Depending on which day you ask, fashion is likely fixated on one prior decade or another. One season it’s the ’70s, the next, we’re on to

Y2K staples

. At this current moment, however, fashion is head-over-heels obsessed with the ’90s. We’ve already waxed poetic about why we think it’s a great idea to shop like a

’90s minimalist

—an era that leaned into simple silhouettes and subtle sensuality—but there is one style in particular which was peppered throughout the spring ’21 runways: column dresses.

Photo: Getty

Adjacent to the tank-style slip dress, the column silhouette is similar in nature minus the bias cut. It hangs straight down in a sheath style, creating a literal column shape. The simple dress or skirt is tailored close to the body without being fitted exactly to it—just the right balance of allure and mystery. Often rendered in some sort of WFH-appropriate stretch fabric, it’s as comfortable as it is chic and was a favorite among the superstars of the 1990s—Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, Winona Ryder. Perhaps that’s why the practical style jaunted down the runways at

Khaite

,

Simon Miller

, and

Peter Do

among others this season.

Maximilian Davis Photo: Courtesy of Fashion East

A favorite of those like

Proenza Schouler

,

Bevza

, and

Gabriela Hearst

, who regularly indulge in the richness of ’90s minimalism, the sheath silhouette needs little in the realm of styling. It’s basically like donning a blank slate—the perfect platform for statement jewelry or a killer

beauty look

. Toeing the line between casual and fancy, the column silhouette can be easily dressed up or down. A bold lip, an interesting necklace, or perhaps a chain belt, and that is all you need.

Shop Our Favorites Below:

Iman Ribbed-knit Linen Maxi Tank Dress

$220 at Modaoperandi

Knit Maxi Dress

$1,050 at Modaoperandi

Gwyneth Silk Midi Dress

$780 at Modaoperandi

Ribbed Long-sleeve Midi Dress

$99 at Cosstores

Wool Midi Skirt

$279 $195 at Mytheresa

Cable Knit Jacquard Dress

$40 at Zara

Deconstructed Column Dress

$860 at Ssense

Rib Wells Long Sleeve Dress

$198 at Shopbop

Turtleneck Dress

$795 at Shopbop

Dolce Waist-cutout Maxi Dress

$275 at Saksfifthavenue

Long Sleeve Turtleneck Gown

$150 at Shopbop

Rosetta Maxi Cotton Column Skirt

$295 at Modaoperandi

Top photo (from left to right): Courtesy of Bevza; Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com; Courtesy of Proenza Schouler

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