It may be the 21st century but today’s fashion has been shaped by the iconic style of our predecessors. From 20s flapper girls to 70s hippies, retro style is all over the catwalk and high street this season, with celebrities pioneering the movement.
20s
The ‘Roaring Twenties’ were the time of flapper girls, feathers and fringing, with young women revelling in their new-found freedom and optimism. This season has seen a revival of their iconic look with celebrities such as Drew Barrymore and Kate Bosworth sporting slick finger curls, reminiscent of the film star beauties of the 1920s. With the recent success of Downton Abbey and the upcoming release of The Great Gatsby at cinemas, 20s fashion has become the ultimate in sophisticated, glamorous grace. To recreate the look, pin long hair in a side bun and crimp with styling irons.
30s
With the 30s came a more conservative style than that of the 20s, with rise in popularity of longer hemlines and feminine silhouettes. The dropped hem of the flapper dresses was returned to the natural waistline for a more ladylike form. The catwalk this season loves the curve-flattering shape with pencil skirts, high necklines and plenty of glitzy detailing. Stars like Fearne Cotton have been spotted in long-sleeved dresses for understated style. Accessories such as elbow-length gloves, scarf and matching bag were essential to the look.
40s
The 40s saw the feminine silhouette of the 30s taken to the next level with fuller skirts and longer sleeves. Taking inspiration from style icons Rita Hayworth and Bette Davis, 2012 catwalks boast cinched in waists and sleek skirts. A popular day time look would have been a belted trench coat with a pair of cool shades. Favourite sun glasses often had a round lens shape and white frame. Try adding a waist belt to your outfit in honour of this sophisticated trend.
50s
For stars like Dita Von Teese, retro style is essential to a glamorous look. The ‘housewife’ image has been updated for her ‘real swell’ iconic image and she’s never seen without b right red lipstick and flicked black eyeliner. Her favourite hairstyle is a 50s inspired wavy bob, as seen on the catwalks throughout Spring/Summer 2012. The popularity of cute wholesome patterns such as polka dots and gingham prints, as seen in the Marc Jacobs 2012 catwalk shows can be traced back to this feminine era. Add a pair of cat eye sun glasses to compete with Teese’s vintage Americana style.
60s
Perhaps the most memorable of the style decades, the era of Twiggy’s iconic look with nude lips and dark smoky eyes has really taken off this season. Stars like Duffy and Zooey Deschanel love the knee high boots and short shift dress style this era epitomised. Dresses were short, hair was high and sunglasses were big. These Chloe CL2180 Sunglasses are perfect for recreating the look.
70s
Peace and love, freedom and flares. The 70s was all about psychedelic hippy style and this season has seen a huge revival in the groovy trend. Flared jeans and platforms can be found in all the high street shops, as pioneered by the likes of Cheryl Cole and the O lsen twins. For a 2012 festival look, try hippy beads, kaftans and pretty much anything floral or tie-dyed. It’s worth customising your own outfit with accessories like some John Lennon inspired round sunnies… and don’t forget the peace sign.
80s
Ravers everywhere will be familiar with the fluorescent legwarmers and glitzy sequins of this outrageous era. Freed by the 70s hippy movement, the 80s kids loved having fun with their outfits. Inspired by singing sensation Madonna, today designers like Henry Holland have successfully revived the bold bright t-shirts for statement retro style. For creating the look, gra b anything fluorescent and layer it up with leggings and legwarmers for a stand-out clubbing outfit.
As for the 90s, the ‘Take That’ puffa jackets and baggy jeans are still all too familiar…
So for an on-trend 2012 look, take inspiration from an era of your choice by glamming up your hairstyle, outfit and accessories.
Written by Victoria for Direct Sight, a site to buy glasses online.
