Remember when you were a kid and “flossing” meant dental hygiene? My, times have changed. Back in 2017, “Mental Floss” became the official name for Backpack Kid’s viral dance move. Now, it’s a full-fledged fashion trend for summer 2022, involving rope designs and lots of skins.
MiKADO personal styling consultant Jordan Stolch told InStyle that “flossing” as a fashion statement is a play on the lacing detail.
“Cross, cords and wraparound trims help to make some skins feel more noble and intentional in the summer, rather than simply revealing,” explains Stolch. It’s sexy. It’s so cute. But it’s certainly not “new”.
Like most fashion trends, flossing is a recyclable concept. It dates back to the early aughts, or “noughties,” as the era was so fondly called when stars like Beyonce, J Lo, Christina Aguilera and Brittany Spears pioneered the thin-line aesthetic. “It’s these celebrities who popularized the look of cross-back camisole tops, low-rise jeans, and exposed thongs, and we really need to give credit to that trend,” Stolch noted.
But according to Stolch, while the trend at the time was a formula that executors followed when they wanted to really determine the impact factor, flossing around 2022 could be a less racy, subtler, A sexier way to get it done with a haute couture twist. Flossing is also no longer exclusive to the back. Modern flossing can be done around the trousers and neckline, midriff and under the sleeves. Even footwear is getting flossing.
For example, Julia Fox was spotted on the streets of New York wearing a matching charcoal outfit showing her hips, torso, back and cleavage. Floss was also everywhere at Elle USA Women in Music in June, with Normani, Madison Beer and Heidi Klum all showing up in super-strap outfits. Later, Klum embraced the trend again, this time wearing a tight leather tank top and skirt suit with Snoop Dogg.
Megan Fox is obviously a fan of the look, too. At the premiere of MGK’s new Hulu documentary “Pink Life,” she was spotted wearing a puffy mini dress (though admittedly the outfit’s spaghetti strap details were a little confusing).
So how does one successfully push the flossing trend outside of Hollywood? The key, Stolch said, is balance.
“Offset the sexy exposure with subtle overlays,” Stolch explained in an email. “Think a crossover deep V neckline on a gorgeous long-sleeve cocktail dress. Or a rope-wrap crop top under a structured blazer and wide-leg pants. A hint of skin makes this look super sexy yet still sophisticated. ”
You also need to invest in the right underwear. Stolch lists nipple shields, adhesive backless bras, and seamless thongs as must-haves. “If a fashion moment calls for it, you might just have to lean towards not using it.”
