Skip to main content

Fashions That Will Never Fade


It’s often said that fashions come and go – but some things have a staying power that make them more than just a flash in the pan.
Fashion is such a fickle beast. What’s in one week will invariably out the next. The goal posts change to regularly it’s practically impossible for even the top designers and haute couture fashionistas to keep up.  It’s not so much a cat walk as a frantic dash to stay one step ahead of the meretricious fashions and trends.  
The truth is, of course, that you can’t. Sartorially, we’re constantly kept on our toes.  And the continuously shifting and unpredictable winds of what’s hot and what’s not leave those with a penchant to keep our finger on the fashionable pulse forever teetering on the precipice of sartorial uncertainty.

There are, however, certain fashions, styles and motifs that will never fade. Designs, motifs, concepts and even fashionable ideas that transcend the boundaries of time. 

So forget the fads, trample over the trends, and diss the designers. A cursory look through the history of fashion reveals there are certain approaches never go out of style. 

As fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent so articulately and perceptively said, ‘Fashions fade, style is eternal.’  Here are a few over-the-years fashions that more than back up his canny observation.

Black Dresses Forever
Breakfast At Tiffany’s broke the mould and paved the way for so many iconic fashion statements – least of all Audrey Hepburn’s raven Givenchy frock, whose LBD (little black dress, for the uninitiated) has become the dress-inspiring staple for generations of women since.  

If you don’t own one, there’s nothing to stop you, with high street chains making available this classic number to everyone with a penchant to chicness and style.  And though we live in budget-conscious times, paring back on the pennies when it comes to recreating this effortlessly elegant look is not really an option – cheaper shops generally just won’t cut the mustard.  A wisely spent few extra pounds will definitely pay off, and you’ll have a Hepburn-style dress that will keep you looking stylish the rest of your life.

Forever Hourglass
Marlon Brando, James Dean, Grace Kelly  - there’s something about the stars and styles of the 50s and 60s that made a deep and profound impact at the time and continues to resonate to this day.  Marilyn Monroe, of course, was the ultimate progenitor of that generation’s fashion revolution, and her hourglass figure helped in no insignificant part. 

Men wanted her, women wanted to be her, and the scintillating sexy Miss M proved that the hourglass shape looks fantastic on any woman. Of course, not every woman has the shape, but if you’ve been blessed with Monroe-esque cruves, take advantage of it. Otherwise, buy clothes that tuck in and draw attention to that area, or a good belt or high waisted skirt.   

No Such Thing As Perfect
The constant and obsession quest for perfection – whatever that is – has become a fervent and somewhat tiresome one. The ubiquity of TV shows and magazines that constantly pervade the myth of the perfect look, incessantly casting doubt, insecurity and potential, perhaps inevitable, damage on the minds and bodies of a burgeoning generation of image-conscious and apprehensive youngsters, is a despicable one. 

But these bilious digressions aside, there are a few celebrities who have embraced the imperfect, dishevelled look.  Kate Moss and Johnny Depp are two good examples. True, they usually look kookily, quirkily ‘with it’, but their sartorial melange is an off-kilter combo of messy hair, un-matching clothes , unbuttoned shirts, and random jewellery choices.  
If anything, it makes them look better, less manicured, and more human. Arguably, the tousled and unkempt look is better than some desperately cloying attempt at some abstract and unachievable notion of perfection. 

Denim Will Never Die
Denim jeans have always epitomised and oozed style and cool.  Originally used to make tents, then overalls, then eventually jeans, it’s now used to make jeans, jackets, shirts, dresses, and even other accessories such as bags and caps.  It can be dyed any colour, and it’s an extremely durable material, making it hard-wearing and long-lasting. Denim jeans traverse ages and sexes and can be worn to look good with most things. 
James Dean gave them an edge of hard-edged, rebellious cool, and Kate Moss’ Calvin Klein ad made everyone want a pair of them.  Nowadays jeans are worn by some people almost like a uniform, devout followers of the denim style.  As the song goes, love never dies – but neither, it seems, does denim.   

On My Watch
Personally, I think there’s something effortlessly elegant and attractively old-fashioned about a pocket watch (especially if you slide it out of your pocket on a chain). But my Victorian mind set is, as ever, out of synch with the general multitudes, who prefer equally stylish and fashion-proof timepieces.  Rolex Submariner, Tag Heuer’s Carrera, Timex Camper, and Omega Speedmaster Professional (used on every manned NASA mission, fact fans) are trendy, classy and, erm, timeless, wrist accessories.  

