So, what exactly is a Petticoat?

Okay, let me start off saying I'm not trying to insult the intelligence of anyone viewing this post. You may very well know what a Petticoat is. However, I am from a smallish town where people would think petticoats are a type of, well...coat.

For those who do not know, read on!

Let me give you the dictionary.com definition.

pet·ti·coat

Also called pettiskirt, an underskirt, especially one that is full and often trimmed and ruffled and of a decorative fabric.

 

Basically they make dresses go POOF.  Kind of...

Often petticoats are worn under wedding dresses and other formal types of dresses. Petticoats began way back in 1585 when women wanted to give their dresses a little extra something to make their waists appear smaller.

 

Today you can see petticoats mostly worn with Halloween costumes.

 

I have both a black and white petticoat purchased from American Apparel, and I wear mine much more often than just on Halloween (I should, they were both $80). It is an easy way to turn an ordinary dress into something more flirty and fashionable. To spice things up let a little bit of your petticoat peek out of the bottom.

 

 

 

There is something I see a lot with petticoats that I wish I didn't.

I've witness sad accounts of women dressed in cheaply made petticoats, that they probably paid good money for, wearing the petticoat ALONE.

Yep, all by itself, like they are off to ballet practice. Wearing these mock petticoats, that some identify as a tutu, is a popular item in the "goth" sub culture. This is NOT the proper way to wear a petticoat (and be taken seriously, that is).

 

 

Side Note: I apologize if you are sitting in a tutu right now, with thigh high striped stocks, wear too much eyeliner, and listening to death metal. Fashion is about what makes you feel beautiful, not what others think. Please don't take offense to what I say.

 

From the American Apparel Website

There is only one type of petticoat I have found that is appropriate to wear with nothing over it, the American Apparel petticoat. The material looks as if it could be worn as a skirt. It's soft and flowing, unlike some of the cheaper petticoats that are itchy and stiff.

 

Petticoats are a good investment for any dress-lover. You can find assortments of colors, textures, lengths, and widths while petticoat shopping. Petticoats give a classic feel to a dress...and they are extremely fun to twirl around in.