Tenderness and romanticism are the main components of true femininity. Contrary to modern clear lines and contrasting colors, the shabby chic trend not only has not lost its popularity, but is also becoming “stronger”. What kind of genre this is and what its features are, we will tell you in this article.
What style is this?
Pastel colors, layering, delicate prints and floral-angelic colors - these are the common features of shabby chic. Add here artificial aging, natural materials, handmade work, and you get this feminine trend in clothing.
Shabby chic originated in England in the 80s of the last century. At first it was just a hobby - updating old things, highlighting them, adding various delicate details. Gradually, the hobby gained many fans and grew into a separate direction in the interior, clothing and other spheres of human activity.
A woman dressed in the shabby chic genre is a gentle romantic nature, adoring nature, country fun, vintage accessories, worn shoes.The genre is well suited for girls under 25 and older women. “Middle” age does not fit into the style concept a little, but there will always be exceptions.
Characteristic features of the genre
Considering the versatility and romanticism of shabby chic, it is not difficult to distinguish it from the crowd of others. This is exactly it if it meets almost all of the following parameters:
- "Simple" natural fabrics - cotton, calico, chintz, viscose, staple, linen in summer and wool in winter. No synthetics or plastic. Materials are of utmost importance here.
- Feminine graceful silhouette. Flared, fitted dresses, A-style tunics, godet skirts, sun flares, fluffy ones, with darts and sewn-in triangles. There are many options. And no straight, clear lines, sharp turn-down collars or details, or aggressive office motifs.
- Multi-layering. A wonderful example is a dress and petticoat made of calico. “Puff” ensembles made from trousers, a shirt, an elegant blazer or a long skirt, blouse, vest look great. The effect is perfectly recreated with the help of ruffles, frills, hemming of ribbons, lace braid and other similar details.
- Fine print. Low-key and low-contrast. The priority is flowers, bouquets, polka dots, angels. You can have a barely noticeable cage or stripe. In general, it may resemble the Victorian style, if not for the overt rustic motifs in the genre.
- Shoe wear. No, it should not be very worn, but some old age is inherent in the style. This effect can also be observed in accessories - not particularly new bags, large items will fit into the trend quite well.
- Tailoring should not be clearly factory style. Handmade is a priority. All types of decoration such as embroidery, lacing, an abundance of buttons and other elements made with one’s own hands are welcome.
Frills, ruffles, flounces, fringe, lace details, handmade roses and peonies, knitted flowers and elements are characteristic features of shabby chic.
How is it different from others similar?
The direction shows traces of boho, vintage, Victorian, hippie, country, rococo and other similar genres. Shabby chic incorporates a little bit of everything, mainly naturalness, light pastel colors, floral themes and a refined femininity of the silhouette..
“Chic” means chic, and “shabby” means aged. You can enjoy the “royal wear” only here.
Shabby chic clothes
It’s not difficult to create a wardrobe in this genre, and it’s advisable to customize the outfit yourself. The database includes:
- Dress – flared or with a high waistline. Sleeves, midi length, decent neckline, and layered skirts are desirable. A wide fabric or leather belt will fit perfectly. Wedding dresses in this style with crocheted elements look wonderful.
- Tunic. As a rule, these are long clothes to the middle of the thigh in a fitted or A-line silhouette. A great addition to a maxi skirt, loose trousers, jeans with holes and fringes.
- Skirt. A wide multi-layered one with ruffles is welcome.
- Cape. You can call it a long bolero, a cardigan, for example. Model with ruffles at the edge and ties at the front. Pairs perfectly with a dress or skirt and blouse.
- Blouse made of calico with lace and small ruffles.
A modern shabby chic wardrobe is fashionable clothing, but with elements inherent in the style of the genre.
Accessories and other parts
As is known, they are the ones who “make style”, and in this case this expression is very appropriate.
Finishing flowers made of fabric will perfectly complement any outfit in the shabby chic direction. Brooches, beads, earrings made of natural stones, beads fits perfectly into the concept. In addition, you are welcome wooden pendants on leather laces, rope compositions, an abundance of pearls, ribbons, straw details. The main thing that the colors of the elements corresponded to the direction.
Interestingly, there is no need to be afraid of oversaturation. You can wrap your neck thickly with white beads and be on trend.
Shoes are preferably made from natural materials. Thin leather, suede, canvas, textiles, twine, straw, and cork are welcome.
The bag can be knitted or fabric, trimmed with frills, fringe, ribbons, flowers and other attributes in the described style.
Generally Shabby chic is a “princess in the countryside”. You can't look sloppy or careless. Dirt, torn details, poor quality tailoring will turn the queen into Cinderella, and this does not fit into the genre at all.