Tempting Tails

CEBU, Philippines - Revivals have been making a huge wave in the style radar these past few months as we gear up for an entirely new decade. Just before you think this will be another article featuring another revival from decades past, think again. As we greet 2011 with one big bang, let's get ready and get set to bring something fresh into our wardrobes via tail hems.

Tail hems, shirttail hems, cutaway hems, whatever you may think of calling them, they all mean one thing. Asymmetrical hems that are short in front and cutaway longer at the back. These hems will be making it big. They are the inbetweeners - that grey area between mini and mid, mid and maxi. They may feel a bit awkward for those who aren't used to really going all out quirky but they are fresh and fabulous.

Tails hems are walking fashion's irony. They cover and yet they expose. It is traditionally cut shorter on the sides with a longer tail at the back very much like those tail coats that were famous in men's formal wear in the 20s and 30s. The tail hem is not just a trend for dresses. It goes well with skirts and tops that simply cut off shorter in front and cut off longer at the back giving you a feel of an effortlessly untucked shirt.

The tail hem is hot for various reasons. It's teasing and playful because of its unexpected dip at the back. It hints at two distinct personalities being melded into one. Pretty much like Gemini, the sign of the twins. The tail hem on one side denotes glam and elegance for its length and fluidity. On the other side, it hints at a more flirty, playful side that's easily identified as the tease. 

The tail hem's versatility is remarkable. It can do you well at day time especially in crisp, cool white. Keep it interesting with layers and unexpected cuts at the skirt if you are wearing it as a dress. Go high on the ruffles if it's a top that comes with the tail hem. This is also a great way to play with monochromatic colors in the coolest shades.

For ladies with gams to show off, don a tail hem cocktail gown on evening parties for a fresh take on traditional evening wear. Go for sky-high heels to elongate the legs even more and to enhance your posture. Strut your stuff and watch heads turn.

If you're thinking twice about busting your budget over tailhems, the good news is that you needn't burst your bank account if you want to experiment with this trend. If you have dresses and pieces of clothing that you wish to add an extra oomph to, simply cut off the hem at an interesting angle. 

You can also try out the traditional petal hem-the kind of hem wherein the fabric overlaps just like the petals of a flower. I've a few of these kinds of dresses and I'm glad of the emergence of this trend so I can give these dresses a new lease on life. You can also try cutting off a maxidress from short to long-just don't try this on your favorite piece. Another equally hot variation, in case you already have this in your closet are hems that fall in large drapes or pleats at the back.

The key to owning this look really, is simply in adding unique points of differences that will set you apart from the rest of the pack.

So go on, wag that tail.  (FREEMAN)