Knowing your era
November 16th 2010 21:04
I read a great little article on Jezebel a few days ago that I thought would be worth sharing with my lovely Fashion Peach readers - it's all about the idea of knowing your era. Basically what this means is knowing which period of time embraced your body shape, and then taking your clothing inspiration from the popular styles of that time in order to create the most flattering outfits that you can. It makes a lot of sense to me, as each decade in recent history held up a different woman's body type as being the 'ideal', and naturally, the fashions of that decade began to revolve around this ideal (whether it was a boyish figure, a voluptuous one, or somewhere in between). It's a simple idea, but one that gives the idea of retro dressing a whole new dimension. Here's the link.
Of course, if a particular type of vintage clothing really appeals to you, then you should wear it anyway, regardless of whether your body was 'in fashion' at that time. The beauty of retrospective dressing - and, for that matter, fashion itself - is that it's all about inspiring your personal choices, and any style 'rules' that may exist don't have to be followed to the letter. Knowing which era loved your body shape is simply a jumping-off point for creating a look that is entirely your own.
Keep in mind, also, that our generation is far from being the first to fall in love with all things retro! Revivals of sorts were happening in every era, and in addition to to that, there were many different looks that pertained to each decade. In the sixties, for example, there were Mod, hippie, and New Wave styles of dress emerging, among several others. The point is that when you think of the looks of a particular era, there's a good chance that someone else will be thinking of something completely different.... which is all the more opportunity for unique and personalised self-expression.
If you don't know much about the history of dress in the 20th Century, then it's worth having a read around, as it really is an interesting subject (and especially so if you have a penchant for clothing). Checking out old movies is a great source of inspiration as well.
Once you've figured out which era works best for you in terms of shape and style, then it's time to hit the op shops and online vintage stores, and put your newly discovered inspiration to good use (hint: accessories are a great place to start). Whether you choose just one piece to add to your modern wardrobe, or go the whole nine (retro) yards is, once again, entirely up to you.
Sophia Loren's womanly curves were the epitome of late 1950s chic, and her sense of style enhanced them.
Of course, if a particular type of vintage clothing really appeals to you, then you should wear it anyway, regardless of whether your body was 'in fashion' at that time. The beauty of retrospective dressing - and, for that matter, fashion itself - is that it's all about inspiring your personal choices, and any style 'rules' that may exist don't have to be followed to the letter. Knowing which era loved your body shape is simply a jumping-off point for creating a look that is entirely your own.
Keep in mind, also, that our generation is far from being the first to fall in love with all things retro! Revivals of sorts were happening in every era, and in addition to to that, there were many different looks that pertained to each decade. In the sixties, for example, there were Mod, hippie, and New Wave styles of dress emerging, among several others. The point is that when you think of the looks of a particular era, there's a good chance that someone else will be thinking of something completely different.... which is all the more opportunity for unique and personalised self-expression.
Brigitte Bardot, Cher, and Audrey Hepburn's different clothing styles were all suited to their different body types.
If you don't know much about the history of dress in the 20th Century, then it's worth having a read around, as it really is an interesting subject (and especially so if you have a penchant for clothing). Checking out old movies is a great source of inspiration as well.
Once you've figured out which era works best for you in terms of shape and style, then it's time to hit the op shops and online vintage stores, and put your newly discovered inspiration to good use (hint: accessories are a great place to start). Whether you choose just one piece to add to your modern wardrobe, or go the whole nine (retro) yards is, once again, entirely up to you.
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