Trend Envy: Revenge of the '40s

Banish boho, '80s and mod. Finally, it's time for some serious glamour. by Melanie Chokron


The grown-up look emerged late last winter, with the invasion of the dress as an appetizer. But over the summer, all those repetitive girlish smocked dresses managed to erase sophistication from our memory. Thankfully, Gucci, Christian Dior and Marc Jacobs have showed us a new way to approach elegance this fall with a strong and glamorous womanly silhouette reminiscent of the ’40s. They’ve brought back “the woman” in all her essence. So get ready for clothes that harken back to the World War II era, when fine artists and designers started using organic forms to show the human psyche under siege.

Here are the new rules to look like a femme fatale, in a good way:
Go for waist-skimming silhouettes. Slim belts are a key element to wear over dresses, jackets, coats & sweaters.
Use accessories without moderation. Mix and match cloche hats, leather gloves, graphic jewelry and colorful clutches as you please.
Think starlet. Pair your new knee-length skirt suit with a great pair of T-bar stilettos and a tie scarf blouse.
Opt for rich fabrics like crepe, silk, velvet, fur, cashmere and leather.
Edge up the look with strong colors. Think purple, red, lime and black solids, grounded in colorful prints.

 

purse    sandals  belt  

(From L to R, Heavy Stone Clutch $1,650; Ernesta Patent Sandals $650; Katie Leather Belt $410; all from netaporter.) 

 


Style expert Melanie Chokron, a Paris native, is the co-owner of Fashion Glue, a consultancy specializing in trend spotting, brand development and distribution & marketing for the fashion industry.  

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