How to pull off the dramatic draping trend

The draping trend has officially entered the late-summer wardrobe rotation, offering a sophisticated alternative to sharp tailoring and casual basics. With sculptural shapes and folds, these designs strike the perfect balance between minimalism and drama.

If you’ve noticed the trend taking over your social feed and the runways, you’re not alone. From Kallmeyer and Toteme to CO and Staud, designers are embracing soft pleats, bias cuts, and fluid silhouettes that feel modern and endlessly wearable–think artful separates, dresses that flow like liquid, balloon pants, and more.

The Parisian fashion house Chloé can be credited with pushing the trend to the forefront. On her Spring/Summer 2025 runway, Chemena Kamali put her signature bohemian spin on the billowy, tapered balloon pant. Since then, brands like Massimo Dutti and Aflalo have come out with their own chic iterations. We’re wearing the latter for chic early-fall-in-the-city style with a simple white tank, an oversize leather bomber jacket, and a pair of jelly flats. Meanwhile, Alaïa’s draped jersey separates were the undeniable stars of their show last September.

To help you master the look, we’ve rounded up the best tips for styling the draped look effortlessly this season. Whether it’s an asymmetrical tank-top dress, a softly pleated skirt, or a ruched art top, these tips will help deliver movement and drama without making draping feeling overdone.

Full coverage, full chic

For early fall, balance proportions perfectly and pair a flowy draped top in chocolate brown with a trendy take on a fisherman pant. Style the dynamic duo with a pair of heeled thong sandals, a slim croc-embellished belt, and, for that final hint of midsummer mastery, a shell-adorned cord necklace.

High fluidity

Here, let the draping do the talking. Team an asymmetrical top with a liquid-like, draped jersey midi skirt. Complete the look with a pair of suede Tabi slip-ons, a pop-of-red beaded accessory, and a croc-embellished leather clutch bag.

Not your average red dress

Play with layers and slip into a tomato-red tank-top dress underneath a sumptuous suede trench coat. Sweeten things up with a pair of scrunched-up, off-white ballet flats, then bring in the edge via a studded suede handbag and wooden cuff bracelet.

Mini of the moment

Show some leg in a draped jersey miniskirt. While versatile enough to wear with anything and everything this early fall, it looks especially cute for daytime activities with a graphic tee, a pair of bright retro sneakers, and an easy patent-leather black handbag.

Elegant at every turn

Dress elegantly at every occasion this season in a modern draped midi dress. With cool colorblocking and an asymmetrical hem, it’s a chic match for black knee-high boots, a top-handle tote, and, for even more edge, a slouchy leather bomber jacket in burgundy.

The Chloé effect

Thanks to Chemena Kamali at Chloé, balloon pants are trending. Take note here and opt for a khaki choice paired with a simple white tank top and a cropped leather moto jacket. Keep the rest of the look equally boho-forward with a pair of jelly flats and a shell-adorned chain-link belt.

Float straight into fall

Float seamlessly into fall in a soft-pleat silk-chiffon maxi skirt. Styling-wise, pair it with a checked flannel shirt that’s perfectly fit for the season ahead, croc-embellished driving loafers, and a roomy tote to comfortably store all of your essentials from commute to cocktails.

Day-to-night switch-up

Swap flat sandals for sculptural heels and add a metallic clutch to take a draped piece seamlessly into the evening. Other outfit accoutrements include a roomy khaki trench coat and wine-colored crepe trousers—the ultimate transitional outfit formula that works from day to night.

Jersey girl

Innately casual but oh so chic, a twist-front jersey midi skirt is the perfect blend of texture and fluidity. Wear it this early fall with an oversize suede blazer, easy white tee, and a pair of burnt-brown ballet flats. Think of this draped piece like your comfortable, go-to pair of grey sweatpants, just with endlessly more stylistic opportunities.

Sculptural minimalism

Double the drape! An artful top teamed up with a cocoon-like maxi skirt truly proves that sculptural pieces are the season’s most sophisticated styling trick. All you need to take this sculptural, minimalist look to new heights is python-effect kitten heels, a silver drop necklace, and, for your chicest colour clash yet, a beloved ’90s bag in a rich burgundy.

 

Lead Image: LAUNCHMETRICS/COLLAGE BY SARAH OLIVIERI

This article originally appeared on harpersbazaar.com

Also read: 10 summer-to-fall transitional outfits to keep you stylish between seasons

Also read: The runways are full of primary colors. Here’s how to wear them