Retro style in clothes

Retro is “return to the past”, and in fashion this concept has certain time boundaries. When you hear the word “retro,” an elegant woman in a flared polka dot dress and a flirty cloche hat immediately comes to mind. Meanwhile, this term can be attributed to any fashionable period of the last century.

Fashion designers break this style into several temporary episodes that are radically different from each other.. These periods are 20-30s, 40-60s and 70-90s. Each of them has its own characteristics, genre features and style. In modern fashion they are found, but in measured quantities and most often in photo shoots or at themed parties.

Retro LookBook

From the 20s–30s

From the 40s–60s

From the 70s–90s

Style concepts

Any time period is characterized by its own characteristics. “Clothes of the past” in each segment tells about the main features of the era, reflects popular sentiments, events in politics and at the world level.

In the 20s and 30s The wave of emancipation allowed women to open their legs, lower their waistlines, wear bright sequins and defend their rights on an equal basis with men. An angular, flat-chested and narrow-hipped figure was valued, the waist was rarely emphasized, makeup was vulgarly bright. I wanted a holiday, cinema and flirting. People were drawn to luxury, despite hunger and poverty.

In the 40s, 50s and 60s, in war and post-war times, femininity and masculinity flourished. Shown up in fashion narrow waist, open neckline, skirt became wide and midi length. Higher heels, jewelry were chosen with taste, elegance, sophistication, moderate minimalism in everyday life and the red color on the screen were valued. This was the era of Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn Monroe.

In the 70s, 80s and 90s For years, the cult of pacifism, love, sportswear, rock, and then grunge flourished. At first dominated rustic floral casualness, finished with bright synthetics and tight silhouettes. Feminism is gaining momentum again. Women are increasingly wearing jeans and trouser suits, and dresses are considered the prerogative of older ladies.

Features and recognizable features

Retrostyle, despite the change in priorities over time, has retained the charm of the past. With the help of an outfit in this genre you can create not only an interesting ensemble, but also a character. For example, red lipstick, a polka dot sheath dress and a scarf will make the look sensual and sexy.And a women's trouser suit, preserving the masculine brutality of the 50s, will emphasize the power of nature.

You can recognize retro by its characteristic features, and each time period has its own subtleties.

20–30

«Chic, shine, beauty and a golden tea strainer" The styles of Chicago and Gatsby reflect the essence of the time. Women wanted to shine, to look not just attractive, but shocking. That's why gold, silver, varnish, shimmering fabrics, black, white, gray colors were used. Low-waisted dresses and skirts with the shortest possible length for that era are in fashion. Women cut their hair, curled their hair, surrounded themselves with shiny accessories and expensive things. The angular boyish figure was in fashion - the so-called rectangle with its flat bust and narrow hips was considered the standard.

By the end of the period, bright colors, more sophisticated silhouettes, and a minimum of flashy details seeped into fashion.

40–60

During the war and post-war years, women tried not to differ much from men. Hunger and poverty reigned, so fashion was not often thought about at that time. Were introduced into everyday use jackets, jackets, pea coats. Skirts were shortened for ease of use, and more and more girls wore trousers.

In the 50s–60s femininity began to “creep up” again, fashion designers appeared, making dreams come true on the catwalk. Flared skirts, thin waists, and deep necklines are becoming trendy. Languidity and grace are gradually winning hearts, and masculinity is being forced out of women's wardrobes.

The hourglass figure, folds, and prints are becoming more and more popular. The period of worship of Marilyn Monroe and the Rolling Stones begins.

70–90

In the 70s, hippies, pacifism and drug tolerance were all the rage. Retro of this time period are characteristic long lines, jeans, minimal makeup and rules.

Couturiers do not like to remember this decade - they treated style laws carelessly, decorated themselves independently, made clothes from natural materials and did not recognize authorities. But this hippie chic gave way to the era of synthetics, cheap bright fabrics and a sporty lifestyle attracted more and more young people.

In the 80s they snuck into the wardrobes leggings, leather jackets, wide-shouldered long jackets. And of course, jeans. Inflatable clothes and shoes gradually came into fashion; things were either very narrow, tight-fitting, or quite wide and loose.

In the 90s jeans and grunge style in combination with voluminous elements have won the fashionable Olympus. In addition, high waistlines, cropped tops, chunky knits, leather pants, and a skirt with buttons in front have become popular.

Retro clothing in a female look

In modern fashion, this term is often used when creating sets from the 50s and 60s. These are polka dot dresses, short cardigans with buttons, fluffy flared skirts, babette and coki hairstyles. The so-called average year is taken as the standard. It was a time of peace, tranquility, bright colors and femininity.

Let's look at the most interesting examples.

Flared dress with turn-down collar

Midi-length model in solid red, narrow sleeves to the elbow and contrasting top and cuffs. Looks good feminine and daring. The waist is emphasized with a leather or fabric belt. This look requires cherry high-heeled shoes and a hairstyle that matches the genre.

Flared trousers and blouse

Contrasting ensemble for emancipated women. The trousers are wide and hide the volume in the legs. The high waistline corresponds to fashion trends. The blouse is buttoned tightly. The retro look is completed by styling your hair in waves.This image fully meets the requirements of the middle of the last century. Add a long mouthpiece and heels - and feminist image finished.

Suit and gloves

Gretchen Harris, American model of the 50s for Glamor magazine. An elegant suit-dress with a double-breasted jacket and a straight skirt in mustard red with gold buttons. In addition - white gloves and a bag with fur trim. Enough a loud look for a regular glamor photo shoot. Politicians' wives dressed in much the same way, which means that fashion trickled down there too.

Retro polka dots

A red dress with white polka dots is considered an example of style. An elegant cut from flares to a fitted pencil, white inserts and buttons, bright makeup and elegant jewelry - this is exactly what a beautiful woman looked like in the 50s and 60s.

Gatsby style look

An open black dress with a shapeless waist, black shoes, a lace bandage and short hair are recognizable features of the style. You should definitely add long beads and a mouthpiece here. Bright makeup is required.

Flower and accessories

A delicate silk dress with a belt at the waist, puffed sleeves and a tie fits perfectly into retro. Especially if the image is “seasoned” with catchy accessories. In this case, large short beads and bracelet go well with a velvet hoop and gloves. A small suede bag completes the ensemble. For footwear, Mary Jane shoes with contrasting toes are suitable.

Accessories and shoes

Exactly little things make style, and this has long been known. The following elements can be classified as retro:

• bright plastic cat sunglasses;
• a large scarf tied in front;
• thin contrasting fabric gloves (both long and short);
• pearl beads;
• cloche hat;
• wide elastic belt with butterfly buckle and more;
• lace or ribbon bandage;
• Mary Jane shoes;
• wide-brimmed hat.

Interesting, that earrings, even in the era of the 50s, were worn inconspicuously. The so-called chandeliers became popular in the 21st century.

Of course, each retro period boasts more nuanced accessories and details. But In the history of fashion, these are the elements that are recorded as fundamental.

Style in modern times

In the current fashion it is treated as a historical fact. It is almost impossible to see a woman on the street wearing an expensive wide-brimmed hat, a bell-bottomed dress with polka dots, a pair of boots and a huge scarf. And yet couturiers turn to this style time after time, borrowing its details to create their catwalk ensembles.

In addition, retro has found its home on magazine covers, in amateur photo shoots, in studios and in films. It helps you live an interesting life, imagine yourself surrounded by luxury and wealth, sports and grunge, pacifism and rock madness. The widest selection of models and representatives from different decades allows you to find a unique set of clothes for any figure.

Yes, that's the story. And she is so luxurious that she will never be forgotten.