Skip to content

Top Navigation

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • News
  • Fashion
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle
    • Astrology
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
    • Well, Well, Well
  • Politics & Social Issues
    • President Joe Biden
    • Dr. Jill Biden
    • Vice President Kamala Harris
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Career
    • Charity
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore InStyle

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The 8 Breakout Hair Color Trends of Winter 2021

      The 8 Breakout Hair Color Trends of Winter 2021

      Expect to see these shades all over Instagram. Read More
    • What Is a Capsule Wardrobe? 10 Tips to Help You De-Clutter Your Closet

      What Is a Capsule Wardrobe? 10 Tips to Help You De-Clutter Your Closet

      Fashion designer Misha Nonoo weighs in on the essential items that'll make your 'nothing to wear' days a thing of the past. Read More
    • "Maskne" Is a Thing — Here's How to Fight Face Mask Breakouts

      "Maskne" Is a Thing — Here's How to Fight Face Mask Breakouts

      As if stress breakouts weren't bad enough. Read More
  • News
  • Fashion

    Fashion

    See All Fashion
    How to Find the Best Color to Wear For Your Skin Tone

    How to Find the Best Color to Wear For Your Skin Tone

    It's not as tricky as you think.
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity

    Celebrity

    See All Celebrity
    The 39 Most Naked Dresses of All Time

    The 39 Most Naked Dresses of All Time

    Naked dresses are perhaps the most impressive of all red carpet feats. While they may not always make the best-dressed list, they do require a certain breed of celebrity to pull off. Not only do you have to have the balls to risk a wardrobe malfunction, but you have to do it with enough confidence that you look fierce — not terrified — in the photographs. Take Naomi Campbell's appearance in Valentino's couture show during the spring/summer 2019 presentation. The legendary model gracefully strutted down the runway in a see-through gown with a ruffle skirt. (Click through the gallery for the NSFW photo).  Get the inside scoop on all your favorite celebrities with our FREE daily newsletter, InStyle Celebrity. Breaking news, relationship updates, hairstyle inspo, fashion trends, and more direct to your inbox! Let's not forget Rihanna’s infamous CFDA dress either. The girl rocked a completely sheer dress without a bra — and later remarked that her only regret was not wearing a bedazzled thong to match. That, my friends, is dedication. Then, there was the year 2015, when the Met Gala saw not one nor two but three naked dresses on the red carpet, all worn by Hollywood’s hottest A-listers. Jennifer Lopez, above, bared her famous curves in a custom Atelier Versace illusion gown. Beyoncé was nearly naked in Givenchy. And Kim Kardashian West almost looked modest in comparison in her sheer Roberto Cavalli dress, because no one’s getting naked without KKW joining in. Click through to see the best naked dresses of all time.
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty

    Beauty

    See All Beauty
    How to Treat Stubborn Cystic Acne, According to Dermatologists

    How to Treat Stubborn Cystic Acne, According to Dermatologists

    If you're struggling with breakouts on your chin and jaw area, read this.
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair

    Hair

    See All Hair
    The 5 Haircut Trends That Will Dominate 2020

    The 5 Haircut Trends That Will Dominate 2020

    The beginning of the new year comes with the irresistible urge to start over fresh, which means it's a great time to get a haircut.  This decade's first big hair trends include looks at every length that can be tailored to your hair texture and personal style. For anyone with a blunt bob — the most popular haircut of the past few years — you probably already guessed that the cut will still be going strong into the next decade. But there will be a few tweaks. As seen on Kerry Washington, 2020's bob has textured, softer edges, and looks amazing whether you part it down the middle or off to the side.  RELATED: The 10 Hairstyles You'll See Everywhere This Winter But if you swear that 2020 is going to be the year you finally grow out your hair, let Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian's extra-long lengths be your inspiration. Or, you can get the look instantly with the help of some clip in extensions.  To help you figure out how to wear your hair in the new year, we've rounded up the five biggest haircut trends of 2020, so you'll be sure of what you want before you head to the salon in January.  VIDEO: The Five Biggest Haircut Trends of 2020
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    See All Lifestyle
    Your Essential Keto Grocery List

    Your Essential Keto Grocery List

    If you're embarking on the keto diet, here are the must-have items to add to your cart.
    • Astrology
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
    • Well, Well, Well
  • Politics & Social Issues

    Politics & Social Issues

    See All Politics & Social Issues
    Joe Biden Broke Barack Obama's Nationwide Popular Vote Record

