After several recurrent seasons of sexed-up micro minis – lead particularly by the va-va-voom styles of Herve Leger and Balmain – it’s time for a new wave of seductive skirts to find their way onto red carpets, into wardrobes, and, most definitely, into fashion magazine editorials. So how to do pure sex without a hemline that’s shorter than short? The high split 2010 fashion trend, of course.
High dress splits trend: what it is
In 2010 the mid-thigh split dress is out.
Their replacement?
Long slit skirts or maxi dresses in light, flowing fabrics that give a not-so-subtle hint of leg as one walks – or rather struts – along. In fact, they give more than a hint of leg. They show off the whole leg with the split reaching the top of the thigh. For an even greater visual impact, the split will pass the top of the thigh and reach the hip.
There may be a single side split, a centre split, or dual side splits with a panel of fabric that falls along the middle section.
Dress splits on the runway
It will probably come as no surprise that the most knock-out examples of thigh-high dress splits were on the Versace runway. After all, infusing pure sex into a dress is a Versace speciality.
Other prominent examples came from Pucci – breezy, free flowing, and ultimately sensual – and Lanvin, whose draping Grecian styles were given an injection of thigh-baring modernity.
How to wear dresses with splits in 2010
- Heels are a must. Flat shoes don’t do the look justice, and will cancel out the utter sexiness of the above the thigh split.
- Tanned, toned, bare legs are perfect for this look in summer. But you can also experiment with a peep of interesting stockings. Look to Francesco Scognamiglio’s fishnet idea for inspiration (pictures below); or if you’re daring enough, try a peek of exposed stayups.
- Go for light, breezy fabrics for the Spring / Summer season. Movement and flow are a big part of the charm.
- Take inspiration from the Grecian trend and marry a draping Goddess dress with a high split for the ultimate in summer sultriness.
- Obviously this is not best as a day-to-day street trend nor as day wear. Pull it out on occasions where you really want to turn heads.
Trend updates
Karlie Kloss vamp, not vampire (10 Oct 2011)
Adjustable sensuality: Luca Luca
Daisy Lowe: dressing for curves
Aurora Sansone: prints to the max
An elegant dress split from Mexico
Effortless evening dressing: Angelina Jolie
Thigh high slits in Balmain Fall 2010
Thigh high slits from Alber Elbaz
Elie Saab's floor-length perfection
Elizabeth Hurley wears a very high split dress
For picture inspiration of dresses with high splits, click on the thumbnails below and browse through the entire gallery.
