1: THE TRENCH COAT
The classic trench is a raincoat made of waterproof, heavy-duty wool, gabardine or leather. It is usually double-breasted with 10 buttons and comes in dark or dull colours like black, beige, tan or khaki. Strictly speaking, the classic trench is used as a windbreaker or rain jacket and is knee-length or longer.
The new twist:
Nobody does the trench like Burberry. This season, the British label known for its classic checked designs has updated its famous trench coat.
Its creative director, Christopher Bailey, showed new shapes for the classic trench for spring/summer 2010. Moving away from conventional materials, he also experimented with fabrics such as duchess silk satin and washed chiffon to create a more lightweight trench.
The length of the new trench is shorter - it ends right at the thigh - and cuts a more feminine silhouette. With puffy sleeves and a military-inspired eyelet belt with a metallic clasp - as opposed to the traditional knot belt - the trench coat can be worn on its own as a dress.
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On model:
Frosted pink epaulette trench, $4,395, military webbing eyelet belt, $595, and leather twisted band platform sandals, $1,350, all from Burberry; metallic gold chain belt (worn as bracelet), $39, from Topshop. |
Alternative:
Navy denim textured trench, $429, from Banana Republic. |
2: THE SHOULDER BAG
The shoulder bag gained popularity in the 1980s when women in the United States entered the workforce in droves. As the working woman's answer to the briefcase, it was first designed as a hand-carry bag. The shoulder strap was added later. It was simple in design, made mostly in cow leather and came in sombre colours.
The new twist:
While the shape is still boxy, the new shoulder bag has been updated with new materials and bling. Gucci, for instance, updated its boxy shoulder bag with exotic skins. The modern take on the label's classic Bamboo bag has a leather and metal chain strap. It comes in colours such as greystone or metallic blue and is adorned with bamboo tassels.
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On model:
New bamboo shoulder bag with top handle, $3,820, from Gucci; ballet flats, $830, from Christian Dior; cotton romper, $113, from Topshop. |
Alternative:
Polka dot quilt cross body bag, $63, from Topshop. |
3: THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS
The traditional little black dress, or LBD, is a short evening or cocktail dress that is cut simply and black in colour. Audrey Hepburn, who wore a Givenchy black sheath as Holly Golightly in the 1961 movie Breakfast At Tiffany?s, is credited with sealing the LBD?s status as a fashion must-have.
The new twist:
These days, the LBD has been reworked and - gasp - recoloured. While still maintaining its simple sheath structure, it can now be in different colours and designs.
In the spring/summer 2010 shows, designers like Michael Kors presented the classic dress in draped jersey fabric while Alexander Wang offered cut-out designs on his version. Frida Gianinni, creative designer of Gucci, gave her own interpretation of the LBD - it has prints and metallic embellishments.
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On model:
Jersey cut-out dress, $119, from Warehouse; blue layered chain necklace, $39, and multiple bracelets, $29, both from Topshop.
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Alternative:
Black chintz butterfly band dress with metal harness, $7,490, from Gucci. |
4: THE BRIEFCASE
Used traditionally by lawyers and businessmen, the briefcase is designed to carry documents, books and other flat objects. The bag is commonly associated with men.
The new twist:
The modern version comes in soft leather and looks like a satchel. It still comes with a handle but the new briefcase also has a long strap that can be slung over the shoulders, as seen on the latest It bag, the Alexa, by British luxury label Mulberry.
Named after British host and fashion It girl Alexa Chung, it is a soft, tanned leather briefcase-inspired carry-all. Less structured while maintaining the traditional shape of a briefcase, the bag - which is also an updated version of the iconic Mulberry Bayswater - also functions as a handbag.
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On model:
Oversized Alexa Bag, $2,550, from Mulberry; checked shirt, $69, and Baxter skinny jeans, $99, both from Topshop; white sneakers, $69.90, from Converse. |
Alternative:
Faux leather satchel, $89, from Charles & Keith |
5: THE CROPPED PANTS
Known originally as capri pants, the three-quarter pants gained popularity because of the 1960s American TV series, The Dick Van Dyke Show. Mary Tyler Moore, who played young housewife Laura Petrie, caused a fashion sensation when she wore capri pants.
These pants traditionally have a casual yet sporty look and are made solely with cotton. They usually end around the calves and are not deemed appropriate for work.
The new twist:
From pedal pushers to rolled-up trousers, the cropped pants, as they are now called, have been given a new twist. They are made with more luxe fabrics such as linen, silk and satin and have been seen on the runways of big-name labels such as Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta.
They now come in varying cuts and styles and work as officewear when paired with a blazer.
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On model:
Cropped easy linen pants, $2,080, from Giorgio Armani; black peep-toe heels, price upon application, from Christian Dior; silver blazer, $149, purple chain necklace, $39, and multiple-strand bracelet, $29, all from Topshop; layered chain necklace, $89, from Warehouse; white tank top, from model. |
Alternative:
Grey Chevy trousers, $79, from Miss Selfridge |
6: THE PENCIL SKIRT
This traditionally has a narrow cut and is tailored for a snug fit. It typically falls to or just below the knees and is worn on the hip.
Conventionally worn as part of a power suit, the pencil skirt usually comes in conservative colours such as black and grey and is made of cotton or polyester.
The new twist:
In the late 1940s, French couturier Christian Dior introduced the modern pencil skirt which featured smaller waistlines and in striking colours.
This season, the classic Dior pencil skirt has been given yet another twist with on-trend animal prints, a higher waistline and buttons on the back - as opposed to the conventional zipper and slit either at the side or the back.
These days, the pencil skirt also comes in fabrics such as silk and rayon and is no longer monotonal or reserved for power suits.
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On model:
Leopard print pencil skirt, $2,160, from Christian Dior; white tank top, $19, and gold metal chain belt (worn as bracelet), $39, all from Topshop; hat and scarf, both from stylist. |
Alternative:
Bow skirt, $289, from Karen Millen. |
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.