    Joe Biden Broke Barack Obama's Nationwide Popular Vote Record

    Obama's record goes back to 2008.
    • President Joe Biden
    • Dr. Jill Biden
    • Vice President Kamala Harris
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Career
    • Charity
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture

    Pop Culture

    See All Pop Culture
    Introducing InStyle's First Podcast: Ladies First with Laura Brown

    Introducing InStyle's First Podcast: Ladies First with Laura Brown

    Join editor in chief Laura Brown as she talks to trailblazers like Emily Ratajkowski, Michelle Pfeiffer and Storm Reid about their historic "firsts" in the industry.
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping

    Shopping

    See All Shopping
    The 13 Best Shapewear Pieces to Shop, According to Thousands of Customer Reviews

    The 13 Best Shapewear Pieces to Shop, According to Thousands of Customer Reviews

    Upgrade your lingerie drawer with these top-rated body shapers.
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE
  1. HomeChevron Right
  2. FashionChevron Right
  3. Clothing Trends & Outfit IdeasChevron Right
  4. WTF is ... Trompe L'Oeil?

WTF is ... Trompe L'Oeil?

By Ruthie Friedlander
Updated May 14, 2018 @ 12:00 pm
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Trompe O'eil Fashion
Credit: Photo Illustration. Photo: Getty Images

Trompe L'Oiel was one of the first terms I ever learned in French class. I remember my professeur (that's professor in French) saying the term meant "trick of the eye," but it wasn't until she showed us photos of buildings and ornate wall drawings that I really was able to understand what it meant.

Let's start by how you say the phrase before we explain what it means in the fashion world: Trump (sorry) + Loy (as in "oy" with an "l" in front of it). Easy enough, right? Now that we got that down ...

On a building, trompe l'oeil is expressed when something is painted on a wall that typically is three dimensional, say, a window, but instead, is just, well, paint.

RELATED: WTF is...a Dirndl?

It's a visual illusion meant to create the experience that a three-dimensional object—be it a window, a cloud, a flower—is actually there. In reality, though, you're just looking at concrete. The phrase translates from French to English to literally mean "deceives the eye."

So how does this work when it comes to fashion? Look no further than brands like Moschino and Gucci for examples. But brands consistently use trompe l'oiel throughout their collections in whimsical ways. My personal favorite example: a $13,500 Gucci gown from the Cruise 2018 collection. Thanks to the trompe l'oeil pleating, the gown is made to seem mythical, almost Grecian. In reality, it's a simple frock.

VIDEO: Listen to 26 Celebrities Try to Pronounce Cannes

A T-shirt with a beautiful bow silkscreened on versus an actual bow applique, a pair of jeans with lines painted on to create the appearance of fading or creasing, a sweater with a pearl necklace painted on ... all examples of trompe l'oeil in fashion.

And now you know. Shop away.

Start Slideshow

1 of 6

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Trompe L'oeil Blouse

Trompe L'oeil Blouse
Credit: Farfetch
$242
SHOP IT
Farfetch

1 of 6

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 6

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Trompe L'oeil T-Shirt

Trompe L'oeil T-Shirt
Credit: Farfetch
$68
SHOP IT
Farfetch

2 of 6

3 of 6

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Trompe L'oeil Lace Print Skirt

Trompe L'oeil Lace Print Skirt
Credit: Farfetch
$461
SHOP IT
Farfetch

3 of 6

Advertisement

4 of 6

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Trompe L'oeil Tote Bag

Trompe L'oeil Tote Bag
Credit: Farfetch
$1,650
SHOP IT
Farfetch

4 of 6

5 of 6

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Trompe L'oeil Chain Necklace Dress

Trompe L'oeil Chain Necklace Dress
Credit: Farfetch
$478
SHOP IT
Farfetch

5 of 6

6 of 6

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Two-tone cotton and cashmere-blend tunic

Two-tone cotton and cashmere-blend tunic
Credit: Net-a-porter
$410
SHOP IT
Net-a-Porter

6 of 6

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Ruthie Friedlander

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 6 Trompe L'oeil Blouse
    2 of 6 Trompe L'oeil T-Shirt
    3 of 6 Trompe L'oeil Lace Print Skirt
    4 of 6 Trompe L'oeil Tote Bag
    5 of 6 Trompe L'oeil Chain Necklace Dress
    6 of 6 Two-tone cotton and cashmere-blend tunic

    Share options

    Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
    InStyle InStyle

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Accolades Licensing
    • Content Licensing
    • Sitemap

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • Parents this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithInStyle is part of the Meredith Beauty Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. InStyle may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.instyle.com

    View image

    WTF is ... Trompe L'Oeil?
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.