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I’ve always loved a good French manicure. In college, they were my signature, because they made me feel so grown-up and fancy. (Shoutout to all the acrylic appointments I’m probably still paying for via my student loans. 😬) While I’m more prone to color these days (I’m all lacquered up in OPI A Good Man-darin Is Hard to Find, $10), I still get a French from time to time. They’re clean, they’re classy and they go with every outfit imaginable. So naturally, it makes perfect sense that I would fall head over heels for their sartorial equivalent: contrast-trim clothing.
I first noticed this micro trend popping up in swimwear. In the blink of an eye, it seemed like every Baywatch-style one-piece out there (so, every swimsuit released for 2023) suddenly got a elevated twist in the form of a white contrast trim—and bikinis weren’t too far behind.
Since then, it’s been steadily creeping into other clothing categories, from two-piece sets (see: my Reformation Robbie getup, $248) to jumpsuits and dresses, even trickling down into fast-fashion (this New York & Co. design, $74, is a dead-ringer for Staud’s Dolce dress, $245).
My prediction? Unlike the bullshit mermaidcore, cottagecore and every other “core” trends Gen Z is making up on TikTok faster than a rabbit can procreate, this is one micro trend that will stick around well into fall, since it’s perfectly poised to upgrade your basic cardi (this Mo&Co. number, $245, already has my heart).
And why not? Just like the French manicure, it goes with just about everything (this J.Crew tank, $35, has quickly become one of the most versatile things in my wardrobe), and it’s timeless enough to wear even after the next big thing takes over.
As such, I’ve taken the liberty of rounding up the best contrast-trim clothing around for your shopping pleasure. Here are a few of my faves.
What do you think of the contrast-trim trend? Let me know in the comments below. Xo, Nicole
