Step Up Your Valentine’s Day Style With This Flirty Trend
Marabou feathers have been associated with sex appeal since the 1930s, when catty starlets such as Jean Harlow and Mae West would swan about in robes and dresses trimmed with the tiny feathers. A lot has changed in fashion since then, but a delicate marabou touch remains a signifier of sex appeal to this day—no wonder the seductive baby doll dresses worn by Austin Powers’s group of female nemeses, and later Kendall Jenner, are trimmed in the stuff.
In the Pre-Fall 2019 collections, designers offered playful riffs on marabou feathers too, ranging from sultry to sweet. Michael Kors created bags lined in feathers, while Christian Cowan added single plumes to a sweater for day, and Preen by Thronton Bregazzi dressed up parkas with lines of plumage. I tried out the marabou trend in the office just the other day with a black cardigan with ostrich feathers around the neckline and around the cuffs. Considering the number of colleagues wondering where I got the sweater from—psst, it’s Etsy —I think it’s safe to say feathers are officially back.
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, there truly is no better time than the present to put this trend to the test. Whether you’re getting ready for a fancy date night or staying in with your friends, there are plenty of ways to incorporate a little fluff into your V Day look. Start small with a pair of Tuleste pom-pom earrings or channel your inner SJP in a feathered bustier top from Victoria’s Secret if you’re feeling bold. Staying in? Slip into something more comfortable; Trademark’s wedges and The Sleeper’s pajama dress pair perfectly with a rom-com, a glass of wine, and a box of chocolates for one.
No matter your relationship status or plans, you’ll be sure to fall in love with marabou this Valentine’s Day.
