The Fall/Winter ’11 catwalks have given us permission to love our curves and raid our grandma’s wardrobe with an extremely demure and glamorous Forties trend.
Whilst Felder Felder, Louis Vuitton and Thierry Mugler requested we strip off to nothing more than our knickers this Fall, the Forties trend – championed by Donna Karan, Jean Paul Gaultier and Gucci – asked us to cover up.
To emulate this style, look for soft, sensual fabrics such as wool, silk and satin that hug and skim the body in all the right places.
The shape of this trend is hour-glass; easily achieved with a thin, cinched-in waist belt, peplum dress or pencil skirt. Layer this look up with thick-knit cardigans, lashings of luxurious fur, beads of pearls and super-feminine Mary Jane heels.
Whilst this trend carries a ‘frump-alert’ risk factor, it can be easily translated onto the younger woman with a little bit of know how and wardrobe recycling.
Three quick tips for creating the Forties trend out of your wardrobe:
- Mix a fitted tube skirt with a brightly patterned, high neck cardigan to create a cinched in hourglass shape, and fun and edgy interpretation of this trend.
- Layering isn’t just for clothing. Pile on the accessories to create a glamorous, statement look. Pearls are no longer restricted to middle-aged women. Back on trend these can be worn alone or built-up to create sumptuous charm and soften heavily patterned outfits.
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Keep make-up simple when wearing a vibrant outfit to keep attention exactly where you want it; on your fantastic new look. Create a simple base with tinted moisturiser over the whole face and a small dab of skin highlighter over the nose, cheeks and brow. Dust the face with a light covering of loose powder and a light pink blusher across the cheeks. Using a thin liquid eyeliner, draw a slender line across the top eyelid with a slight flick at the outer edge for instant glamour. Add lashings of mascara to vamp up those sultry lashes, and finish with a clear gloss or nude lipstick.
Key items recycled from wardrobe for styled image:
Patterned cardigan – John Lewis.
Red tube skirt – Topshop.
Beige court shoes – New Look.
Pearl necklaces and bracelets – Primark.
