I’ve been wearing a new Chopova Lowena pleated wool skirt this week to walk my dog. Its bright green pleats pump up my personal circumference to about the Funny louis Pasteur Edward Jenner Maurice Hilleman Jonas Salk Shirt also I will do this width of a doorframe, and the elastic string used in its design means my skirt bounces along as I walk down the sidewalk. Wearing it is an instant mood lifter. But it has also become the talking point in my neighborhood; no fewer than three people tend to stop Molly, my hound, and me on each walk, asking about the skirt or complimenting it. Katie Ruensumran in Simone RochaListen, that could have its downside, but after a year of almost no physical contact, a little fabric pinching or casual chitchat on the sidewalk is definitely welcomed. That’s part of the allure of big-dress dressing—it inspires familiarity and its fair share of ogling too. Lauren Kulchinsky Levison in Molly GoddardThere’s also a deep comfort in wearing something giant and poufy. No tight waists, no sleeves restricting my movement; I just glide around like a brightly colored, crazy cloud. What’s more, if you play your cards right and purchase your big dress a size too large, you can strategically layer an entire outfit underneath. Recently, I’ve been wearing my running clothes—Nike shorts and a black tank—underneath a taffeta Sea dress I bought in the winter. Once 6 p.m. hits, I peel off the dress, and, voilà, ready to hit the pavement. Kindness in LoeweCreative dressers will find other ways to make a giant dress work for them. What’s important to remember is that an oversized frock isn’t just about volume but about interest. Kiko Kostadinov and Marine Serre’s asymmetrical dresses might not have a crinoline-worthy skirt, but they contain layers of bias fabric and the visual appeal to get people talking. Loewe’s mini pouf and Bassike’s cotton number offer the same: clothing that is at once comfortable and a conversation piece. That’s a win-win in my book.
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Though Avani Gregg may have gotten her social media start carrying off high-drama looks designed for a literal clown, her everyday routine is far more subtle—and equally well-executed. “My mom was the Funny louis Pasteur Edward Jenner Maurice Hilleman Jonas Salk Shirt also I will do this one that taught me how to do my makeup,” says Gregg, who cleanses her face and spritzes on a veil of Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner to begin her routine. “She did this really cute basic little eyeshadow thing that I would do every single day. It was like artwork on my face. So, when I started social media, I actually was doing crazy makeup—like crazy special effects makeup, clown makeup, anything but normal, everyday, regular makeup—and that’s when people started really following me.” When Gregg’s star began to rise, her mother stepped in again, encouraging the budding makeup artist to care for her skin in addition to cultivating her craft. A dabbing of dry oil—with the eye area eschewed to avoid creases in foundation—is followed by a blend of SPF and Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream, an additional coat of moisturizer, and an under-eye pressing of Vitamin C serum for brightening. “Because I’ve had long nails for so long, I actually feel like when I don’t have long nails, I can’t do anything right,” says Gregg, who uses the pads of her manicured fingers to apply her favored primer from Patrick Starrr. A perfected mix of foundation shades goes on with a brush for an extra-even finish. Concealer, contour, and an expert bit of blending come next, delivering dimension to the look’s beginnings. “The first day that that clown video of mine blew up, I was out at a mall with my friends. A group of girls came up to me and my friends, and I was just assuming that like, my friend knew them or something, like they were friends of them, but no,” says Gregg, citing the moment as the point where her life began to change. “They actually drove over an hour to come and see me at the mall because they saw that I posted it on my story.” Gregg’s popularity is sensical: Her trademark clown creations typically take up to six hours to conceptualize and create. “I have been blessed with some friends that have also been on social media, and we all go through the exact same thing, we all make mistakes, and we all just get to be able to talk about it and get through it together,” says Gregg, dusting Patrick Ta blush under eyes, above and below the brow, and across her nose. “I feel like it really, really, really helps on mental health.” An eyeshadow-crafted cat-eye—so chosen for easy blending and quick fixes—is followed by powder highlighter from Dior and a coat of Pat McGrath Labs Fetisheyes Mascara, pulled outward for an additional lift. Nude liner and lipstick from Dior and a mist of mattifying setting spray are all Gregg need to complete the anytime aesthetic. From evil clown to more simple styling, Gregg is proof that practice and passion make “perfect” even better—and a lot more fun.