Top Trend: Boudoir

Have you ever thought to yourself “I wish I could just walk out in my pajamas and not give a care in the world”? Or maybe you have always fantasized about channelling your inner 90s grunge princess, à la Courtney Love? If you answered yes to either of these questions, well then, the Fall/Winter 2018 Boudoir trend was made for you.

This season saw a variety of designers embracing the undressed trend by giving modern twists on the classic “under the covers” styles of silk pajamas or slinky lingerie slip-ons. Here we highlight a few of our favorite examples of this daring, yet oh so comfy, sartorial option.

Cushnie et Ochs, Bottega Veneta, Jonathan Simkhai

Bottega Veneta went the silk pajama road when it took on the Boudoir trend. Designer Tomas Maier made staying home and watching Netflix so much sexier with his glossy, russet hued interpretation. The relaxed cut of his pjs promoted a more comfortable approach to the concept as opposed to the rest of the brands that made our cut. But what elevates this proposition is how Maier (in what ended up being his final collection for the house) paired the ensemble with a gorgeous purple suede coat that featured a delightfully dissonant checked lining. The juxtaposition of the colors, prints and textures in this one look makes it a sophisticated take on the trend.

Cushnie Et Ochs’ rendition of the Boudoir trend gives you exactly what you need if you want to live like one of those old Hollywood glamorous divas, à la Gretta Garbo. This soft blush long sleeved silk pantsuit is an embodiment of both masculine and feminine aesthetics. The combo of the masculine pantsuit with an alluring deep v-neck created a final design that intertwined sexy and strong in a way that we know Garbo would give a nod of approval to.

Remember when we mentioned Courtney Love and her slip-on dress? How she is the 90s grunge princess? Jonathan Simkhai’s piece is exactly that, but modern. His version of the Boudoir trend is a simple and elegant brick red velvet slip dress, with slivers of red and white lace, paired with gorgeous burnt-orange velvet boots. In short, if you want to look effortless and edgy, much like Love, then this is the piece for you!

Blumarine, Y-Project, John Galliano

You might be surprised to think that a “streetwear” brand such as Y-Project would have embraced the Boudoir trend, but designer Glenn Martens gave the idea his famed layered makeover and the result was both cool and utterly comfy.  For his rendition he layered up several different dressing gowns, each varying in color and fabric. What can be said of this outfit is that even if you could take it apart, it would clearly still maintain its comfortable and chic charm.

Blumarine stood true to its name with its blue lace bodysuit dress, that featured small undulating wave-like fabric sliding down the skirt that cleverly mimicked the waves of the ocean. The simplicity of this garment is what makes it phenomenal to look at: you could easily imagine Karlie Kloss effortlessly floating along while wearing this piece that subtly embraces the Boudoir trend!

The house of John Galliano seemed to have taken inspiration both from the Boudoir trend and the classic 1920s flapper dresses of yore. For the Boudoir aspect, it used a thin white mesh to give that sexy illusion feel, as well as created a small top and shorts, like some of us like to wear to bed. And for the flapper feel, the added embroidery detailing covering the whole garment and the long pearl necklace did the trick.

So if you want to spice up your fashion love life, well, the Boudoir trend is your match made in heaven. It doesn’t matter if you want to be a reclining couch potato in your designer finery or you prefer to head to work in your stylish silk homewear inspired ensembles. The one thing all of these outfits are sure to do is make you look as good as they make you feel.

If you enjoyed reading this article, why not check out our other related ones: Lingerie, Underwear as Outerwear.

Maxine Ransom

Born and raised in Dubai, with a passion for all things beauty and animal welfare related, Maxine has graduated from the School of Audio Engineering with a Bachelor in Film Production, all while publishing her own charity photography book 'Meet The Creatures'. She then decided to embark onto a new creative journey with a Masters in Fashion Promotion and Communication at the Istituto Marangoni in Paris.