Have some fun with illusion dressing

Ceri Roberts writes: Fashion should always be fun and this season it’s easier than ever to play games with the way you look. Two watch words for you - illusion dressing!

Jessie J at the premiere of the film Demons Never Die

Now let's get one thing straight - this isn't about building something into a garment to refine your figure or exaggerate. Corsets, bustles, platforms and Eighties shoulder pads have all been round and round again. This trend is different. It's about a print, pattern or stripe that's printed on to the garment to give a trompe l’oeil effect. So go on, give it a go, stand back and watch others do a double take!

Kate Winslet made headlines when she stepped onto the red carpet in Stella McCartney’s bi-colour Octavia dress which cleverly plays with proportions and sculpts the silhouette.

Kate's Stella McCartney dress is a celebrity favourite

Penelope Cruz, Liv Tyler, Nicole Scherzinger and Louise Redknapp have also got this clever little number in their wardrobes and with such high-profile celebrity fans it’s no wonder that we’re already starting to see some more affordable high-street versions.

Kylie's leather dress tricks the eye

Kylie has got in on the act too. She wore an optical illusion leather dress to a party to celebrate her Aphrodite tour in June. From a distance, the flesh-tone background makes it look like she’s wearing a very skimpy minidress.

Victoria Beckham's dress makes our eyes go funny

Victoria Beckham was one of the first celebs to work the trend. She was spotted in this Alexander McQueen dress last year - don’t stare at the picture for too long or it’ll make your eyes go funny!

Then of course there’s Venus Williams, who raised a few eyebrows when she played tennis in some cheeky shorts that perfectly match her skintone. At a glance it looks like she’s gone commando, right?

Now, we’re not suggesting that you try out the trend by hitting the town in a short skirt and flesh-coloured pants, but there are lots of ways that you can try out this designer-led trend at home without it costing you a packet.

This French Connection skirt is a wearable way to work the trend

One of the most wearable options is a skirt or dress with darker panels down the side - this is the magic shading that tricks the eye.

This skirt from French Connection fits the bill perfectly - team it with a fine-knit sweater or blouse and you’ll nail this season’s Forties retro look at the same time.

Who needs jewellery when you've got a T-shirt like this?

For a more playful look, printed T-shirts from Koolto make it look like you’re wearing a necklace or tie - when the image is just printed on.

This glam Paul Smith T-shirt is perfect for evening

Or, for a more glamorous effect, this T-shirt from Paul Smith will make you look like you’re wearing a sexy bustier. Team it with skinny jeans and heels for a great evening look.

Wear it and wait for everyone you meet to do a double-take

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 by For Her · 0