Over the past year, in spite of the raunchy outfits that some icons have chosen to endorse, one subtle trend that has undermined the world of fashion is the demure, ladylike style that has been seen on celebrities such as Michelle Williams and Alexa Chung. Rebelling against the overt sexuality of “sexed-up glamour”, this trend is embodied by longer hemlines, modest necklines and a philosophy that “less is more” when it comes to exposed flesh. Although this trend may be seen as a direct contrast to other popular fashions of the season, such as the fetish-inspired looks of Jessie J and Gaga, or the androgyny of runway models like Lea T and Andrj Pejic, the fashion world is one defined by extremes, in one direction or another. This extreme of the “super femme” has been popular throughout 2011, and continues to drive fashion forward during the winter months, anticipating a re-surge with Spring/Summer collections in 2012.
There are two sides to the ladylike look that remains popular this winter. On the one hand, the delicacy of femininity can be accentuated with certain gentle textures and accessories; sheer, silky fabrics, lace detailing, frills and bows, and soft lines. On the other, however, structured silhouettes and harsher lines embody a more 60s sense of the “lady”, elegant and sophisticated with a retro vibe. Both these styles are classic looks that allow women to reclaim their femininity, rejecting the increasingly accepted norm that women need to dress provocatively in order to look attractive. Adele is another example of the demure, ladylike fashion at work; unlike her peers, Adele chooses to dress like the sophisticated artist that she is. She joins celebrities such as Carey Mulligan in a generation of female icons who embrace their femininity without compromise.
Carey Mulligan pioneered the ladylike trend with her demure yet acutely sensual feminine style.
Of course, the ladylike trend hasn’t just been seen on celebrities over the past year; it has also made headway on the major runways of the world, including recently at Milan Fashion Week. The fashion world is constantly recycling major trends of the past, and this resurgence of 60s and 70s femininity has been appropriated by many different designers worldwide, as well as by smaller companies and retailers putting out clothes for general consumption. The video below displays the trend as captured during Milan Fashion Week 2011: designers such as Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Fendi, and Alberta Ferretti bring a sultry sense of classic glamour back to the runway.
If you want to try out the ladylike look for yourself, there are a few essential tips to help you on your way. One of the most basic and yet helpful items you may find when reinvigorating your wardrobe is a pencil skirt; this type of skirt can make an old blouse look brand new, creating an entirely different silhouette. Cinching at the waist is another key element of the ladylike fashion; go for a skirt with a longer hem and nip in at the waist for an accentuated bust, whilst keeping you looking prim and proper. Luckily, as its winter, part of this trend includes a soaring demand for tights and other leg-coverings, which should keep you warm in poorer weather. Your look should appear perfectly constructed, polished and refined.
- Kat Humphries
Sources and further information:
Ladylike Fashion in 2011 – 29secrets.com
Ladylike F/W 2011 Trends – aprettierplace.net
FabSugarTV: Lady Retro Looks at Fall 2011 Milan Fashion Week! – fabsugar.com
Women’s Trends: Ladylike – fashionfinder.asos.com
Ladylike fashion is a celebrity hit – fashion.telegraph.co.uk
10 Easy Ways to Pull off Fall’s Ladylike Trend – glamour.com