#15 👜🧥Iconic pieces from fashion's heritage and how to apply them to your style
Fashion history is a subject that fascinates me and explains much of what we wear today. Knowing about fashion is one of my tips for building a style repertoire.
Good morning, dear Reader,
I have to admit that I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to fashion history. I love to delve into the subject and somehow incorporate this knowledge into my work and style repertoire.
Today I'd like to bring a bit of fashion history into our newsletter conversation in a simple and didactic way, so that you can discover what's behind so many classic pieces that have stood the test of time.
Are you excited to learn about the legacy of some of the most iconic pieces and the historical context that made them true masterpieces of clothing?
Coco Chanel's little black dress
In 1926, Coco Chanel revolutionised fashion with the introduction of the Little Black Dress (LBD). Black had previously been reserved for mourning, but Chanel's innovative and fiercely independent vision redefined the meaning of the colour, transforming it into a symbol of elegance and sophistication for women who had previously only worn bright or pastel colours to events and dinners.
Today, the little black dress remains an important garment, representing simplicity and timelessness. Mind you, the LBD is not a must-have in your style, so you don't need one if you don't like black or dresses, okay?
The Burberry trench coat
Originally designed by Thomas Burberry for British officers during the First World War, the trench coat is another garment that has transcended its functional purpose to become a fashion classic.
Made from gabardine, a waterproof and breathable fabric invented by Burberry, its sophisticated structure and design made it a coveted item off the battlefield.
Now found in almost every British wardrobe (am I wrong?), it remains synonymous with sophisticated style and everyday practicality.
Diane von Fürstenberg's Wrap dress
In the 1970s, Diane von Fürstenberg introduced the world to the wrap dress, a garment that celebrated freedom and femininity. With a simple design that wrapped gently around the body, the envelope dress quickly became a symbol of feminine power.
Its practicality and style made it an instant success, easily transitioning from the workplace to social occasions. Diane von Fürstenberg managed to combine romance, sensuality and practicality in a single dress that was also perfect for expectant mothers to wear throughout their pregnancy.
Chanel's Tailleur
Introduced by Coco Chanel in the 1950s, the tailleur, or skirt-and-jacket ensemble, marked a new chapter for women in the workplace. Designed with comfort and elegance in mind, the tailleur offered women a sophisticated and practical alternative to formal dress.
Made of tweed and usually decorated with gold buttons, Chanel's tailleur is still a symbol of luxury and timeless style.
How to incorporate these classics into your current wardrobe
The little black dress: Choose the style that best suits your silhouette. For example, for women with wide hips, the most flattering style is the A-line, which accentuates the waist and is comfortable on the hips.
An LBD can be a classic "conservative" trend, and to break this image you can wear it with bolder accessories, such as chubby, artistic designs or a set of necklaces of different sizes.
The trench coat: With endless options on the market, choosing one can be agonising. If it's your first one, go for simplicity and a perfect finish. No flashy buttons, gabardine fabric and little or no ruffles,
But if you already have one in your wardrobe, I think it's worth investing in a statement piece that can enhance any look. There are lace versions, in intense and saturated colours, printed versions, more romantic or with a pronounced waist.
Wrap dress: I love the idea of wearing this in spring and summer, as these are the seasons that allow us to wear flowing clothes and our mood influences the choice of colours.
Between bright prints and solid colours, choose the one that is most in tune with your truth.
Tailleur: The complete outfit is rarely worn because the combination does not seem so contemporary. For this reason, the jacket is easily found without the skirt at stores and e-commerce.
Combine the jacket with a colourful T-shirt and jeans for a casual chic look, or even with a well-made basic cotton T-shirt.
Or, if you work in an environment that requires a lot of formality, keep it traditional with a skirt for a more understated look. Accessorise with something more contemporary, such as organically shaped earrings.
Did you enjoy learning about the history behind iconic pieces of fashion history? I can keep bringing it back if you like it.
👛 For example, I still have a lot of repertoire to talk about Chanel pieces!
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