The New Classics

Fashion frequently changes.. only it doesn’t. In this post we take you by the hand and introduce you to six classic trends that keep moving forward and keep on coming back season after season.


Ladylike


In 1047 French Christian Dior ushered in the lavishly femminine New Look with a nipped-in waist and a full skirt. Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy gave it mass appeal in the 1950’s making it the sihoutte of choice for well-dressed women.Why it keeps coming back? you may ask.Well, It compliments curves and looks polished but never over-the-top.

How to wear it now?

Try Separate pieces instead of the traditional fit-and-flare dress. a blouse and a skirt combo modernizes this look. For evening wear that is equally glamorous and comfortable, pair a wrap shirt with an embellished twirly skirt. Sophistication lies in the details.



1. Found on harpersbazaar.com, 2. STELLA Jean fan print skirt3. SEE BY CHLOE kitten heels, 4. TOM BINNS pearl stud earrings 



Animal Prints

When Europeans began colonizing Asia and Africa in the 18th century, they brought home the skins of the leopards, tigers and zebras that they found there. Those exotic patterns were soon reproduced on fabrics (for the uber-rich of course), leaving their mark on clothing and decor. Two centuries later Marilyn Monroe harnessed the prints’ magnetism. And why does it keep coming back? Animal Prints are like neutrals, they’re made up of brown, beige and black, after all. You can wear them with almost everything. Plus they add a little edge to your wardrobe.

How to wear it now?

Today, animal prints are more graphic or magnified, try a patterned piece with a solid jewel tone to keep it out of the retro territory. Stick with a silhouette that is simple, sleek, and tasteful. Hit the spot in small doses if you fear the print will swallow you whole.

1. Find similar here Ilana Wolf leopard print silk stole , 2. Found on JouJouVilleroy.com3. DIANE VON FURSTENBERG color block clutch, 4. Faith snakeskin flat peeptoes



Menswear


Thanks to fashion design guru Coco Chanel, who popularized pants for women in the 1920s. She also gets poins for making sportswear seperates, like jersy jackets and cardigans, that were designerd to be stylish and comfortable on the go. Not far behind her actress Kathrine Hepburn, a trailblazer for the tom boy look in the 30s and 70s musician Patti Smith, who added a little rock and roll to the mix. and why we keep seeing it coming back? You might expect menswear to be desexualizing, but it’s often the opposite, menswear is flattering on almost any shape or size, and it works in and out of the office.

How to wear it now?

Choose fitted, not oversized, cuts and contrast seriously sharp tailoring with fun, feminine accents. Daring jewelry and colorful high heels will get the job done. A tuxedo jacket and tie-printed pants are unexpectedly posh (and relaxed) for a night out. Dapper touches, like a fedora or a chuncky watch, easily swing the other way and mingle with frilly dresses.

1. Found on www.sydnestyle.com, 2. GUCCI Black Velvet & Leather Doctor Bag, 3. Haute Hippie silk tuxedo blouse, 4. YANG LI FEDORA HAT, 5. ANNA BAIGUERA pointed flat shoes


Minimalism


French designers André Courréges and Pierre Cardin made mod shift dresses in the 1960s and Halston kept the streamlined silhouette going in the 70s with monochromatic jersey dresses and stretchy jumpsuits, But in the 90s it was Miuccia Prada who had the most staying power, Her Simple shaped and sparse ornamentation were a welcome palate cleanser after the huge shoulder pads (and hair) of the 80s, and they’re still popular today. Why it keeps coming back? Clean lines and functionality have always been hallmarks of style. Audery Hepburn’s Capris are a classical exapmple of this intersection of élan and ease.     

How to wear it now?

Pieces are still pared down but have bold details, like the symmetrical seam dresses. Look for a striking hem or necklace and sharp cutouts. Pick one powerful piece (a geometric scarf, a sculptural cuff) and let it pop against something basic.

1. Found on wadulifashions.com, 2. STELLA MCCARTNEY monochrome susanne cady dress3. Fendi Geometric Print Scarf, 4. VINCE CAMUTO Cuff Bracelet
Florals

Flowers have been used as adornments  all through human history, but in terms of being painted or printed on clothing, blossoms were seen on Japanese kimonos around the year 750 and on rich Genoese velvets in the 1400s. Why it keeps coming back?
They’re pretty! as simple as that. plus it’s been always thought of flowers as the symbol of a woman and there are countless interpretations to appeal to any taste; From soft, watercolor petals to full on flower power, as worn in the 1960s.

How to wear it now? 

Florals are cropping up in deeper colors which makes them appropriate no matter how ungirlie you may be. Mix patterns, just make sure there’s one color, like black or navy that links both prints together. for a subtle approach spruce up any old cardigan with a lively brooch or scarf.

1. Found on fashioncoolture.com, 2. Found on glam.com, 3. Marchesa Marisol suede clutch bag, 4. LANVIN floral brooch

Military

During WWII, civilians, even ladies, took to wearing government issue trench coats as everyday outerwear. And in the vietnam era, young people in the antiwar movement appropriated camouflage, army jackets and cargo pants as symbols of protest. They became trendsetters in the process. Before long the fashion elite, like model lauren Hutton, started sporting the look. Why it keeps coming back? You may ask. Well, It’s functional, for one thing. And like menswear, it has a tough androgynous appeal, who knew something called “olive drab” could be so versatile and rich?

How to wear it now?
Remember! it’s an outfit not a uniform. look for details like cargo pockets epaulets, and insignias. But avoid too many at once. you want to look contemporary, not literal.
Dodge drafts in a dashing cape, which is best layered over slim fitted styles.
Adding an accessory or two is all you need to get a casual outfit into high gear.



1. Found on fashionedchic.com, 2. BURBERRY Cotton Shirt Dress, 3. Proenza Schouler leather satchel, 4. VALENTINO Patchwork camo pointed pump


These were the 6 trends we have noticed that keep coming back season in and season out, which were your favorite? and which would you feel like wearing the most? let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you all.

Thanks for tuning in,
Muneera xx

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