Posts Tagged ‘classic shift dress’
Audrey Hepburn is a true style icon and probably one of the biggest of our time. Her style is admired, copied and written about by so many. But what is it about her style, that makes her so iconic?
Audrey Hepburn’s style was simple and classic. She wore clothes that complimented her body shape perfectly. She never over accessorised or wore colours that didn’t go. Perhaps the beauty of Audrey Hepburn’s style lies in its simplicity. Her style is not quite simply about what she wore though, there is also something about how she wore it. She was both witty and elegant both traits which contributed to her overall look.
There are so many pieces of clothing that we still associate with Audrey Hepburn. For many of them Audrey Hepburn can at least in part be credited for their lasting popularity and status as classic pieces. Top of the list would have to be the little black dress. This was featured in the film Breakfast and Tiffany’s and ever since it has become a must have item for all women, not just because of its style but also its versatility. An Audrey Hepburn style little black dress is inspiration for both day dresses and evening dresses and looks great with a string of pearls or some bold and chunky jewellery. The original little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s was by Hubert Givenchy and whilst most of us probably can’t afford a Givenchy dress, there are countless similar styles in the high street shops.
Capri pants were another of Audrey Hepburn favourites, most notably worn in the films Sabrina and Funny Face. Again the popularity of capri pants is very much about their simplicity. When worn with a simple shirt or top in a contrasting colour, they make an instantly elegant and stylish outfit. Ballet flats are another Audreyism that is still very much in fashion. The gracefulness and practicality of these shoes just can’t be beaten.
Hubert Givenchy designed many of Audrey’s clothes for films such as Funny Face (1957), Love in the Afternoon (1957), Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), Paris When It Sizzles (1963), Charade (1964), How to Steal a Million (1966), and others. Whilst Audrey Hepburn was immensley feminine, she was well known for wearing clothes inspired by menswear. When she appeared in Roman Holiday with short hair and wearing full skirts cinched at the waist and shirts with button down collars, women everywhere copied her.
She was also known for her amazing handbags, turtle necks and trench coats, all classic pieces that every woman wants to own. Audrey’s style differed greatly from some of the other icons of the fifties including Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. This was mainly due to her figure, she was much taller and more slender. Instead of trying to create the popular curvy look, she emphasised her slim frame and delicateness. If you are inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s style, here are some great pieces of clothing, that you will love.
The shift dress is a truly versatile and classic piece which every woman needs at least one of in her wardrobe. Perfect as day dresses or occasion dresses they can take you from work to evening effortlessly and the timeless style never goes out of fashion. The shift dress is the name given to a simple style of dress that has no seams or shaping at the waist. It became popular in the sixties and ever since has been an important part of so many womens wardrobes. A sheath dress is another similar version of dress that became popular at the same time but is usually slightly more fitted than the shift dress.
The shift dress evolved from the flapper dresses of the 1920′s, which were often embellished and fringed. They became popular because of there comfort and practiality for dancing, these benefits are still a key attraction in the modern shift dress. The closest relation to the shift was probably the sack dress which featured in Hubert de Givenchy and Cristobal Balenciaga’s 1957 Paris collections. It was similar to the flapper dress but without the embellishments. Â
Throughout history famous style icons have worn the shift dress. Lilly Pulitzer wore and sold brightly coloured and patterned dresses from her juice bar on palm beach. Huge popularity of the ‘Lilly’ dress ensued after her friend Jackie Kennedy was pictured wearing one in Life Magazine.  The shift (mostly designed by Givenchy) was also a favourite of actress Audrey Hepburn and most memorably worn in Breakfast at Tiffanys. Princess Grace of Monaco also wore shift dresses by Givenchy. More recently, America’s first lady Michelle Obama is often seen in a shift dress with a cardigan and even pictured wearing a black sleeveless shift for her first official White House portrait.
Shift dresses can have a variety of sleeves, necklines and lengths but the most popular is probaby the knee length, sleeveless style with a scooped or slashed neckline. They can also have patterns and embellishment making a statement dress. A simple shift is really popular though as it can be accesorised in so many different ways to create so many different looks. Here are just a few ideas for how you can accessories a plain shift dress:
- Coloured or patterned tights – this is the perfect way to brighten up a black or neutral coloured shift dress and draw attention to your legs. The simple style of the dress allows for complicated and busy patterns. For a fun and bright outfit try teaming a coloured shift dress with coloured opaque tights – a turquoise or purple dress with mustard tights would make a really eye catching outfit.
- Scarfs – there are so many ways to wear a scarf and to add colour to a plain shift dress. Try tying a small scarf around your neck with a knot at the side or folding a large square scarf diagionally to form a triangle and draping over your shoulders.
- Belts – If you have an hourglass figure, you may want to add a bit of shape to your shift dress and waist definition. You can do this by cinching in at the waist with a belt. Choose an interesting or brightly coloured belt and make it the feature of your outfit.
- Jacket – Add a simple tailored jacket to make your shift dress into a smart outfit for work.
Spring is just around the corner and it will soon be time to pack away those woolly jumpers in favor of some lighter clothes. As we move into Spring, we naturally want a bit of a change and to update our looks. Each season fashions and trends change but there is no need to change your whole wardrobe. By updating with just a few key pieces, you can look fresh and up to date without breaking the bank. Spring summer 2010 is all about modern classics, so anything that you buy this year is likely to last for many years to come. Here are five key pieces that will bring your spring wardrobe right up to date.
Trench Coat -The Burberry Prorsum catwalk was full of classic trench coats for spring summer 2010. Whilst the trench coat is right on trend this year, it has never really gone out of fashion, probably because it is so versatile. Perfect for keeping dry in those April showers and it goes with just about everything from jeans and casual to work wear.
Nautical top - Navy blue, stripes and nautical detailing again are right on trend this year but this classic look is timeless and chic. A nautical top like this stripe detail top is the ideal casual top for wearing with jeans or smarter trousers for instant sophistication. Think Coco Chanel, the French Riviera and sitting aboard a private yacht.
Floral blouse - Florals are every where this year and the brighter the better. A floral blouse is the perfect way to add some feminine charm to any outfit. Wear with jeans for a casual but eye catching look or with a suit to add some colour to your work wear. If you really want to be the centre of attention try wearing with a brightly coloured skirt for an eclectic and trendy outfit. Again, a key investment that is likely to be in fashion year in and year out.
Classic shift dress - This is the ultimate in flattering and timeless chic. The perfect shift dress can be worn with simple accessories for daytime or work and dressed up with heels and some sparkle for the evening. It can also be transformed with a patterned or coloured scarf. If plain black is not your thing, there are plenty of other colours shift dresses to choose from including this seasons must have neutral and nude shades.
Wedge shoes -If there is one must have pair of shoes for the season, it is the wedge. The perfect way to add some height and glamour to an outfit without the discomfort and impracticalities of stilletos. There are all sorts if stylish wedge shoes to choose from including cork and raffia. Ideally a neutral colour will go with all of the outfits in your wardrobe and allow you to get maximum mileage out of just one pair.
So spring summer 2010 is also about classic looks and investing in key pieces that will never really go out of fashion. These pieces can easily be accessorised to create so many different looks and are ideal for so many different occasions.