Silhouettes that cinch at the waist have been gaining momentum this summer—but it was the the fall/winter 2023 runways that truly cemented the trend. From Gigi Hadid’s black Versace skirt suit with its strong shoulders and moulded hourglass waist, to the chunky belts nipping in waists at Max Mara, Alaïa, Carolina Herrera, and Schiaparelli—the messaging stood clear—this is the year to embrace the waist.
On the back of a long bout of comfort dressing, we’ve seen a gradual move from the slouchy loungewear of lockdown and a return to more tailored styles. Today’s cinched waist silhouettes are feminine and powerful—more dramatic than dainty, and come in a whole variety of iterations that women of all body shapes can feel confident in. In fact, there are plenty of graduations to the silhouette—many of this season’s styles sculpt the waist in a soft, relaxed way that feels unintimidating and ultra-wearable.
If you’re inspired by this season’s cinched waist trend, then take a peek below at plenty of outfit inspiration from the runways to street style, then shop some of our favorite wearable cinched waist styles out there right now—from knit tops to sharp blazers, and hourglass dresses—there's something for every taste and budget.