A Good Pair Of Sunglasses
Celluloid has furnished us with an impressive panoply of well-sunnied stars – Tom Cruise in Top Gun, Brad Pitt in Fight Club, and Will Smith in the Men In Black series, to name but three.  And whilst these iconic, filmic shade-wearers indubitably look cooler than a polar bears’ toenails, a decent pair of sunglasses can also hide a multitude of sins.

Whether your eyes look heavy and bloodshot from one too many rough Scrumpys the night before, or you didn’t get enough sleep, or you’ve simply forgotten (or don’t want) to put on your make-up, a pair of good, big, black emergency sunglasses are the emergency fashion fix par excellence.  You can pick up an excellent and affordable pair of designer sunnies at Discounted Sunglasses.

These are just a few fashions and ideas that will never date. Can you think of any others? Share in the comments.

Susannah Perez is a passionate fashion and beauty writer who keeps her finger on the pulse of prevailing trends.
Image Credits: University Of Salford Press

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

5 Emotional Sad Short Stories To Make You Cry Immediately

Today I’m going to relate a few emotional, sad short stories that will make you cry immediately. Crying – is that even good for you? Isn’t crying associated with weakness? Well…

21 Bindi Quotes That Illuminate Tradition, Spirituality, and Modern Identity

The bindi , a small yet striking dot adorning the forehead , has long been a symbol of cultural pride, spiritual devotion, and aesthetic beauty in South Asian traditions. While its visual appeal is undeniable, the bindi carries profound meanings that transcend its physical form. In this piece, we delve into the world of bindi quotes —words that capture the essence of this timeless adornment. From ancient proverbs to contemporary reflections, these quotes celebrate the bindi’s role as a bridge between tradition and modernity. (Curious about the history and styles of the bindi? Explore my previous article: The Bindi Forehead Dot: A Small Dot with Big Significance .) The Bindi as a Symbol of Feminine Power The bindi’s legacy extends beyond tradition —it is a bold declaration of feminine energy and resilience. Rooted in the concept of Shakti (divine feminine power), it symbolizes creativity, strength, and the unyielding spirit of women. Historically, the red bindi marked marital status,...

Pore shrinking mask recipes from home

A face with large open pores when seen from close quarters doesn’t look so good. While it’s quite common for oily skins to have a tendency towards open pores, an attack of pimples also leaves ugly scars and open pores behind.  Even though the scars may fade away after some time, open pores appear to be more obstinate and hardly show any signs of shrinking.  Age also takes its toll by giving an uneven/pigmented tone to the skin and making the open pores more prominent. Heredity could also be a contributing factor in determining your pore size. It’s not easy to get rid of these pores or shrink them completely or permanently using serums, lotions or face packs. Even resorting to drastic chemical/surgical procedures at the dermatologist’s isn’t quite capable of giving satisfactory results.  Nevertheless, you can try and minimize their appearance at least temporarily with clever makeup and a few natural skin care masks such as these: * Cleanse your face with a mild ...

Holi Diet and Hydration: Staying Healthy During the Festivities

Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in India. It marks the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and a time for communities to come together in a riot of colors, music, and dance. However, amidst the fun and frolic, it’s easy to overlook the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated. With rich foods, sugary treats, and long hours of outdoor activities, it’s crucial to strike a balance between indulgence and well-being. In this post, we’ll explore how you can enjoy Holi to the fullest while keeping your health in check through mindful eating, proper hydration, and safe practices. Why Diet and Hydration Matter During Holi Holi is synonymous with indulgence. From gujiyas and thandai to fried snacks and sweets, the festival is a culinary delight. However, overindulging in these treats can lead to digestive issues, energy crashes, and dehydration, especially when combined with hours of playing outdoors under the ...

Water – some health benefits of drinking it

Staying properly hydrated is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to stay in good health. DAILY WATER CONSUMPTION For normal metabolism, a human body releases 500ml of water in the form of urine every day. Through breathing and sweating, the body releases another 500ml-800ml of water. Therefore maintaining a content of 1000ml of water in one’s body is of utmost importance at all times. IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION Water helps the blood in transporting nutrients, antibodies and blood cells to infected areas when sick and it removes toxin and waste from the body. With this, it smoothens metabolism and at the same time increases the immunity of the body.