Downton Abbey is all a buzz these days. Suddenly one of the best kept secrets in television programing is a secret no more. Leave it to the Brits to awaken our senses to the elements of style, grace and sheer elegance. As Americans our rich history of abandoning tradition is almost as great as our fascination with those very traditions. Sometimes in our quest for independence we often, excuse the cliche, throw the baby out with the bath water. While we may not want to be burdened down with traditions that make no sense in our daily life, we really do now want to get rid of all of them. Downton Abbey illustrates that point beautifully. For instance, although as a society we prefer all things casual — whether in our wardrobes, our mannerisms or our parties — we also know there is something to be savored in pure, refined elegance. Downton Abbey has reminded a great many of us that it is fun to dress up, to have formal dinners, to exhibit fine manners, and to enjoy a bit of elegance in our lives.
In fact, if one word could capture the essence of fashions in the 1920s it would be elegance. The feminine-styled dresses were loose fitting and comfortable with hemlines that either rested just beneath the knee or just above the ankle until the mid 20s when hemlines crept just above the knee. Beading, floral patterns, and lace overlays (can anyone say Spring 2013 fashion trends?) were widely used in the garments of the “roaring twenties”.
So, how does a classic woman incorporate the elegance and style of the 20s into fashions for 2013? Add a hat with flowers, a pair of gloves, and a long necklace to a drop waist dress and you are well on your way to creating a Downton Abbey inspired look. Suggestion: Choose clothes that are extensions of you, choices that look “naturally” you, not like you are wearing a costume.
Dreams and Sugar Dress
Adrianna Papell Beaded Drop Waist Dress
Limited Edition Flapper Dress
Pisarro Nights Beaded Mesh Gown
Calvin Klein Drop Waist Dress
