Would You Wear… Feathered Clothes?

From Left: Giambattista Valli, Badgley Mischka, Jason Wu and ADAM Spring 2010 RTW
As 2009 comes to a close, I thought it would be a great time to take a moment and focus on the great things ahead of us in 2010–the trends of the future. One of the most notable designer trends to hit the spring runways was feathered everything, especially skirts and dresses.
So far, very few celebrities or models have latched on to the trend because of its impractical nature in the colder months. But a few retailers have already started integrating the feather trend into their lines in more subtle ways, which I can really appreciate. This trend does have the potential to overwhelm a girl and look completely ridiculous, but simple feathered touches on garments, like the sleeves on the dress below, can add interesting dimension to an outfit and really make it stand out.
Here are some retail examples of feathered clothing out now:

1. Topshop Jacket, 2. ASOS skirt, 3. Topshop Dress, 4. Modcloth Earrings
Personally, I think the feathered trend has the potential to be big for Spring 2010. Feathers add a touch of whimsy to any outfit and are very feminine when worn well, but they do tend to make garments cost more than usual, and are certainly VERY trendy.
What do you think–will feathers be hot this coming spring? Do you prefer just a touch of feather accents or an entire feathered dress? And most importantly–do you think you’ll wear the feathered trend? Leave a comment with your thoughts, and enjoy the rest of 2009!!
Posted on on December 28, 2009 / Filed Under: Would You Wear? / Tags: ADAM, Badgley Mischka, Feathers, Giambattista Valli, Jason Wu, Spring 2010, Trends, Would You Wear?












Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our 

Cassandra
I tried on this crazy all- feather-ish dress at H&M yesterday – very comfy, but not my thing. I would quite like a swishy feather skirt, though, something fawn or salmin-coloured and ultra-feminine and maybe a tougher, broad-feathered shoulder cape like on Le Blog De Bettya few weeks ago.
Will definately be looking for those in 2010 (soooon! :D) and making some d.i.y feather accessories :)
Cassandra
*salmon
Cathy
When I first saw the feather trend popping up, I really didn’t like it, but one day I tried on a BCBG dress that had some feathers close to the hem. It was surprisingly a very interesting unexpected touch. I had an upcoming wedding at the time and I would have bought the dress for it if it were in my price range. I’m not a fan of all-out feather pieces but because of that one dress I tried on, I can’t say that I am completely anti this trend. I guess it’s okay in certain garment styles and in moderation. :)
melinda
If I loved the item then yes. Like I love that Jason Wu dress but overall I don’t love the trend.
Sam
I like this trend but I think it’s best confined to accessories only. The earrings in this post are cute but the clothes do not please me at all. But I think small little touches of feathers, like in jewelry or maybe even a bag, could be totally cute.
Amanda
I love the Jason Wu dress on the far right, but I definitely couldn’t wear it in this weather-even with tights! I love the 1920′s fashion era and the flowy feel of these dresses reminds me somewhat of that. They’d all be fun to just play around with for a day in the spring or summer, since their so light and open.
Luinae
No thank you! I do believe I would look like a bird had died on me.
Tati
I would keep this trend to my accessories. I do own a pair of feathered earrings, and I always get compliments on them.
Jennifer
I think my cat might try and attack my clothes, and possibly try and eat me if I wore feathers (he really likes playing with and destroying them) so it’s not a trend I’d be willing to try. Not my thing anyway, as soft and comfy as the clothes look, I prefer sleeker materials.
Coco
I remember seeing a Forever 21 dress with feather trim. It was definitely cute but I wonder how do you wash them? Could you create an outfit with a feather trimmed outfit please?
Aik0
I love feathered accents, but chicken out (no pun intended) when the feathers are more than a trim or accent.
Fashionably Bitten
I would wear a feathered dress on a night out with my friends. It is a cute way to show how different you are. Texture can totally change up your outfit and definitely makes dressing up more fun!
SupaWaifu
Used sparingly this can be a unique trend. I can see it working daily in trim or accessories but unless you’re going to an event I think too much feathers can be.. too much. Not quite a trend that works straight from the runway.
Vivi
Feather earrings and hair accessories are cute but that’s about it!
Faye
I’m with Luinae; I think it’s time we started relying on human creativity than relying so heavily on the beauty that already exists on other animals.
Leia
I’d love to try this trend – maybe in small doses, though!
Diane
I would try accessories, but I can’t see myself wearing feathered clothing. I think I would just feel awkward and uncomfortable.
Cody
Depends for me. I would certainly wear the earrings above and perhaps a feathered trim on a skirt. But on anything else? No.
Natalie
I think I was the only person in the world that loved the hot pink feathered dress by Cavalli that Christina Aguilera wore to the VMAs a few years ago.
Feathers seem way too high maintenance for me to wear, but I still love feathered pieces like the asos skirt.
Bryannah
Nope.
aish
anything would look good if u rock it. i dont have the guts to try this trend.
peacock feathers are nice(but in small amounts
maybe a black dress with feathers at the bottom to give a poofyness(sometimes works)
but i might avoid this trend
hey what are the other trend predictions fr 2010?
Noel - Columbia University
I’m so scared the feathers would fall off! At the magazine I intern at, I had to handle a $41,000 feathered dress… Makes me glad that these selections are more affordable!
Acacia
I’m not crazy about the shaggy fur/feathered look .. it’s just too dumpy for me. But that red dress if beautiful, if had fancy places to go, I’d definitely consider buying it!
I just stick to feathered headbands! It’s just the right amount of feathers without making you feel like a bird!
ChiCityFashion
I really like this trend but I definitelly think feather accents are more practical for the everyday woman. Celebrities could probably pull off an all feathered dress at a premier or something but for those like you and and me, the farthest I would go is the feathered skirt (love the one you picked from ASOS by the way). The earrings are great too. What’s everyone else’s favorite trend for 2010?
Ashley
I really like the black runway dress, but I’m not sure if I would be brave enough to wear it! I’m also a big fan of feathered earrings and other accessories.
Gabby
Im not sure if I’d wear it myself but I really loved the mint green feathered dress that Vanessa Williams wore to the emmys in 07. It looked amazing on her but I can’t see it working on me…props should be given to people that do it though cos when it works it works!!
Sherry
i’m still on the fence with this trend. i don’t think i could pull it off as an entire feathered dress (even though that jason wu one is genius), i’d probably go as far as a skirt. i was in forever 21 today and i saw these feathered clutches that looked amazing. i think thats a geat alternative if you like this trend but aren’t crazy about wearing it.
Cara
Allover feathers are too out there for most purposes, but I love feathered trims and accents. Very Marie Antoinette.
chanty
not at all!! the accessories maybe…… earings and headbands!! i don’t care who the designer is…. i hate it!! and i think a dress or skirt looks stupid… no matter who wears it!! it’s too much
people just because celebs wear these things doesn’t mean we all have to!! and these designers need to really get creative!! this is a lame trend!! except for accessories!! less isalways better