Go Retro with Fall 2014 Fashion
Audiences had to say goodbye to the beloved Don Draper this summer as Mad Men came to an end, but we can channel our inner Drapers this fall as the 60’s are back in a big way. From clothes, hair, makeup and accessories both men and women can go back to the classics of the early 60’s era as well as the funky edge brought out later in the decade with retro trends in Fall 2014. The 60’s were a mix of dressed to impress martini lunch breaks and the comfort free-spirited naturalism.
For Women:
Clothes: Prints, knits and bright colors all make an appearance this season in women’s fashion, but the real hot ticket is the continued trend of the cinched Betty Draper waist. This fall, women should invest in some basic fit and flare dresses or separates like basic solid colored flair skirts that can be paired with patterned blouses and mix and matched. A basic neutral toned flare dress or skirt and be matched with pumps, watches, belts, and scarves of various styles and colors to bring versatility and practicality to the professional woman’s wardrobe. This fall burnt orange, orchid purple; royal blue and cypress green all make significant impacts whether in patterns, blocks or solids.
Hair: Time to let loose that flower child as the hippie-inspired sleek, center parted hair is back. Also in style for hair is a no-effort tasseled layered look (think beach hair) that we all know and love. Also, beehive volume in the back with a side swept polished front tucked behind the ears says fun loving and pulled together for a night out.
Makeup: It wouldn’t be a 60’s referenced season without our tried and true cat eye. Allow yourself to go bold on nights out and create a larger wing tip on top of smoky, Cleopatra eyes, but for the work week keep it toned down with no lower liner and just a clean upper line with black liquid and a slight little hook tip. If eye liner isn’t your thing, simple mascara on top of an eye with funky, shimmery colored hues will bring out the eyes. If you keep the eyes simple, go for a bold red or coral lip when you want to make an impact.
For Men:
Clothes: Fitted pants are still the it-factor for men this season, but less of a skinny jean of the past few years and more of a slim fit dress pant along with a slim fit dress shirt for the working man. Colorful corduroys with a slim but not overly tight fit paired with a neutral colored collared sweater is appropriate for a more casual occasion. The general idea in men’s fashion this season is comfort matched with sophistication. As always, we Americans take a nod from European trends, and in the trendiest cities you will find men toting a fashion sense with a much more feminine flare. Double-breasted jackets, blazers with a white or black tee shirt underneath, patterned shirts and pants, and accent pieces such as colorful footwear are being seen on the streets of Paris, Florence, and Milan and are inspiring the looks of their American counterparts.
Accessories: The idea of the “man purse” is evolving from a messenger bag into what is called a “document holder” or “folio” as a way to carry important business documents. They will be leather (or faux leather) bound and compliment any cutting-edge gentleman’s wardrobe. Other accessories that contribute toward the 60’s Mad Men throwback look is the incorporation of details like classic cuff-links, shiny tie clips, and a pop of color with a pocket square to polish off the look.
Hair: Even men in the professional realm are becoming more daring this season, taking on a coiffed look where the sides are buzzed but more volume on the top of the head can be very chic for the stylish man; however the look won’t work on everyone. Along with 60’s hippie trend, men are letting their hair grow longer (also a throwback to the 90’s) in toned down grunge-esque waves. As Mad Men seems to be the running theme, just a simple, short, styled haircut gives a classic touch of sophistication whether on the job or out with the boys for a drink.
As always, fashion trends continue to pull inspiration from the days of long ago, and as our tastes evolve we produce new versions of what our parents and grandparents had hanging in their closets. The 60’s were a mix of dressed to impress martini lunch breaks and the comfort free-spirited naturalism. Fall 2014 blends the two together with both edgy and classic looks that allow for versatility to suit anyone’s fashion palate.