I have a thing for fashion, which should come as no surprise since, after all, I’m a fashion editor. But I also have a thing for movies—and the fashion moments in them always stick with me. I grew up watching pretty much everything from retro movies to modern-day ones and could dedicate an entire lazy Saturday to watching films. Some I’ve written about before like The Talented Mr. Ripley, Marie Antoinette, and My Father the Hero, but there are also others that I haven’t touched on like the ’90s flick Great Expectations, which in my opinion, is far underrated in terms of its fashion moments.
In the 1990s revival, Gwyneth Paltrow plays the rather unpleasant Estella. But where the charm of her character stops, the alluring outfits make up for it. Really, it’s a study in ’90s minimalism, and it brings out the best in cool, streamlined style. And for me, one of the standout outfits is the apple green blouse and matching slip skirt (designed by Donna Karan) that has always struck me as endlessly chic.
What’s most noteworthy to me about this outfit in 2018 is the relevancy of the top Paltrow is wearing. The blouse, secured just at the top, leaving her midriff exposed, is a precursor to one of the biggest trends that’s popped onto my radar recently. Open-front tops seem to be turning up everywhere. And just a few weeks ago, I adopted the trend for myself. It’s no secret that trends from the ’90s are coming back into play, but this has to be one of the freshest iterations I’ve added to my wardrobe. Ahead see how to wear the open-front top trend in 2018 and shop our favorite styles.
Gwyneth Paltrow in Great Expectations, putting the open-front trend on the map.
I decided to try the trend for myself when I discovered this top from Ciao Lucia. And yes, I’m a true fan. I have a feeling this will be my go-to top for the summer ahead.
Finished in a luxe midnight silk.Available in sizes XS to L.
Who What Wear Editor Nicole Akhtarzad is also an early adopter of the trend.
In the perfect shade of rose.Available in sizes XS to L.
Another version of the top from Ciao Lucia, this one has very on-trend seashells printed on it.
This “souvenir print” embodies the best of summer.Available in sizes
Shop more open-front tops
This tie-front version is a best seller for Réalisation Par.Available in sizes XXS to L.
This poppy print is just the right addition of color.Available in French sizes 36 to 40.
Wear yours with a silk camisole underneath.Available in French sizes 34 to 42.
Available in sizes 0X to 3X.
Finished with delicate lace.Available in sizes XS to XL.
Wear yours with a pair of jeans.Available in sizes XXS to L.
Wear this top all summer long.Available in sizes XXS to L.
It may come as no surprise, but I’ll be wearing these tops all summer long.
-
10 Years Later, These Looks From Toteme's Creative Director Are Still So ChicThe magic of elevated basics.
-
You Only Need 9 Pieces for a Complete Spring Capsule WardrobeGood news: You probably already own them.
-
5 Leather Jacket Styles That Will Never Get OldThey were a big deal on the fall/winter 2022 runways.
-
6 Editor-Approved Airport Outfits That'll Double Your Chances of an UpgradeA masterclass in looking chic (and comfy).
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—These Are the 29 Best Wedding Guest Dresses of the SeasonTrust me.
-
27 Easy Outfit Ideas I'm Wearing on Rotation This SpringEt voilà.
-
I'm Who What Wear's Editorial Director—35 Seasonal Finds That Have My ApprovalSigned, sealed, and delivered.
-
The Winter Outfits We're Ready to Start Wearing NowWe're actually glad it's cold.
