Fashion: The past is perfect

Herald on Sunday

14 Mar, 2015 08:00 PM2 mins to read

Cowl-Neck Top $360; Leather A-line Skirt $650; All from Harman Grubisa.

Present-day style borrows from history

Fashion takes inspiration from the past this season with a vintage ladylike feel.

Lengths are either on the knee or just below, silhouettes are framed by A-line or pencil skirts and feminine pleats feature.

Tops are tucked into high waists to show off that narrowest part of the torso for an
elegant contour for any body shape.

But it is 2015, so skin is seen, whether it be through sheer silks or hints of midriff.
There are nods to the more ladylike fashion moments of the past but with vague military references and animal print.

Harman Grubisa's look sets the tone nicely with a wonderful contrast of textiles in teaming a silk cowl-neck top with a leather A-line skirt.

Ingrid Starnes' sheer blouse with leopard pencil skirt has all the elements of the naughty secretary, and WORLD's Euclid polo and geometry pencil skirt combo has a definite vintage feel.

For pleats, I couldn't go past this divine colourful combination from Vaughan Geeson. And for a more modern interpretation, I love the military-esque styling from Seed.

Kate Sylvester hits it out of the park with her Jack dress - a shirtdress is one of the easiest styles to wear and caters for all body types.

Liann Bellis' Eden dress has a definite 1940s feel to it and is super flattering, too.

Footwear has taken inspiration from menswear, particularly saving our ankles. Check out The Line Up for some of my flat favourites, including patent and brogue detailing from Mr W & Me, monk straps and mock croc from Mi Piaci and a classic lace-up with a twist from Beau Coops.

Here's to being ladies in this modern world.