I guess that is why we refer to it as the good old days.
Fashion like life is no exception and it too borrows on what has gone by. I know that a number of women are already planning for April weddings that are soon to happen and the question is what to wear?
Well as summer ends, one of the ways to leave an indelible mark is to be dressed up in one of the numerous styles from the 60s. Fashion went through a revolution in the 1960s and its effects can still be witnessed today. When I talk about the 60s dress or skirt in this context, I am not talking about the later, movement of miniskirts and teeny shift dresses. Here I am referring to the early 60s ladylike dressing that flowed on from the late 1950s. These are the trends that have made a comeback in 2011.There were a number of dress styles that were a hit at that time, these included:
Full skirts: the 60s housewife
These were full, below-the-knee circle skirts, with cinched in waists, and prim, proper styling.
The granny skirt
Do not panic about the name of this one; this look actually was commonly known as the granny skirt back in the 60s. It is a longer, usually gathered or pleated, often with a ruffled hem. The key to pulling off this look today is to either make it completely effortless, or surprisingly sexy.
You can avoid looking dowdy by pairing these skirts with a fitted top; or with a sheer blouse.
For an authentic look, pair with flats or dainty kitten heels. To modernise, stick with a pair of high heels.
The bombshell: sheath skirts and dresses
There is no doubt that, as the trend stands to date, the full skirt is the silhouette of the day, but that does not mean there are no other options for a sensual, early 60s look. A straight cut sheath or pencil skirt is the ultimate in creating a 1960s hourglass shape – not only cinching in the waist, but clinging to the hips as well.
Look for skirts that are straight, high waisted, below knee with a kick pleat or slit at the back. You can also look for fitted sheath dresses. These are great sleeveless or with classic three-quarter sleeves. Basically a sheath dress features a figure-hugging silhouette with a defined waist (no belt or waistband). This short (mid-calf or shorter) dress works well in sleeveless styles on well-toned bodies.
Michelle Obama is one lady who has modernised the 60s look to such an extent that it has become like a new trend. The sheath dress is perfect for work as it creates a professional outlook and it can also be worn to social events.
The peg-top skirt is another alternative – full at the waist with small darts or pleats, and tapering narrowly to the hem.
Tips on how to look stunning in a sheath dress:
Spending money on a good sheath dress will pay for itself in no time. Look for a pared-down, fitted shape-not too tight, not too loose-and a skirt that narrows just a little at the knee. Also look for simple necklines, tiny cap sleeves-or no sleeves at all-and just enough embellishment to give it some night time sparkle. Accessorise with only what is necessary: a clutch, heels, and gold hoop earrings or diamond studs.You want understated elegance!
There are a number of ways to wear the sheath dress:
l A Sheath Can Be Worn As A jumper with a T-shirt slipped on underneath adding an instant schoolgirl-chic.
l A Party Dress – Paired with sparkling jewellery, metallic-coloured sandals or medium heels, and a small evening handbag, the sheath becomes an after-dark dazzler.
l For a new skirt – Just button a top or sweater on over the dress. No one will know that it’s not a skirt at all.
l Casual Wear-Paired with flats, wedge sandals or medium pumps plus a few daytime accessories, you will have a look that will take you from 9 to 5 in style.
The terms “sheath” and “shift” are often used interchangeably. They do share a commonality but there is also a difference. Both refer to uncomplicated-looking dresses that end somewhere around the knee. The difference is that a shift tends to be less fitted around the waist and hips. Its straight lines convey a waifish, gamine quality. The sheath tends to be more body-clinging.
The sheath (and the shift) can also be: Belted around the waist (if you are wearing a full dress) for a leaner silhouette, worn with jeans or pants, leggings or coloured stockings and knee-length boots. And of course, it can be worn “as is”.
Accessorising a 60s ladylike look
If you want to stick with the theme, here are a few traditional ways of accessorising a 60s look that can still work today:
l Ladylike kitten heels.
l Bold red lipstick for a bombshell look or soft pink for a vintage belle.
l Cats-eye glasses.
l 60s accessories: a wide, waist-cinching belt; a leather clutch in candy-store pastels;
l Gloves and a headscarf can also really bring out the 60s look.
How to Modernise the 60s look
As well as the points already mentioned, there are plenty of other ways to bring the late 50s / early 60s silhouettes into the now. Here are just a few.
l Wearing a “Boyfriend blazer” with a turned up collar”.
l Try the same silhouettes but with a shorter hemline, such as above the knee or shorter.
l Look for pieces in fabrics like leather or sheer tulle for an edgy update on the look.
l Pair a full 60s skirt or sheath skirt with a cropped top, exposing a little midriff.
Well ladies I certainly hope that this will help you to look ravishing without the hassle! And to the gentlemen, you know what you can buy for that special lady and she will love it.
l Christine Nyirenda-Chimuka is an internationally qualified and accredited Image Consultant and Communications Professional running Milestone Communications and can be contacted on [email protected]

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