Some call it peacocking, some call it dressing to impress, but the TikTok generation has dubbed the trend “revenge dressing” and we have to admit, we’re here for it. The idea behind revenge dressing is that we’re all making up for lost time when we were stuck at home during quarantine. Yes, it meant we were all able to live our most comfortable, sweatsuit-adorned lives, free of judgement or the hassle of clothing with zippers, buttons or a real waist. But just as we’re all more than ready to start making plans with friends and family once again, we’re eager to start wearing the things that have sat dormant in our closets for too long. Here, seven women weigh in on the bright, bold and fabulous pieces they can’t wait to start wearing out on the town.
"Revenge Outfits" Are Trending After a Year of Wearing Sweats. Here’s What That Looks Like in Action
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1. balletcore Staples
“I’m excited to do a deep dive in balletcore! And to finally rock all the Air Force Ones I’ve acquired during quarantine. I’ve got a whole mini collection going on over here.” - Liv K. in Chicago, IL
We love a good tulle skirt or dress, but Liv is inspiring us to mix them with something less expected than our usual pointy-toe flats or strappy sandals. Consider mixing contrasting vibes, like a tutu-inspired frock with sporty sneakers, for a truly special post-quarantine look.
Shop similar styles: Lace & Beads dress ($56); ASOS dress ($93); Cinq a Sept top ($325; $98); Anthropologie top ($148) and skirt ($148); Amanda Uprichard dress ($260); Alice + Olivia top ($295); Lovers + Friends dress ($298); Staud dress ($335)
2. dramatic Dusters
“Patterned robes! Printed maxi dresses! Basically anything that’s flowy and can be easily dressed up or down” - Destinee S. in New York, NY
Dressing to impress doesn’t mean we have to give up on the supremely comfortably lifestyle we’ve gotten so accustomed to lately. Silky dusters in bright colors, multi-hued prints or elaborate embellishments are an easy way to add a major dose of glamour while still feeling super comfy. Wear them over jeans or a silk slip dress for a night out, or over a chic minidress for an afternoon out with friends.
Shop similar styles: Eloquii ($110); Anthropologie ($118); Bl-nk ($140); Vera ($148); BCBG Max Azria ($198; $150); Spell ($229; $195); Free People ($198); Josie Natori ($795)
3. scarf Tops
“Kind of obsessing over the return of scarf and bandana tops. I used to DIY them when I was a kid and it's cool to see the variety now.” - Stephanie S. in Los Angeles, CA
Whether you opt to repurpose the bandanas you sported as face masks earlier in the year, or to pick up a scarf top with a bit more structure, this early 2000s style is definitely back en vogue. And, yes, they can look chic and grown-up and not like a Coachella costume, as evidenced by Coterie member Monroe Steele’s fun and easy outfit. Her denim joggers are just tailored enough to bridge that gap between casual and dressed up, and the addition of oversize gold hoops and sleek heeled sandals helps even more.
Shop similar styles: American Eagle Outfitters ($20); Ei8th Hour ($45); 8 Other Reasons ($59); Cleobella ($108); Amanda Uprichard ($154)
4. mini Skorts
“Skorts all day, every day. They’re the best way for a tall person obsessed with mini lengths to avoid flashing.” - Sarah S. in New Haven, CT
Indeed, shorter hems are majorly trending right now, especially in the form of adorable pleated tennis skirts. But for tall gals there’s an increased risk of incidental peep shows, making the style more challenging to pull off. Luckily, these sporty bottoms can just as easily be worn in skort form or as part of a workout dress with shorts built in underneath. Embrace their gym-class vibes and pair them with simple graphic tees or sweatshirts, like Coterie member Alyssa Amoroso, but add a few glam pops of jewelry to keep things modern.
Shop similar styles: Zella ($59); Athleta ($69); Nike ($70); Something Navy ($85); Amanda Uprichard ($172); Sandro ($295)
5. hot Pink Everything
“For someone who’s not much of a girly girl, I absolutely love hot pink. I used to save it for special occasions but now I plan to wear it all the time—to work, to brunch, to Barry’s Bootcamp.” - Emily H. in Jersey City, NJ
This vibrant shade is one of the most popular colors of the year and, as Emily mentioned, not just for special occasions. If vivid hues aren’t really your shtick, try adding small pops in the form of a headband, statement earrings or some strappy sandals. But you’ll look equally chic if you decide to embrace bright pink from head to toe, as well.
Shop similar styles: ASOS shorts ($36); Open Edit shoes ($40); Zella leggings ($55); Vince Camuto top ($79); Adelyn Rae dress ($123); Theory blazer ($495; $150); Susana Monaco bodysuit ($158)
6. palm Springs-inspired Prints
“1970's colorful swirl dresses, rectangular sunglasses and funky printed swimsuits are my new go-tos for summer 2021.” - Enaoris H. in New York, NY
Bring on the bold ‘60s and ‘70s florals, oversize sunnies and Missoni prints! Let Palm Springs, in all its retro glam glory, inspire your warm-weather wardrobe (and maybe also an IRL vacation) with lots of bright colors and mini silhouettes.
Shop similar styles: ASOS bikini ($32) and matching shirt ($16); Halogen shirt ($59); J.Crew shirt ($118; $82); Free People dress ($148); Tory Burch skirt ($428; $257) A.L.C. top ($295); Missoni one-piece ($380); Missoni cover up ($970)
7. mixed Media Jewelry
“I’ve been wearing jewelry throughout the pandemic as a small way to make myself feel a little more put together, but now I’m ready to pile it all on. And I do mean all of if it. I’m mixing pearls with colorful beads, chunky gold chains with dainty lariats and paying no attention to whether these pieces are gold, silver or rose gold.” - Abby H. in Garden City, NY
Bold “look at me” jewelry is set to take center stage this summer and is a super easy way to dress up simple basics, like a plain white tee. Even if you only opt for one or two pieces, try selecting colorful enamels, puka shells, baroque pearls and other jewelry with a bit more personality than your classic delicate gold chains.
Shop similar styles: Madewell earrings ($32); Petit Moments necklace ($45); Ettika bracelet ($55); 8 Other Reasons rings ($46) and necklace ($56); Joolz by Martha Calvo neckalce ($143); Chan Luu ($145); Lunika earrings ($189); Lizzie Fortunato ($195)
