Fashion Blogs

Everything old is new again. After a few years of the '90s grunge revival, fashion is swinging back to the '50s and '60s for a more traditional and overtly feminine look. In terms of fast and casual fashion, the shift isn't quite as dramatic as one might expect. The difference is in the details.

Lace-Up Necklines

One of the more common dress decorations this season is crisscrossed laces toward the top of the bodice. Even loose-fitting t-shirt dresses have this type of detailing. The laces don't tighten the dresses or serve a practical purpose. They're an elegant way of making a low neckline look classy. This style of neckline gives you the effect of having geometric cutouts on your dress but with a more casual air than cutouts usually afford. The shapes are maintained on pieces that aren't skin-tight.

Swing Dresses

This is where the small resurgence in mod styles is most apparent. Last year's slim-fitting jersey dresses are now subtly flared in a swing silhouette. It's a minor change but it makes a significant impact on how the garments move. Swing dresses imbue the wearer with youthful, cheerful energy. This season's hottest swing dresses are very short, and many of them have the previously mentioned laces. Others have large cutouts in back. The short skirts are balanced by long sleeves. The sleeves may bell outward starting at the elbow. When made out of gauzy, flowing fabric, the right swing dress makes the wearer look like she is floating in a cloud of pretty material that never stops moving.

Cashmere Sweaters

Since this season's styles are not intended to accentuate the figure, fluffy sweaters are back in full force. An oversized sweater looks great on top of a short skirt worn with textured tights. Some companies, like Paula and Chlo, know that this is perhaps the one aspect of '90s fashion that still looks fresh. For an extra laid-back look, consider a full cashmere sweater dress or even a hooded sweatshirt dress. Nothing is more comfortable in cold weather.

Shawls

Artfully wrapped shawls and cloche hats are always featured in fall pictorials, but this year they are actually being worn by everyday people. The close-cropped hats add precision to the bohemian shawls, and cloches are kicky alternatives to beanies or fedoras. They can be kept on indoors and considered when planning an entire outfit. Use your outerwear to transform yourself into a vintage film star!

Retro fashions will always be major components of modern style. This year we are taking it to extremes in the most glamorous, exciting ways.