Pioneer Fashion

Summer ushers in a new take on the prairie look, with plenty of puff sleeves, floaty skirts and pastel colours.

Modern takes on the prairie trend might seem somewhat ethereal, but the look is firmly grounded in workmanlike origins. Worn by American pioneer women who made the journey west in the 1700s and 1800s, the original dresses mixed practicality with fashion: long hemlines and high necks to protect modesty, muted tones and hardy materials to suit farm work, and ruffles and puffy sleeves to add a feminine sensibility.

The pioneer story is a mainstay of popular culture – just think of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House On The Prairie, which has been adapted for the screen multiple times. The remake of Louisa May Alcott's classic, Little Women, created a renewed interest in doily collars and prairie dresses.

Further down the line, the prairie style was particularly popular in the Seventies, given a hippie spin with brighter colours and floatier materials. This is when the ‘make do and mend’ spirit of the homesteaders shone through, with patchwork patterns becoming particularly popular.

High fashion helped set the trend, with big designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Dior moving away from the miniskirts of the 1960s in favour of longer hemlines and puffier sleeves.

The boho-heavy fashion of the Noughties also had prairie elements – think high necks, lace trims and plenty of florals.

And now, it would seem like we’re falling back in love with all things prairie – thanks, in part, to the pandemic. For many of us, the lockdowns have been a chance to go back to basics – we started making our own bread, fell in love with gardening, and dreamt of a simpler life in the countryside. The trend for all things 'cottage core’ took over – a romanticised interpretation of what rural life, like that of the American pioneers, looks like.

This has all shaped fashion, with styles embracing a dreamy take on prairie styles. Yes, it’s a fashion trend – but many also see it as a way of life. If you want to style the prairie look the 2021 way, here’s how…

Puff sleeves

If it was good enough for the pioneer women, it’s good enough for us. There’s nothing like a puff sleeve to bring a bit of drama to an outfit – and the best thing is, you can tailor the volume to how extra you’re feeling.

Some people might not like how feminine a big sleeve can look; if this sounds like you, balance out the rest of the outfit with darker tones and biker boots.

Puff sleeves are classic on dresses – we also like them on blouses and crop tops, giving the look a Nineties-inspired spin.

Omnes BCI Cotton Puff Sleeve Midi Smock Dress in Poppy Print €86.50, visit omnes.com

River Island White Spot Mesh Puff Sleeve Midi Dress €87, visit riverisland.ie

Pale Pink Puff Sleeve Top €49, visit mintvelvet.co.uk

Tiered dresses

Tiered dresses aren’t exactly out of the homesteader playbook: instead, this detail is more inspired by the 1970s take on the trend.

The style is universally flattering – whether you choose a longer dress or a mini – and is an opportunity to get whimsical. We particularly like mixing up the patterns on each tier, giving your outfit a DIY vibe – even if you didn’t actually learn how to sew during lockdown.

Accessorize Puff Sleeve Poplin Dress in Red €59, visit accessorize.com 

FatFace Asha Daisy Patchwork Maxi Dress €83, visit fatface.com

MILLIII Metropolis Printed Tiered Midi Dress €235, visit tedbaker.com

Floral patterns

Sure, floral prints aren’t ground-breaking, but who can resist a bit of flower-power in spring?

Ditsy prints are delicate and perfect for the prairie trend. It’s another chance to tailor the look to your personality – either leaning into pale, pastel colours or choosing a darker colour scheme for an edgier vibe.

To really channel the cottagecore aesthetic, combine florals with other elements of the trend – like puff sleeves, big collars and tiered styles.

Oliver Bonas Orchid Print Black Midi Dress €90, visit oliverbonas.com

Aniston Casual Floral Print Wrap Maxi Dress €72, visit freemans.com

Everly Floral Print Jersey Dress Red €78.50, visit monsoonlondon.com

Prairie touches

Fashion is all about attention to detail, and small touches can really help you embody the prairie trend.

Details like broderie anglaise, gingham patterns and supersized collars will help elevate any look.

Joe Browns Broderie Anglaise Top in White €43, visit joebrowns.co.uk

Accessorize Gingham Print Smocked Jumpsuit Blue €59, visit accessorize.com

Rust Gingham V-Neck Midi Dress €48, visit next.ie

Whistles Chambray Denim Trapeze Dress €42.15, visit thehut.com