The Centre, P.C. - Plastic Surgery Blog

Wearing the "Prairie Look" this Spring - Monday, April 20, 2009

One of the biggest and most surprising fashion trends this Spring is the prairie look.

What is the prairie look? Well, if you're thinking about little Laura Ingalls running through a field of tall grass, you're partly right. The prairie trend harkens back to a time when Hoosiers worked on the land, when a living was earned by the sweat of the brow and didn't depend on gambling bankers in New York City. A time when the necessary frugality of the frontier was accompanied by the simple pleasures of community, family, and the stark beauty of the open plains. This is the source of the trend's gingham prints, bib-front dresses, and swishy skirts.

A crucial component of this fashion trend, though, is an acknowledgement that we can never go back, and that today's difficulties differ from those of the past. Fashion acknowledges this by combining old-style fabrics with more modern ones and multicultural accessories. Here are some essential tips for looking good with the prairie look this Spring.

Curves: There's no way around it: the prairie look (like autumn's Belle Curve) calls attention to a woman's waist, and the narrower the better. In some cases you can accentuate your waist with cinches and use flared tops to bring out what's there, but if your hourglass figure has been turned into a brick by weight gain or the effects of childbirth, you might consider liposuction or tummy tuck to get your figure back. And the good news is: curves never go out of style.

Used & Genuine Vintage: So not everyone is prepared to shell out the money for genuine vintage clothing, but nothing says frugal like used clothes. Search the thrift stores for some obviously used but serviceable skirts and blouses in checked or pale (even faded) floral patterns.

Don't Forget the Flair: Thinking "prairie," it's so easy to overdo the simple fabrics and styles and forget the modern. Dress up the cotton blouse with a glittery Asian-inspired skirt or a jacket in modern synthetics. Add an African or South-American styled necklace. For going out, add heels and a modern-looking handbag.

Hats: From the standpoint of protecting your skin, hats are always a good idea when going out in the sun, and this season wide-brimmed hats are also in fashion. Be prepared: they will call attention to your face. Skin treatments like a facial peel or microdermabrasion can help your face achieve the necessary youthful smoothness and minimum makeup for this season's look. Injectable fillers can help you get back some of the youthful fullness in your face, and Botox Cosmetic can reduce crow's feet and other dynamic wrinkles.

Legs: The prairie look is naturally conservative, so the amount of skin you show will be less this season, which puts more emphasis on what will show. We already talked about the extra attention for the face, but the predominance of skirts this season will put your legs on display. With no stockings to conceal them, it's important to make sure they look their best. Laser hair removal can help them look smooth and natural, while sclerotherapy can get rid of unsightly spider veins.

Here at The Centre, P.C, we are prepared to help you look your best no matter what the season or the trend. Schedule a cosmetic procedure consultation today to learn more about the services we offer.