If you decide to invest in quality, you can start – with the sales. Go in search of clothing that will last and let yourself be inspired by this list of looks that have stood the test of time.
THE LADYLIKE LOOK
With thanks to:
Dior who launched the New Look in 1947, with the characteristic super slim waist and wide circle skirt. Style icons like Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy were haloed as examples of good taste, and because of them, this look became the norm for well-dressed women.
Why is this look timeless?
The wide skirt camouflages broad hips and accentuates a small waist. This is how to create the perfect hourglass figure. You emphasize your sexy assets in an understated way that is never over the top.
How to wear it now:
To prevent this look from becoming too ladylike, you can choose a skirt with an abstract seasonal design. Of course the top should be fitted. There are dresses a plenty this season with this silhouette and pretty flower designs. Watch the skirt length, make sure it is always just on or over the knee. Shoes should be flat, think ballerinas or an open toe sandal. As far as jewelry goes, I prefer simple vintage earrings.
WILD ANIMAL PRINTS
With thanks to:
The 18th century Europeans who brought home skins of leopards, snakes, tigers and zebras after they started colonizing Asia and Africa. These exotic patrons were quickly overtaken by fabrics for clothing and interior.
Why is this look timeless?
The basis of these prints are neutral colours like black, white and beige-brown tints. This makes it easy to combine and most importantly not bound to any season. An animal print can inject that little bit extra into your outfit but avoid the Nel Veerman affect. Too much is a serious fashion faux pas! If in doubt, keep it to pumps or a bag, just as eye catching.
How to wear it now:
This season, the animal prints are very graphic or blown-up (DvF). Cavalli gives it extra impulse by adding colour. Dolce & Gabbana have been true to the original execution of tiger and leopard-print for years and you see it in almost every collection. Tip: Keep the rest of your clothing and accessories toned down if you wear animal print.
THE BOYFRIEND LOOK
With thanks to:
Madame Coco Chanel, who managed to make the trouser popular for woman in the 1920s. Alongside that she introduced clothing in more comfortable materials like jersey and knitwear. Women could look good and still move comfortably, a revolution in fashion history. Next to Coco, there is no other quite like actress Katharine Hepburn who was hailed around 1930 as the pioneer for the tomboy look. In 1977 Diane Keaton set a trend through the outfits she wore in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall: the mans-vest, the wide chino’s and white shirt. In the 70s singer Patti Smith added a bit of rock ‘n roll to it and ended up being the inspiration source for the Belgian designer Ann Demeulemeester.
Why does this look keep coming back?
Outfits with a male influence are often perceived as extra sexy. It’s a look that you can safely wear if you need to look representative at work, but it also looks super sexy in your free time with a pair of ‘boyfriend’ jeans. The most important reason is that you can move comfortably in this clothing.
How to wear it now:
Except for the boyfriend jeans, jackets and trousers – just like in menswear – a la Jort Kelder, should be slim-fitting. If you prefer a wide trouser, always choose quality that falls well and go extra wide. Make sure you wear enough feminine accents like extra high heels and beautiful jewelry. For an evening out, a tux jacket and a slim fitting pants with a tie is an unexpectedly chic and yet comfy combo.
FLOWER PRINTS
With thanks to:
Mother Nature, boring but true. Flowers and decorations go far back in history: one of the first manifestations of flowers printed on clothing were found on Japanese Kimonos around 794 where blossom branches were depicted. You can see which flower designs were worn in the lifelike paintings of an old master like Ingre (from1850).
Why is this look timeless?
A flower is a symbol of femininity. There are an endless number of interpretations to suit all tastes: from romantic pastels with aquarel petals to abstract full-on flower power, like 60’s model and It girl Jean Shrimpton wore.
How to wear it now:
With so many flower prints around, it is vital to choose a design that suits your taste and style. Flower prints can vary from the ornate and delicate to large and bold, from realistic to the abstract, each with its own personality and character. Once you have chosen a print, combine with colours in the print to create a coherent look.
MILITARY LOOK
Where and when did it begin:
During World War Two. Civilians, even women, wore trench coats (the trench coat that the government in England recommended for the British officers, but which also showed up in other countries in variations) as everyday outerwear. In the Vietnam-period, young men from the anti-war movement wore camouflage prints, army jackets and cargo pants as symbols of protest. It didn’t take long before the fashion-elite, like the then top model Lauren Hutton, embraced this sporty look.
Why does this look keep coming back?
In the first place it’s comfortable and functional. Just like the menswear look, it has a cool androgynous vibe. The somewhat muddy colour army-green has remained a classic that allows for surprising colour combinations (for example with pink, mustard or turquoise).
How to wear it now:
Remember: it is an outfit, not a uniform. Look specifically for clothing with military details like cargo pockets, epaulettes and emblems for examples Boy Scout badges. Avoid too much at one time.
