How to Wear The Maxi Dress Trend From Saint Laurent S/S 23

There were a lot of thrills on the S/S 23 runways, but in my book, the moment that bested them all belonged to Saint Laurent. In a dazzling presentation set against the Eiffel Tower, Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello sent down one of his strongest silhouettes to date: padded-shoulder maxi coats layered over skintight jumpsuits and body-hugging maxi dresses. While Vaccarello also heavily showcased sheer dresses and seductive midriff cutouts, it was this maxi coat-and-dress pairing that ruled the show (14 out of its 49 looks to be exact). And apparently, I wasn’t the only fan. (Beyoncé wore one of the looks to her Renaissance album release party only a few days later.) Reportedly inspired by performer Martha Graham and ’80s French glamour, the overall styling felt unabashedly glossy, elegant, and enigmatic. 

Although runway trends usually take some time before they’re able to be directly interpreted, this trend descended in the middle of maxi-hemline mania—meaning there’s no shortage of maxi dresses and coats to make this look work. As any fashion obsessive would, I did my homework and compiled a few options of the styling combo for you. Below, see how to pull off Saint Laurent’s vision of French glamour right now before the runway collection drops.