Chatelaine fashion archives: Four classic looks updated
Photo by Alvaro Goveia
It's about time
Springy coat
Then: In the late '70s, designer Yves Saint Laurent introduced the peasant look. Wide collars, camisoles, silk blouses and jumpsuits were key items. Top models included Cheryl Tiegs, Lauren Hutton and Margaux Hemingway (inset, photographed by Bruce Weber for Chatelaine).
Now: The shape of the moment is an updated version of the billowy rain cape. It's slightly more tailored and features a wing cut.
Coat, $695, Pink Tartan. Pants, $124, Banana Republic. Shoes, $128, Ann Taylor.
Smart suit
Then: Designers like Oleg Cassini and Hubert de Givenchy influenced the fashions of the day and were favourites of Jackie Kennedy, whose style was much copied. Think pillbox hats, pastel suits with slim skirts, and pearls.
Now: Canadian designer Lida Baday continues to awe us with her cut, cloth and styling. We love this take on a classic suit that features a boxy jacket and perfect pencil skirt.
Jacket, $585, shirt, $310, skirt, $480, Lida Baday. Umbrella, $40, raindropsto.com.
Pretty dots
Then: The ladylike style was buttoned up, and women wore skirts and dresses with hemlines that seldom ventured above the knee. But a more casual way of dressing was evolving with the introduction of new fabrics like acrylic, polyester and spandex (especially for teens).
Now: Retro prints like these pretty polka dots are still relevant. Throw on an easy shift and top it off with a soft knit for a more relaxed take on feminine dressing.
Dress, $425, Pink Tartan. Scarf, $74, sweater, $85, Banana Republic.
Menswear pieces
Then: Details like pleats, strong shoulders and cuffed trousers became popular — it was all about power dressing.
Now: Our version of menswear means mixing masculine pieces with a feminine touch. Try a schoolboy jacket, lacy top, linen trousers and wedge heels.
Jacket, $185, pants, $160, shoes, $140, Banana Republic. Bracelets, $115-$135, Ted Rossi. Shirt, $88, French Connection.
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