Tag: Fashion History
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The New Shirtdress: Femininity and Freedom are Always in Style
The shirtdress is the ultimate one-and-done garment. It is comfortable to wear, looks pulled together with a few key accessories, and doesn’t require time spent in front of a mirror agonizing whether an outfit “matches”. It is a classic that is always in style. Speaking of classic, who can forget Audrey Hepburn’s iconic shirtdress moment…
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Sailor Style is One of the Most Enduring Looks
Sailor collars, crisp stripes, tie closures, and shiny buttons — sailor style is having a moment and I’m all in! I’ve always been a big fan of sailor collars and nautical style. Perhaps it’s because I grew up in the 1980s, when sailor style was enjoying a resurgence in popularity thanks to Princess Diana. Or…
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A Peplum Moto Jacket Marries Opposites for Edge
A peplum moto jacket seems like an odd combination. After all, moto jackets are tough while peplums are so feminine. But there’s something about marrying the two that somehow works — kind of like how opposites attract! My version has the requisite hardware of a moto jacket — visible zippers in the front and on…
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The Peplum is One of Fashion’s Most Enduring Styles
From dramatic to demure, the peplum makes a statement. It’s a style that’s been around since 500 BC and, despite ups and downs throughout fashion history, continues to fascinate. But it can be a rather divisive style. Today, camps of peplum lovers and haters are either celebrating or bemoaning the fact that the style appears…
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The Moto Jacket is Always Stylish and Forever Cool
The moto jacket — or motorcycle jacket or biker jacket — is one of my fave styles. I love the details, such as the notch collar, exposed metal hardware, bold stitching, shoulder epaulets, and prominent zipper closure. It has a flattering silhouette that just skims the body. When made in traditional black leather, it definitely…
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The Twinset Turns 90 and is Still New and Cool
Regardless of whether you think the twinset — a knitted shell and matching cardigan — is fashionable or frumpy, it is an iconic style that is 90 years old this year! For my generation, the twinset entered our style consciousness in the early 2000s when J. Crew debuted the style in a splash of bright…
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Fashion Friday: The DVF Wrap Dress is New Again
The DVF wrap dress, designed by Diane von Furstenberg, debuted 50 years ago and remains a classic. Like a peak on a seismograph, its popularity spikes every few years — and somehow always seems new and fresh each time. Image from here I was too young to be in tune with fashion when the original…
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Designing a New Shirt for the New Year
I love taking classic clothing styles such as a good shirt and transforming them into something special. An unexpected mix of fabrics; a new sleeve shape; unusual buttons and trims; a play on proportions – it’s all about experimenting, creating, and having fun with new ideas! Original button-front shirt design from 2017. Ties are made…