The Tulle Overdress Is the Year’s Unlikeliest, Most Tempting Trend

Miuccia Prada’s ankle-length ballerina skirt for Miu Miu was accessorized with ballet slippers and a crown.

What’s fluffy, sheer, and looks like spun sugar? Potentially your next big purchase. Just when we thought we’d tried every layering trick in the book, the tulle overdress—worn on top of jeans, slips, and everything in between—emerged as one of the most unexpected trends in recent memory. At Miu Miu Spring ’16, frothy clouds of tulle lent an off-kilter, sticky-sweet vibe to Miuccia Prada’s twisted coats and negligees. Fast-forward to Pre-Fall and Stella McCartney’s take was just as surprising: Among her signature pantsuits and plush knits were ruched, featherweight tulle frocks haphazardly layered over brocade pants. But it’s London designer Molly Goddard we can credit for initially turning us on to “tulle toppers”: While studying at Central Saint Martins, she debuted a collection of ruched and smocked tulle creations inspired by baby dresses. “I still have loads of the clothes I wore as a child,” Goddard tells Vogue.com. “I blew up photos of dresses on the photocopier and made patterns from that—I love the strange proportions.” Whether you’re channeling your childhood dress-up days or just want to impart your look with something sweet, find inspiration in the 10 best looks above.