It's a known fact that trends in fashion repeat themselves, but I have never noticed it more than during recent scrolls down clothing store websites. Perhaps I am simply more atune to the fashion fads of the past, whatever the reason, I am beginning to come to the conclusion that being fashionable is a temporary, exhausting and boring thing. What truly counts is having an original sense of style, being able to combine pieces that appeal to you and in turn creating a look that best expresses your aesthetic, your personality and your interests. So if you love berets then just wear them, you might be surprised to find out that in a few years time they will make a comeback (as they have now) and lo and behold you will be at the forefront of fashion... until something else takes over of course.
Below is a round up of a couple of items which reminded me of historical fashions. Direct links to the items are featured below each photo. What else would you add to this list?
1. Checkered High-Waisted Pants
Calling to mind Katherine Hepburn and the preppy youth fashions of the late 1950s loose fitting, high-waisted pants, usually in a checkered design, can be found in almost every high-street clothing store.
Sewing pattern for a pair of pants, c. 1956.
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/rsprowls/1940s-fabulous-vintage-fashion-patterns-dazespast-/
2. The Over-Sized Coat
The wide coat has been in style for a while now and it seems as though the item's popularity is not loosing momentum any time soon. I actually decided to purchase the H&M version I feature below. Unfortunately it did not have the desired look and I ended up returning the item. However, similar versions are constantly appearing and places like &OtherStories often have particularly interesting designs -- like this one or this one.
McCall's sewing pattern for a dolman sleeve coat, c. 1952.
https://sweetcarolanne.com/2015/09/26/the-making-of-a-great-coat-part-1/
3. The Cat Eye
I don't think there as been a more Instagram-enabled trend than that of slim, cat eye sunglasses. After Le Specs released their The Last Lolita model, which they themselves describe as "inspired by the mischievousness of Sue Lyon in Stanley Kubrick's Lolita" (1962), many brands followed suit.
Jane Russel wearing sunglasses, c. 1957.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/44332377552031766/
4. The Wiggle Dress
Although this is not a widely seen trend I have caught glimpses of it here an there and found it particularly interesting. I think there is a distinct difference between the cut of cocktail dresses of the early 1960s and the look of them today. The wiggle dress, which gained popularity in the late 1950s especially with actresses such as Marilyn Monroe, had a very specific silhouette. I can definitely see elements of it in the red Zara number featured below.
Simplicity dress pattern, c. 1962.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/819795938389345373/
5. The Knitted Top
Perhaps one of the most vintage-looking pieces is the knitted top. It's great seeing them appear more frequently since for those who dress with a nod to styles of the past it's one of the most basic elements of clothing and a practical one too. Able to be paired with everything from skirts to jeans, the knitted top, with it's often cute collard neckline, is a versatile piece that originated in the 1930s as an element of sportswear.
Eyelet knit sweater, c. 1933.
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/404901822731776016/
Sportswear top, photograph by Lusha Nelson, 1936.
https://www.vanityfair.com/style/photos/2013/09/photos-1930s-fashion-sportswear#12
6. The Turban
I actually didn't find one this high for sale but there have definitely been more subtle versions appearing in stores - even last year! Whether you wear a turban-style headband or simply tie your scarf into a round knot the turban is undoubtedly as much of a source of inspiration today as it was in the 1940s.
Turban style, c. 1948.
https://www.tumblr.com/search/1940s%20turban
Zara website, January 2018.
7. The Basket Bag
Can anything be cuter? No. More practical? Perhaps. Nonetheless the basket bag is back! With brands such as Cult Gaia establishing the trend it seems as though it is finally back in full swing. And who could not embody it more than the iconic Jane Birkin.
Jane Birkin, 1970s.
https://fecastleberry.com/the-fec-diaries/icons-of-style-jane-birkin
So remember:
Fashions fade, style is eternal. - Yves Saint Laurent
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