers who bring the romance!
I love going again and again to designers who master this style for my day to day inspiration. And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I think I may be right on cue with this whole “inspiration for a romantic look” thing:
Elie Saab has to take the crown when it comes to creating looks straight out of fairy-tales, with just a hint of sultry. The brand’s artful use of lace, tulle and embroidery makes me swoon every time I see their collections, and add another couple dresses to my wishlist.
ELIE SAAB Lace-insert belted crepe gown by Elie Saab
Source: ELIE SAAB Lace-insert belted crepe gown by Elie Saab
Embellished Velvet & Lace Gown by LUISAVIAROMA
Zuhair Murad brings not just the romance, but also the drama! I love their over the top style and extravagant gowns, rich fabrics and architectural silhouettes. And hey, you may not be able to wear these to work, but how amazing would they be for a stylish ball?
ZUHAIR MURAD Short dresses by Murad
Source: ZUHAIR MURAD Short dresses by Murad
Monique Lhuillier – Asymmetric Satin Gown – Emerald by Monique Lhuillier
Monique Lhuillier is another favorite of mine, with their insanely beautiful wedding dresses and elegant eveningwear. Their playful use of transparencies and veritable sculptures in chiffon and tulle make each creation a dream for nostalgic romantics (ahem ahem, you know any?)
Monique Lhuillier Embroidered Illusion Gown by Monique Lhuillier
Self-Portrait Assymetrical lace top by Self-Portrait
Known for their guipure lace, Self-Portrait top my list as the best choice for more affordable romantic garments. Their cold shoulder tops and dresses ooze femininity with just a hint of Lolita- pair them with their vinyl boots and you have a whole different definition of edgy femininity.
SELF-PORTRAIT Open-back guipure-lace midi dress by Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait X Clergerie Karli patent leather ankle boots by Self-Portrait
Last but certainly not least, my heart belongs to vintage Dior. While I still love their current collections, it’s their 50’s creations that I would happily spend my savings on. They actually reinvented femininity and made cinched waists and flouncy skirts all the rage in their New Look period- and haven’t lost their appeal since.
Best place to find authentic Dior New Look pieces is on Etsy– or at auctions. But you can still get plenty of modern dresses inspired by Dior’s quintessentially feminine creations!
Black Wool Dress by Christian Dior
Lela Rose Lela Rose | Metallic Floral Fil Coupe Off The Shoulder Full Skirt Dress | Size L | Black by Lela Rose
I hope you’re feeling inspired by these pieces to build a feminine, romantic, enchanting look- if that is your style, of course. And although I wrote this post with Valentine’s Day in mind, I am dreaming of a time when women feel free to embrace their romantic, feminine style not just for one day, but every day!
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*Please know that the links in this post are affiliate links- which means that if you purchase any of the items from them, I will be getting a small commision (at no extra cost to you, of course). This wasy I can keep sharing my favorites here with you!