Dressing the part: Vintage fashion goes modern

Fashion today is very eclectic. Anyone can wear something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

Did you know that much of what we see today is borrowed from decades, even centuries, ago?

Bell sleeves, empire waist dresses, linen or cotton sheaths, corset tops, puff sleeves, ruffled collars, waistcoats, ruching, high collars, mid-calf laced boots, even square necklines, are a nod to Greek, Roman, Renaissance, Victorian or Edwardian dressing.

Some things never go out of style. However, if you want to dabble in vintage, instead of looking like you just stepped out of a Renaissance Faire, a few nods to vintage style is all you need to evoke echoes of the past.

Luckily, our clothing doesn’t include detachable sleeves like dresses favored in Medieval and Renaissance times, nor do we don aprons or pinafores for everyday attire. I’m quite certain that togas and tights are not missed by most.

The outrageous ornamentation of French fashion from the 1750s to 1780s will likely not be revisited: over-to-top wigs beneath over-the-top hats dotted with birds, boats and the like, or white face foundation made from egg whites or men dressed in rich brocades and jacquards, and yes, heels.

But a corseted waistline atop a flowing gown (Blake Lively at the Met Gala) is an example of old becoming new.

In earlier civilizations, the drape of a garment or the glitter of gold would indicate one’s status in society. Not much has changed there either. Enter Giorgio Armani’s collections: all about the drape of luxurious fabrics. And yes, gold is still revered by most.

The low-cut evening gown was so very Victorian centuries ago. Today the low-cut evening gown is as much in vogue though it has been taken to its outer limits and beyond. How low is too low, you might ask?  Most necklines in eveningwear today are way too low to be in good taste (perhaps another subject for another day).

Happily, the steel-hooped crinoline and bustle will not be coming back soon and no, we don’t usually change our dress several times a day as women did in the Victorian age. I can also do without the huge leg-o-mutton sleeves of the 1840s or curved Renaissance high heels like those worn by Caterina de’ Medici. However, the sumptuous velvets, silks and taffetas of both eras are still symbols of status and wealth today.

A touch of vintage here or there: a ruffled collar, bell sleeves, some side ruching, or the” "latest" trend, the waistcoat, why yes, count me in.

Borrowing from historic fashion adds a certain depth to your wardrobe. Pair vintage pieces with contemporary styles for a truly eclectic look.

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