Perfection is passé – today, fashion is allowed to wrinkle. Le Chic froissé celebrates fabric folds as a style statement, balancing nonchalance with quiet nobility. Why creases are suddenly en vogue, and what they reveal about our zeitgeist, is what you will discover here.
By Lisa Ditzlmüller
For decades, wrinkles were seen as a faux pas. Clothes had to be immaculately pressed – whether blouses, shirts or trousers. But times have changed: fashion may wrinkle. In fact, it should. Le Chic froissé – the wrinkled chic – is the expression of a new lightness in style, poised somewhere between nonchalance, understatement and avant-garde.
This new wrinkle trend is not a matter of negligence, but of attitude. It elegantly breaks away from outdated notions of perfection and emerges as something surprisingly modern.
Less stiffness, more soul
So why are designers, stylists and fashion houses celebrating what was once considered a flaw? The answer lies in the pursuit of authenticity and ease. In a world that so often strives for perfection, the imperfect has become a projection of freedom and individuality.
Natural fabrics with life in their weave – linen, silk, cotton – are at the heart of this trend. They crease in ways that tell stories: of long summer days, of journeys, of moments far too beautiful to be pressed away with an iron.
The designers embracing the look
The great fashion houses have long since discovered the appeal of the wrinkled chic. On the Spring/Summer 2025 runways, Ferragamo, Moschino, Jil Sander, Diesel, Bottega Veneta and Prada all showcased how integral the wrinkle has become to contemporary fashion. Sometimes subtle, sometimes boldly expressive, but always deliberate: folds were not hidden, but celebrated as part of the aesthetic.
That the trend has transcended the runway and entered the realm of red carpet glamour was proven by Quinta Brunson at the 2024 Emmys. The actress wore a Dior gown in crushed satin, its crumpled structure sparking much discussion. Her stylist made it clear: “It’s crushed satin – it’s supposed to look that way.”
A bold statement: elegance can have folds. Brunson’s appearance marked a turning point in perception – what was once seen as a flaw has become an expression of confidence, modernity and refined style.
How to wear Le Chic froissé in everyday life
The fabric is key. Linen remains the undisputed star – particularly in blouses, dresses and suits. Crinkle fabrics, pleats and washed silks also lend themselves perfectly to the look.
Dos & Don’ts:
- Do: Mix smooth and wrinkled – for instance, a structured trouser paired with a creased blouse.
- Don’t: Overdo it – the look thrives on contrasts, not on an overload of folds.
- Do: Keep accessories understated – so the outfit feels intentional rather than careless.
- Don’t: Opt for synthetics – natural fabrics crease more beautifully and with greater elegance.
A style for a new attitude
That Le Chic froissé is resonating right now is no coincidence. A new generation has long left behind the pursuit of perfectly ironed surfaces. Ironing feels like a relic – while a natural crease embodies freedom, spontaneity and the lived-in beauty of everyday life. What was once considered a flaw has become a fashion statement: clothes may tell stories, carry traces, and in doing so reveal their very own elegance.