Fashion celebrates the return of the lady. But did she ever really go away?
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| Marc by Marc Jacobs |
Trend #2: LADYLIKE
A THEME that seems to return every few seasons – generally after a period when designers react against high-concept fashion and blandness, such as grunge – is the ladylike look. But for me, the ladylike trend never really goes away. Hallelujah I hear some of you say!
Ladylike is about polished femininity with a modern sensibility, refined elegance and restrained sophistication. I think a lot of you would also equate the ladylike look with vintage style as it reflects ’50s and ’60s glamour. And as all things vintage have enjoyed a wonderful resurgence in recent years, designers have taken note … vintage and vintage style are very big business now. So it only makes sense that designers have continued to embrace the enduring trend.
So as the designers’ looks filter down from the catwalk to our closets, expect to see lots of dresses, full skirts and plenty of pretty floral prints, pastel tones and tweeds. Think girly, think pretty, think feminine and think vintage.
I remember my grandmothers often saying “a woman needs to dress like a lady” or “a lady would never wear that”. We’ve heard it all before from our eccentric maiden aunts, great aunts and even our mothers. Dressing like a lady is one thing; acting or behaving like one requires an all-together different mindset. But don't clothes maketh the man? Or woman in this case?
So how do you dress like a lady?
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| Lanvin A/W 2013 |
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| Lanvin A/W 2013 |
THINK
- Classic styling and simple basics – dresses, cardigans, fitted jackets, pencil or full skirts, pointy-toed classic court shoes and structured handbags
- Vintage – particularly '50s and '60s glamour
- Delicate fabrics and elegant, more refined shapes
- Pretty accessories
- Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Jackie O
- Michelle Obama, Catherine Deneuve, Dame Helen Mirren, Sophia Loren, Diane Kruger, Scarlett Johansson, Marion Cotillard, and closer to home, our Governor General Quentin Bryce.
LOOK FOR
- More modest hemlines (either on or just below the knee)
- Fitted shapes, particularly those that emphasise the bust, waist and shoulders
- Statement coats or suits
- Peplum details
- Classic base colours such as navy, grey, brown or black
- Neutral and pastel colours – tones from a muted colour palette
- Pretty prints and florals
- Softer fabrics such as silks and satins and sheers
- Detailing such as bows, ruffles, ties, ribbons, collars, cuffs
- Silk scarves, gloves, necklaces and bracelets.
What are your favourite ladylike looks? Who do you think dresses like a lady? Would love to hear some of your thoughts.
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| Miu Miu A/W 2013 |
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| Giles A/W 2013 |
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| Lela Rose A/W 2013 |
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| Valentino A/W 2013 |
Labels: Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Ladylike trend, Marilyn Monroe, polished femininity, refined elegance
