Poetcore, Whimsy, and Sultry Silhouettes: Why Fashion Is Obsessed With Romance
- Varnika Thukral
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Think whimsical, soft, and buttery visuals, an early Snapchat filter, and an equally lovesick wardrobe. Fashion is stepping out of its capsule-wardrobe era into an experimental zone that taps into early rom-com nostalgia.
The resurgence of liquid silk, lacey details, ruffles, and feathered textures hints at a clear divide in mood—one that balances softness with a sharper, metallic edge. With The Drama’s press tour putting the “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” tradition to the test with bridal ensembles on the carpet, the internet witnessed a renewed interest in flowing, romantic gowns.
On the other hand, the “moorcore” leans into a darker, more gothic appeal with the Wuthering Heights frenzy earlier this spring. While a part of the internet gives in to the whimsy of Olivia Dean tracks, and the remaining sifts through their wardrobe in search of ruffles.
Did Someone Say Wedding?
Our social media feeds are finally looking beyond the classic black dress and bodycons this season. With an emphasis on dreamier outfits and an affinity for dressing as the sophisticated cousin at the wedding, evening gowns are more in the spotlight than ever. where soft florals met a smooth silk shine—and in Ferragamo’s Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear show in Milan by Maximilian Davis, dramatic styles like trains, capes, and floor-length gowns have made a strong return to the runway. The Greco-Roman touch in Anthony Vaccarello’s Saint Lauren's Ready-to-Wear Fall 2026 collection added to this romantic mood. At Dior’s 2026 Ready-to-Wear show, voluminous dresses and layered frills—often with exaggerated backs—created the look of a more defined waist.
At the same time, there is a shift towards bolder, more structured styles. At Maximilian Davis’s Ferragamo Fall/Winter 2026 show at Milan Fashion Week and in Maison Margiela’s Fall/Winter 2026 collection, heavier silks and fabrics were designed to look like metal, with a smooth, reflective finish. While satin and silk will always remain wardrobe staples, expect to see more “liquid metal” looks this year—whether in jewellery through sculptural, molten designs, or on the runway with shiny, metallic gowns.
Lace Detailing is The New “it “ Thing.
Boudoir and lace have found a place in fashion conversations in 2026. Lace — a trend which was often frowned upon — has made its presence felt on the runway and the red carpet. It points to an interesting fact that romance in fashion is no longer limited to obvious elements like frills or volume, but extends into subtler, more layered expressions. Lace, with its soft, vintage appeal, becomes a natural starting point.
Leaning into this sense of nostalgia, lace has reappeared in forms such as tulle overlays, festival-ready looks, and easy midi dresses—pieces that feel equally suited to beachwear as they do to evening dressing. From sheer blouses with lace details to sweetheart necklines and relaxed, bohemian styles, lace is being reworked to suit different moods, from romantic to more casual. When styled with bolder pieces like sheer dresses, body-hugging satin, or lingerie-inspired looks, lace takes on a more intimate, boudoir feel. This contrast can be seen in Amiri’s Fall/Winter 2026, where lace feels sensual and contemporary, and Ann Demeulemeester’s Fall/Winter 2026, where it is treated with a softer, more poetic restraint.
Birds of A Feather, Flock Together
When it comes to romantic textures leading, feathers firmly take first place. This year’s Oscars are proof as celebrities like Teyana Taylor, Demi Moore and Nicole Kidman donned the trend on the red carpet and at the afterparty. But unlike just any kind of feathers, this season, precision-cut feathers carry a sense of whimsy and fantasy when introduced in eveningwear. Spotted recently at Bronx & Banco Fall/Winter 2026, Cult Gaia Fall/Winter 2026 and Dior Fall/Winter 2026, feathers tend to soften the look and make it look expressive. Historically, feathers in headpieces signified nobility and status. Today, their return—often accompanied by conversations around animal welfare—has not been without criticism. Yet, despite the debate, plumes remain a noticeable presence, especially in dramatic gowns and on the red carpet.
Call for Ruffles
The first thing that comes to our mind when we think of romantic silhouettes is ruffles. They have always been associated with romantic dressing on the big screen, as seen in various pop-culture productions like The Princess Diaries, Clueless and Hamnet. On runways, Dior and Bottega Veneta showcase frills in all their whimsy. The beauty about them is that they challenge the idea of playing it safe with ensembles this year; instead, they invite experimentation and a long-awaited reclamation of playfulness. Having recently been spotted on Anne Hathaway for The Devil Wears Prada 2's press tour in Shanghai, ruffles are bringing back the spirit of spring (and maybe even overstaying for more).
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