Everything Old Is New Again

Spring fashion this year is all about rebirth, with classic retro styles gaining a new lease on life.  Feminine fabrics, flattering lines and fabulous florals are the order of the day. This season, the well turned-out girl will be wearing shapes that are synonymous with the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s; designs that flatter and enhance the female shape, making you feel stylish and chic, but still beautifully feminine.

So what will the best-dressed gals be wearing this season?  The big news is, frocks are back, and shapes and lines are more flattering than they have been for the past couple of years, waistlines are higher, and gorgeous detailing is definitely enjoying a resurgence.

Spring Fashion Must Haves.

The Pinafore
This fabulously versatile style of dress will be a must for every wardrobe this Spring.  Whether you’re after a dress that is stylishly professional, or has a dash of retro, the strong, clean lines of a pinafore are supremely flattering to most body shapes.

Perhaps more than any other style of garment, the pinafore is a true fashion mainstay, enjoying periods of popularity at the turn of last century, in the 1920’s, again in the late 60’s and early 70’s, again within the punk movement of the mid 70’s, and briefly in the 1980’s. 

But what is the difference between a pinafore any other type of dress?  Well, a pinafore is always sleeveless, will generally have a round or square neck, is often belted, and usually fastens at the back.  Other than that, the variations on the pinafore theme are vast – fabric, cut, length, to pleat or not to pleat, and most importantly, what you wear underneath it.  There is generally a style or cut of pinafore to suit absolutely any body type.

This season, the pinafore is most popular in either a fairly traditional mid-calf to ankle-length, ‘Victorian nanny’ type cut, supplemented with crisp 1950’s inspired blouses with eye-catching feature collars, or else in a fabulously modish knee-length, late 1960’s cut, with low waist, self belt and pleated skirt.

Fabulous Frocks
There’s only one word for the 1950’s style sundresses that will abound this Spring, and that’s gorgeous!  Featuring fitted bodices, nipped in waists, full skirts and scoop necks  or picture collars, these dresses can be worn successfully with shoes of any heel height, and dressed up or down, according to your whim. 

These gorgeous dresses will  become a firm season favourite (particularly at the Spring Racing Carnival) with glamorous misses who enjoy pinning a flower in their hair or at their throat, a pretty wedge heel sandal, or a string of sweetly feminine beads or pearls.   Worn on their own, or with a pretty shawl or matching angora cardigan, (a la Grace Kelly or early Audrey Hepburn) just wait for the compliments to start rolling in!

Reminiscent of Christian Dior’s ‘New Look’ (1947), this feminine look is flattering to most figures and will have you drifting contentedly from Spring to Summer. Lighthearted and lovely, available in pretty florals and other retro 1950’s prints, this is the style of dress that is guaranteed to make you feel glad to be a girl.

“Boyfriend” Cut Jeans
As the song says, “My boyfriend’s back”, and what a marvelous piece of news that is for all of those who aren’t made to wear skinny or hipster jeans!

Reminiscent of the style of jeans that was popular with women during the late 1930’s, 40’s and up until the late 50’s, the Boyfriend cut is so named because it is similar to the cut of men’s jeans.  Higher waisted than the jeans of the last few years, and more generously cut, these flattering jeans skim the leg, rather than encasing it, and so have a very forgiving line.  Skinny jeans will still be around, but now there is a more pleasing option for those whose thighs and bottoms aren’t quite up to the challenge!  A word of caution, though – when selecting a pair of Boyfriend cut jeans, take care to look at your back view, to ensure that there is no awkward bagging or bunching around your bottom.  The fit should be smooth, but not tight.

Boyfriend cut jeans are also fabulous for anybody who is a fan of the look that was around during the Second World War – think Hollywood starlet casual wear - fuller cut pants with small fitted tops, perhaps a tiny tee-shirt, a pretty peasant blouse (with fitted waist), or a gorgeous short-sleeved, floral shirt, tied at the navel.  

The Nautical Look
This Spring, the nautical look will also enjoy a bit of a resurgence, but here you must definitely tread carefully!  A hint of sailor wear goes a long way, so try to limit yourself to adding nautical touches - a tee-shirt, buttoned ¾ length pants, or cute little jacket, perhaps - without going overboard (pardon the pun!).

Always remember, too many nautical touches will only ever be a pair of gold sandals away from Gold Coast resort wear, so consider avoiding too much cliched blue, white and red. Instead try to work this classic look back with some of the other trends that are coming our way this Spring; sailor collars go perfectly with Victorian style pinafores, and  the traditional lines and trims of seafarer wear (buttons, contrasting edging, low necks with bows) all work beautifully when incorporated into 1950’s style frocks.  And of course, nothing looks sweeter with a pair of boyfriend cut jeans than a striped maillot.  Like many of the other upcoming Spring trends, these looks have all enjoyed popularity throughout the past century.

Wedge Heel Sandals
These fabulously glamorous shoes, so popular in the 1940’s and again in the 70’s, are making a huge comeback this Spring.  So whether you’re looking for something that has a wartime vintage feel, or a splash of seventies retro style, these are definitely the shoes to put your best foot forward in.

Like so many of this season’s clothing style, the wedge heel sandal is at its best when complimented with feminine trims and details.  Flowers, diamante trim, ribbons; it’s all about glamour.

And the tricks to wearing wedge heel sandals?

1. When buying, look at your whole image in the mirror.  A too-thick ankle strap will make even the shapeliest leg look stocky.  So go for a fine ankle strap that doesn’t extend too far up your leg.

2. Take a long, hard look at your feet.  Do they need a pedicure?  Are they clean and moisturised?  Are your toenails well shaped and prettily painted?  If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’, then perhaps such open, revealing shoes aren’t for you. 

3. Appraise your outfit – if it has a lot of trim or details, then you will definitely need a very simply shaped, unadorned shoe.  On the other hand, if your outfit is generally  quite unfussy, a pair of prettily decorated wedges can turn simply chic into simply stunning.

4. When choosing the style of heel, look at the style and fabric of your clothes.  A heavier pinafore style needs a heavier heel, while lighter frocks can get away with cork or natural wood heels.

5. Practice, practice, practice!  Gorgeous though they are, it’s very easy to totter on wedges, or even fall off them, so wear them in a little in private at home, and get used to walking naturally and comfortably.  That way, putting your best foot forward won’t lead to landing flat on your face!

And finally…

This Spring, it’s all in the details…

Handbags and shoes will follow simpler lines, to make way for the fabulous detailing that will be appearing on so many of the current styles – retro-style collars and cuffs, bows, buttons, pleating and gathering.  Waists will vary, with pinafore dresses showing either slightly high or slightly low waists, and 50’s style sundresses being nipped in at the actual waist.

And so this Season, whether you favour a beautifully tailored pinafore with crisp white sailor-collared shirt, a pretty floral frock worn with delicate wedge heeled sandals, or a pair of well fitted Boyfriend cut jeans with a cute little top, you’ll definitely be the oh-so-gorgeous epitome of classic chic.