A huge trend for this summer is smocked fabric. From dresses to swimsuits, this sewing technique is showing up in a big way.  Smocking adds texture and dimension to clothing while giving basic fabrics a fresh twist.  I am personally loving all the smocked detailing on clothing this season. Because smocked fabric is stretchy, it is also the perfect choice for maternity or postpartum garments.

Summer Fashion Trends 2021: Smocked clothing

What is smocking?

Smocking is a technique created centuries ago to elasticize fabric.  Essentially, by gathering fabric and strategically embroidering folds together it allows the fabric to stretch.  Smocked detailing was very common in the 18th and 19th centuries where necklines and cuffs were smocked to give garments shape without needing buttons.

Is smocked clothing flattering?

Smocked tops are amazing for hugging your curves however they do add a bit of bulk due to the additional fabric need to create the smocked look.  For that reason, I would recommend choosing items with smocking only on parts of your body you are comfortable adding more visual weight.  For myself (being 2 months post-partum) I would personally avoid items with smocked detailing across my stomach. Instead I would choose smocked crop tops, dresses with smocking across the bust or smocked peplum blouses.

The prettiest smocked dresses

The best smocked skirts

Smocked tops you need

Cute smocked swimsuits

How to wear a smocked shirt

I stumbled upon this pretty floral smocked shirt at my local American Eagle store and loved the fabric print and billowy sleeves. I’ve recently styled it with high rise jeans but for today’s post I paired it with a high waisted terracotta button up skirt  (ps. this super flattering skirt comes in a ton of different colours and is super affordable!). While this top is a cropped length, it was a little too long to wear together with this skirt.  I would typically tuck shirts into my skirt when I run into this problem but smocked fabric tends to buckle funny when tucked into a skirt or pair of pants.  Instead it works so much better to simply fold the bottom of the shirt up under itself.  Because the fabric is elasticized it holds in place and lays nice and flat!

Outfit Details:

American Eagle smocked square neck floral blouse // H&M button up terracotta skirt // Lack of Color ivory Montana fedora // Saint Laurent Kate bag // White knee high cowboy boots