August 2022

The Retro Look

What does 'Retro Look' mean?

How can YOU play with retro style and make it work for you?

Google defines RETRO as imitative of a style, fashion, or design from the recent past, OR

clothes or music whose style or design is imitative of those of the recent past.

When I think of the word 'retro', different images flood to my mind and I'd imagine it's the same for you.

• Old Coca-Cola bottles
• Boys in t-shirts, overalls, and caps chewing on a long piece of straw
• Polka dots
• Primary colors
• Red, white and blue
• Gingham

That’s what comes to mind when that word is mentioned - 50's or 60's fashion, music, food, movies, a simpler, freer lifestyle.

To me, 'Retro Style' can also mean bringing something dated back into vogue in a new, cool and innovative way.

What makes a Retro look work. How to play with this style - and WIN

Fashion and style are so interesting and with such diversity, you can understand why it makes sense to begin to create a signature style for yourself. Notice the different styles in the retro-look images below.

Let's have a look at 3 style Icons from yesteryears: Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, and Lauren Bacall - all enjoyed plenty of popularity in the spotlight back in their day.

Jackie Onassis Kennedy created a reputation for always choosing classic style options. Facing the demands of highly public life and the continued scrutiny of the press and the public, Jackie O was always poised and pulled together. She unfailingly portrayed strength and poise without sacrificing her feminity for the cameras.

Lauren Becall is another favourite style icon of mine and a bit of a trailblazer. Known for her classy, elegant, and a sometimes surprising touch of masculine flair for the time, she popularized padded shoulder blazers and pleated high-waisted trousers. Lauren's signature look could fit with the style and fashion of today and it's decades later.

Audrey Hepburn, on the other hand, could pull off any look she desired and frequently wore a very classic, Chanel style. Consider the variances in her choice of roles in My Fair Lady, Roman Holiday, Funny Face, and Breakfast at Tiffany's - Audrey looked stunning in all of them and wore her clothing with effortless style.

And that's exactly what I want for you - An effortless Style that you feel comfortable and confident in, ready to take on the world...and win!

Let’s take a peek at some modern-day styles that showcase an updated and interesting retro flair.

These above images are so fun, right?

• Leopard print heels
• A-Line Skirt
• Bright turquoise blue

These features just jump out and shout 'Retro' to me. Do they do that for you too? 

If you look closely, you'll see a couple of pieces from a Basic Capsule Wardrobe. Can you recognize them?

The handbag in the above middle image with the scarf is a perfect example of a classic, timeless piece that would suit a basic capsule wardrobe. The Aline skirt and the white t-shirt in the top right image would fall neatly into this category as well.

Do You Want to play a little with this Retro Style?

Here are some simple ways to see if a retro style is a good fit for you.

1. Play around with the scarf. Use it as an accessory in a creative way such as a headband, a belt, tied to your handbag, or even as a necktie
2. Add an eye-catching statement piece like a bold-coloured bangle bracelet
3. Try rolling up the hem of your jeans
4. Add some retro jewellery pieces to your basic or classic style choices

There are plenty of ways to add a little retro into your style sense but the best thing to do is to try something new, or try putting things together in new and fun ways.

And if you'd like a little personalized help pulling together your signature style, I'd be delighted to help. Get your questions answered, take the guesswork out of how to look like a movie star and feel like a rock star. Contact me privately to schedule your FREE 'Style Up Confident' focus session - and we'll start creating your signature look together. I'm excited to hear from you.

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