Despite the fact that it is the 21st century, we regularly hear statements like these:
My clothing style is classic.
I like "classic"
Etc…
Meanwhile, many themselves do not know what a classic is. And this style is not at all worn in everyday life, although for some reason it is called that way.
A couple of years ago I did a joint project with Cosmopolitan. It was necessary to change the clothes of the girls, the winners of the competition, but not to change their usual style of clothing. Therefore, I asked them in advance about their preferences, and also asked them to provide a few photos in their usual clothes.
Several of the contestants described their style as "classic" while posting photos of them wearing black lace and miniskirts...
And this is not an isolated case. For 15 years of work in the field of image and style creation, I have clearly understood that almost no one knows what the classic style of clothing really is!
Classic style in clothes
If very briefly - when you say "classic", then the following bow flies before the eyes of the stylist:
What did you mean?
Let's talk about the classics? And most importantly, why these clothes no longer need to be worn, and moreover, there is even nowhere to buy them!
The classic style of clothing refers to protocol styles. And this means that he is conservative and extremely strict. The people who wear it, and you can already count them on the fingers, perform a representative function.
Therefore, we must carefully ensure that their appearance does not cause controversy or, what happens, international conflicts.
Imagine, “classics” are worn by monarchs, high-ranking officials, politicians and diplomats.
Do you understand what our surprise is when, out of the blue, a girl who is far from these professions suddenly declares that she wears classics? Why?! And where does she find clothes in this style? It's not easy to buy. It’s even simply impossible to buy when it comes to women’s wardrobe. It is almost not sewn, because it cannot be sold. They don't wear it like that anymore!
A great example of a classic style in a women's wardrobe - the series "The Good Wife" / Good Wife
The classic style is
Suit style, "buttoned up"
Without bare arms and legs (long sleeves and tights ALWAYS)
Modest colors (blue, gray, black, wine, chocolate)
Natural EXPENSIVE materials (silk, cashmere)
No prints on clothes, only scarves
Pearl studs and string of pearls, Roman dial watch
Cleaned hair and matte natural makeup;
Always shoes with a closed toe with a heel NOT higher than 5-6 cm
Fixed styles of clothes that are forbidden to change and that scream #so they don't wear
This is a great set of things for Queen Elizabeth, but note that Kate Middleton rarely dresses like this. Only for important protocol events. And Michelle Obama has long spat on protocol events. If she dresses in "classics", American women will laugh at her.
The thing is that society has long come to the conclusion that you need to live comfortably and beautifully, fashionably and modernly. This is exactly what the "classic" forbids.
And if we talk about the style that reminds us of the remnants of the "classics" in the lives of ordinary people, this is business formal - a strict and even conservative, business style.
But, no matter who you ask (of those who claimed to wear classics), they can’t stand business style, but consider it a word of abuse and insult! You see, he does not allow them to express themselves through clothing.
So, the classic was generally invented so that no one would express themselves through clothing, so that clothes would be “silent”, so that everyone would look the same, modest, restrained, dry and predictable. Therefore, the classic style of clothing has sunk into oblivion. And it is honestly worn by the older generations of monarchs. And then - hooligans and violate! After all, Queen Elizabeth II rebelled against the boring palette of classical style from the very beginning.
A great example of the need to use protocol style is the meeting with the Queen. Elizabeth II wears the "classic" according to the protocol, and Jolie masterfully turned out and put on a suit in a feminine style. Restrained, but decorated with a complex cut, which is unacceptable in the classics. Angie's bare fingers are also American freedom-loving and fashionable hooliganism. :-)
Business formal (very similar to the classics) is needed by conservative professions.
Bankers and lawyers, bureaucrats and everyone else who must inspire confidence and demonstrate reliability in dealing with other people's money and public opinion should dress in a way that pleases the majority. Well, or at least make a neutral impression.
Therefore, when it comes to women's conservative business wardrobe, it is no coincidence that HR begs:
Do not wear bright
Transparent, lace, leather, latex do not wear
Leopard and flowered - no, no
To be underwear, but to be inconspicuous
Toes with a beautiful pedicure hidden in shoes with a closed toe
Leave high platforms (over 1.5 cm) for strippers
Mini-skirts, maxi-skirts and sundresses - for holidays and the beach
Do not wear shapeless jerseys, but wear strict and concise jackets!
Everything makes sense, right?
We still have not figured out what those who claim to wear and love the classics mean.
Classic or basic wardrobe?
One of the versions is that these girls mean basic things. That is, clothes of a simple cut and neutral color. Usually at this moment they point the finger at blue jeans, a beige sweater and pumps with huge stilettos, a knitted dress and a cotton blouse (which is unacceptable in the classics - only silk!).
Meet - urban style / basic things!
Well, sorry, beauties, THIS clothes have nothing to do with the wardrobe of Elizabeth II and the classic style in general! Have you seen Svetlana Medvedeva come to the St. Petersburg forum in a stretched sweater? No. She is always in a long-sleeved sheath dress or a suit with a silk blouse with a bow.
Classic clothing style
The basic things belong to the modern casual style, which loudly and decisively, in one fell swoop, crossed out everything that the classic lived. Sending her to nowhere.
And the basic things have an insidious feature. If you buy them in neutral colors (beige, gray, black), and most of them do, then looking at the reflection in the mirror, you will say: “How boring it is!” And you will be right.
Now let's look at the images below.
Not boring at all, right? Secret? Each bow should have the center of the composition, the so-called "emphasis". If you are buying basics in neutral tones, then the center of the composition is YOU! Therefore, they are advertised on those girls who are good in a potato bag. :-)
Want also? Take care of the hair color that really suits you, the right styling, good makeup, well-groomed skin, a toned figure (or create the illusion of one by correcting it with the right cut of clothes), as well as the quality and fit of the basic wardrobe!
If the mission, for some reason, is impossible, then shift the focus from yourself to things. Use rich colors, create unusual combinations, use a variety of textures, buy things with a print. And this is an advanced level.
In addition to the base, a mountain of “raisins” lives in the wardrobe of every girl! These things are usually full of difficulties.
There is nowhere to wear it, there is nothing to combine it with, “I don’t know why I bought it”, but “firstly, it’s beautiful.”
Familiar?!
Forget the classics. Base - buy! And there are a lot of modern "raisin" styles. And if you want the perfect wardrobe, then you need to learn how to combine things stylishly, beautifully and competently.
So much to know and be able to a girl armed with a wallet, right? :-)