11 tie-waist pieces that are a cinch to wear all year!
Plus tips on how to take this hot trend from August to December, and even from the beach to a wedding
You can take a shapeless top or dress, cinch it with a belt or a scarf at the waist, and your outfit will instantly be more flattering. But the beauty of summer's latest trend is that you don't need to add anything to get that waist-accentuating look. Tie-front dresses, tops, skirts and pants have that feature built right in, making them some of the most wearable pieces to land on our radar this summer. We rounded up 11 self-cinching pieces you'll want to work into your wardrobe right now, and keep on wearing long after cooler temperatures set in.
Tunics are fashion's favourite throw-it-on-and-go piece, but add a tie that you can gather into a bow, and you'll instantly elevate an otherwise boxy silhouette. Wear this one from Ted Baker on its own with a pair of patterned slides, or over cropped jeans for a cooler summer evening.
Ted Baker Olympy Tie Front Wool Tunic, $315, tedbaker.com
If you thought corduroy was boring, may we turn your attention to these fuchsia pants. If you're feeling trendy, take cues from the fall runways and wear them with a red tank and metallic accessories. Or, let them remain the focus and opt for a neutral or black top.
Paper London Twin Stretch-Cotton Corduroy Wide-Leg Pants, $433.57, net-a-porter.com
Slouchy silhouettes are ideal for hot days, especially when they come in a light, breezy material like this Zara top is. And thanks to the tie, you can walk out of the heat and into a meeting looking totally put together. For cooler weather, layer this top over a turtleneck or wool pencil skirt.
Zara Shirt with Bow, $79.90, zara.com
Shirt dresses are great year-round staples, but they can sometimes look a little shapeless. Avoid that with this striped one from Rebel Wilson's line for Addition Elle. Since it's black and white, there's tons of room to play with colourful accessories.
Rebel Wilson Front Tie Waist Striped Shirt Dress, $108, additionelle.com
A black jumpsuit is a great piece to have in your regular wardrobe rotation. This one, with its thinner tie, could be tossed over a bathing suit and worn to the beach, or even paired with heels for a cute wedding outfit.
UO Twill Tie-Waist Romper, $79, urbanoutfitters.com
You can always rely on Club Monaco to serve up work wear that's classic, but with a unique twist. This sleeveless silk shirt is just that, thanks to its tie front. Wear it with wool jogger-style trousers during the week, or dress it up with a patterned skirt for an effortless weekend look.
Club Monaco Terek Silk Top, $79-119, clubmonaco.ca
This shade of cobalt blue looks good on literally everyone; combine that with a silhouette that's also crazy flattering, and you have yourself a new go-to top.
Ann Taylor Tie Wrap Top, $95.73, anntaylor.com
In our opinion, you can't have too many pairs of culottes. Instead of picking up another pair in basic black, go with something in a fun, unexpected colour like this honey yellow. They'll keep you feeling summery even if you're wearing them with a sweater in the dead of winter.
Moon River Tie Front Pants, $105.13, shopbop.com
Tiered, ruffled skirts were everywhere this summer, and we bet they'll stick around through fall, too. This one from Vince Camuto in a soft, khaki green is perfectly transitional – wear it with a white tee and sandals in the summer, and a sweater and black ankle boots in the fall.
Vince Camuto Tiered Ruffle Belted Skirt, $184.57, nordstrom.com
Derek Lam 10 Crosby is kind of like the designer's namesake brand's little sister, so you'll always get mega stylish pieces that are still totally approachable (and more affordable). Take this shirt, for example. Its tie waist is masquerading as shirt sleeves, and that menswear inspiration is perfectly countered by a full, feminine skirt.
Derek Lam 10 Crosby Sleeveless Tie-Waist Shirtdress, $455, farfetch.com
Nothing says summer-meets-fall like moody florals, and H&M gives us that with this olive green dress. Grab a pair of pink or yellow pumps, and it's perfect for a September wedding. Or layer it over a pair of black skinny jeans for a fall work outfit.
H&M Tie-Detail Dress, $22.99, hm.com
Tara MacInnis is a Toronto-based writer and editor with a deep love for lipstick, jumpsuits and dogs. Follow her on Instagram @tara_macinnis.