French for "rag," Chiffon is an elegant and sheer material with a slightly rougher feel than plain silk. Made of silk, cotton or synthetic fiber, chiffon is a favorite of many designers for being both lightweight and strong. Most often used for loose, full, flowing garments, it has long been popular for formal dresses, cocktail dresses and evening gowns. This season chiffon has made its way into a more casual look with scarves, blouses and accessories.
The ability of chiffon to move with the body allows for styles of this material to include some of the hottest details of the season: halter tops, drape necks, ruffles, and asymmetrical cuts. Because the fabric dyes easily, the color choices are almost endless. Chiffon is often found in light pastels but can also make a dramatic statement in black or red.
Beyond the perfect cocktail dress, chiffon blouses can be sharply paired with jeans for a look that can transition seamlessly from day to evening. A draping chiffon baby doll top is also slick with slacks. A chiffon scarf can be tied around the neck for glamour, around the head for that perfect Jackie-O (don't forget the oversized sunglasses) or even around the waist for a dash of color in an otherwise ho-hum outfit. Creative designers are also making accessories with chiffon-Gwyneth Paltrow was spotted wearing a chiffon flower "corsage" which can be pinned to a dress or worn in swept up hair styles.
You must take special care to keep your favorite chiffon in good condition. Most chiffon will leave a water spot if it gets wet, so don't attempt to wash at home. However, if you forget-or get caught in the rain-a good dry cleaner can usually remove any spots.
