Y is for Yardage

The New York Times tried to link the longer hemlines to the tanking economy. Seems rather counter-intuitive! Why spend more money on material when you have less in the bank? Whatever the reason, the yardage of fabric on the fall runways was excessive. The result? Beautiful long lines, voluminous dresses, and skirts for miles.

FLOOR GRAZING FROCKS

Above:
Gorgeous looks from the Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2008-2009 ad campaign

At right: Christian Dior

Photo at top of post via nytimes.com Pulse. Other runway photos courtesy style.com unless otherwise credited.
Emilio Pucci, via nymag.com
Giambattista Valli
Erdem
Jasmine di Milo, courtesy Paris Vogue
Nina Ricci, via nymag.com
Marc Jacobs
SKIRTS GO THE EXTRA MILE
Gai Mattiolo, via Vogue Paris
Carlos Miele via allwomenstalk.com
Hermés, courtesy nymag.com
Marc Jacobs
Louis Vuitton pre-fall
Ralph Lauren (above and left)
Miss Sixty, courtesy nymag.com
CAPED CRUSADERS

Giles
Antonio Berardi
PANTS PUMP UP THE VOLUME

John Galliano, via nymag.com
VOLUMINOUS OUTERWEAR

Antonio Berardi
IN THE STORES
Dresses
A lovely variety of long frocks awaits. For the next 5 looks, visit shopbop.com.
Trade summer’s bright maxi for something a bit more boho luxe for autumn, in richer hues and more sweeping silhouettes.
CC loves these two long frocks by Larsen Gray.
Above right, tank dress with contrast frayed ribbon fringe.
At left, tank pocket evening dress.
For evening, this Jenni Kayne handkerchief gown in gray ombré silk chiffon is divinely elegant.
Or try a comfy yet glamorous T-Bags Grecian dress in deep burgundy.

Attention big budget fashionistas:
Get this Alexander McQueen paisley kaftan gown (above).
Look at this incredible McQueen fabric detailing (left)!

This and the next two dresses at net-a-porter.com.

Vera Wang draped Grecian Goddess Gown . . . For your winter wedding, perhaps?
Roksanda Ilincic Pierrot color block gown
Trousers – Just keep the top half of your look ultra-fitted, maybe a bustier and fitted blazer?
Above:
Lela Rose wide leg trouser in metallic tweed
At right:
VPL Swag pant.
Both at shopbop.com.
Skirts

Ralph Lauren
cashmere long flare,
at ralphlauren.com
Y’s by Yohji Yamamoto pleated skirt. Visit eLuxury.com
If you are skeptical about floor-grazing frocks, really any below-the-knee hemline captures the chic conservative mood of the trend, like this Lida Baday Dégradé tiered skirt, available at Nordstrom.com.

So go the whole nine yards, darlings - literally!