Fashion imitates life, and in 2023, it’s all about inflation. From Moschino’s SS23 pool floaties-inspired collection to Sam Smith’s custom HARRI number at the recent BRIT Awards, designers are leaning into the puff-ication of clothes, shoes and bags galore.
Prada’s latest TikTok-viral plushy accessories have further cemented this trend in our collective memory, but this phenomenon is hardly anything new. Designers both established and indie are often inspired by real-life events that have significant global impact. While fashion’s current response to the economy might be satirical in nature, it sure does make for a real cute statement. Ahead, BAZAAR has curated a colourful and playful style guide to achieve that perfect squishy-yet-high-fashion look.
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Everyone has to take a page out of Kendall Jenner’s style book. This surrealist balloon bomber jacket quickly made its way onto everyone’s Instagram feeds last year and we can all see why. It’s over-the-top yet totally wearable when paired with classic straight-legged jeans. The supermodel-approved fluffy cowboy hat is optional, but we'd rather go with a padded bag and heels to match.
Padded Leather Bomber Jacket, $11,450, Loewe At Mytheresa
'90s Pinch Waist High-rise Straight-leg Organic Jeans, $380, Agolde at Net-A-Porter
Green Le Raphia 'le Bambimou' Bag, $1543, Jacquemus at SSENSE
XL 110 Spandex Pumps, $2,224, Balenciaga at Matchesfashion
Risqué fashion calls for undoubtable confidence, and this look will surely require it in spades. The baby pink quilted halter top is just the tip of the iceberg, as we make our way down to a pair of navy-blue cargo pants featuring a ripstop pattern and a pillowy Miu Miu nylon shoulder bag to complete the look. If you're in the mood for something a little chicer, throw on a pair of sleek pumps and a knitted hat.
Marlowe Puff Tank, $ 80.21, Frankies Bikinis at Revolve
Quilted Ripstop Cargo Trousers, $650, Dion Lee at Farfetch
Chunky Knitted Hat, $1,131, Miu Miu at Farfetch
Padded Nylon Shoulder Bag, $3,650, Miu Miu
Perhaps the subtle approach is more up your alley. Channel the '80s with a pair of puffy leg warmers by Norwegian fashion house Holzweiler, which can be attached to any shoe. Stick to the neutral colour palette from head to toe, but if you're in the mood for a little sparkle, a metallic cable-knit Saint Laurent cardigan will do the trick.
Keng Down Legwarmer Beige,$249, Holzweiler
Beige Lui Fluid Pinstripe Shirt, $164, The Frankie Shop at SSENSE
Box-pleated High-rise Miniskirt, $491, Plan C
Metallic Cable-knit Cardigan, $1,908, Saint Laurent at Net-A-Porter
Classy, whimsical and sassy. A bubble hem dress is a Y2K trend that deserves so much love. It teeters perfectly between minimalist and maximalist sensibilities with its simple design but voluminous execution. Of course, the lilac hue of this Balmain ensemble also gives it that candy-like feel, making it even more adorable. Balance the look out with a pair of understated mules and a mini bag.
Silk Bubble-hem Dress, $1,214, Balmain at Saks Off 5TH
Leather Mules, $ 1,283.39, Alaïa at FWRD
Soft Padded Nappa Leather Mini-bag, $3,900, Prada
Merge cool and cute with an elevated streetwear look centred around leather parachute cargos that puff up at the ankles. Let’s do away with the gilet since our year-round tropical weather has no use for it, and opt for a cropped vest top instead. Last but certainly not least, slip on some Nike Jordans for that drip.
Loose-fit Leather Cargo Trousers, $905, Andreādamo at Farfetch
Logo-print Cropped Vest Top, $280, Palm Angels at Farfetch
Air Jordan 1 Retro High, $265, Nike
AREA’s recent fruit-themed FW23 collection has won the hearts of fashionistas all over the world. While we wait for those looks to drop later this year, why not dress like the king of fruits instead? This Christopher Raxxy sweater mimics the outer shell of a durian while the pale yellow top matches the decadent flesh which so many Singaporeans enjoy. Don’t forget to add some spiky accessories like a pair of shades and a choker – both in green, of course.
5d Crocodile Goose Down Cardigan Sweater, $1,378, Christopher Raxxy
All-time Favorites Jersey T-shirt, $129, Dorothee Schumacher at Mytheresa
Gold-tone, Crystal And Resin Choker, $1,850, Oscar De La Renta at Net-A-Porter
Angle Cat Eye Frame Sunglasses, $366.38, Bottega Veneta Eyewear at Cettire
We love dressing for comfort just as much as everyone else, so let’s strip this trend back with a simple look. Start with a black quilted skirt with an elastic waistband, followed by a striped top with sheer panelling and a puffy shopper. Finish off with some ballet flats – picture-perfect and ready for Sunday brunch with the gals.
Quilted A-line Mini Skirt, $168, Baum Und Pferdgarten at Farfetch
Jessica Top, $141, Baum Und Pferdgarten
Sunset Puffer Bag, $ 1,108.38, ERL at FWRD
Tabi Toe Ballerina Shoes, $668.98, Maison Margiela at Cettire
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When in doubt, go monochromatic. For this look, keep the bottoms busy with a pair of high-waisted padded pants featuring a weave pattern and go simple with a long-sleeve crop top. Keep jewellery to a minimum or none at all and let the fit do all the talking. But never leave the house without a bag and in this case, the Coach Pillow Tabby in pink is a no-brainer.
Pink Padded Trousers, $599, Constança Entrudo At SSENSE
Le Double Layered Cropped T-Shirt, $194.72, Jacquemus at Cettire
Tabby Shoulder Bag 18, $631, Coach