Summer trends tend to circle back more often now, as TikTok and Instagram users uncover and rediscover the archives of fashions we’ve worn and disregarded through the decades. It’ll make you feel a bit old (and embarrassed), but it’s fun to remember some looks of old through viral trends.

Two such trends that hit red carpets, street style maven wardrobes, and hilltops too, in a resurgence, were the burnt orange colourway, as well as parachute-style ruching. Oh! And oversized dresses like the Tent Dress – in part, thanks to:

• Cottagecore’s whimsy
• weather temperatures reaching record highs globally
• celebrities peddling comfortable, colourful & chic combo collections
• and the popularity of bright and joyful, near neon’esque, statement pieces populating both affordable retail stores (thank you, H&M) as well as luxury shelves (see: Louis Vuitton SS22).

Since the 50s, 60s, and through bursts of appearances in the pop culture zeitgeist of the 00s, as well as most recently in 2019, the rich tropical colour scorched everything from linens to silks, while ruching & volume manifested in mainstream fashion constructs that proved draping and drawing out flattering silhouette didn’t require atelier-level tailoring.

Self-styling, once again, became something fun, with an industry and DIY seamstresses ready to churn out these ruched-up and breezy pieces.

The ability to alter a silhouette seamlessly, is as much a self-styling boon as it is a budget-saver for those wanting their wardrobe to cater to more than one dress code.

It’s a bright and optimistic time that brings the tangerine hue about – senior editor at WGSN, Hanna Craggs, adding that it is also commonly “associated with joy and interestingly creativity”(2019).

South African fashion designer Michael Ludwig (of Michael Ludwig Studio) evokes the warmth and optimism of the post-lockdown state we’re wading through, with their orange Double Drawstring Dress.

As seen in likeness from fashion house Versace and Valentino, the likes of Nike, Carolina Herrera, Jacquemus, Phillip Lim etc. the Double Drawstring Dress by Michael Ludwig is seemingly the seventh+ coming of fashion editors & influencers beloved Spring runway-to-streetstyle trend: voluminous and floaty garb.

When I was deciding on what to pack for my Eurotrip, it was this gender & size-inclusive studios’ tent dress-like garment that immediately set the tone of what I wanted my travel style to be all about: Bold, Bright, and the ideal balance of chic & comfortable.

It delivers.

This is more ‘bang for your buck’.

Known for their deft hand in draping and producing contemporary ready-to-wear clothing, the adjustable double-drawstring waist dress by Ludwig cuts an elegant silhouette for how casual it appears. The french seams, and armhole slits, along with the invisible zip, ensure the wearer can choose how best to flatter their own form using accessories like belts, blazers, bags and more.

It’s a great deal to get a piece that can alter your waist with inches, as well as shift your silhouette with the quick pull of a string.

While exploring Berlin (Germany), I chose to simplify my life by wearing the dress loose and flowy predominantly.

The best thing about this garment is that besides travelling well and being easy to wash, anybody could just put it on and go about their day in comfort and a heck of a lot of style.

It’s a must-have for more than just summer.

Michal Ludwig Studio showcases the elegance and ease of drawstring fabrications with this dress — that’s fit for travel, work, and wherever else the road may take you.