Oldies are making their big comeback |04 February 2011

Some of these styles were worn by our mothers, fathers and maybe even by our grandparents.
I think by now you have an idea what I am talking about…

Yes, I mean those high-waist clothes and, of course, the famous skinny jeans that we all simply love.

Walking around town recently, I saw these styles in various forms. I also spoke to a few shop assistants and some gave me their own opinions on when it is right to wear these clothes, and whether they are comfortable or not.

Corset tops:
Dating as far back as the 16th century, the corset – which had wooden stays to give it stiffness – was used for clinching the waist and supporting the breasts.

It was a garment that squeezed a woman’s upper body and shaped it to the fashionable silhouette of the day.

Today, we see corsets appearing as fashionable tops, the most popular ones being the Gothic corset and the S-curve.

Corsets are preferably worn with gilets, which are also highly fashionable these days.

High-waist skirts/shorts/pants:

These became popular in the 1940s during the second world war, and again in the 1970s.

The waistline is cut in an interesting way to make the outfit look more mature and stylish.

Lately, people have been wearing high-waist clothing at work because it makes them appear more elegant and professional at what they do.

Skinny jeans
Worn by stars such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s, the skinny jeans were then called “drainpipe jeans” or “slim-fit pants”.

Skinny jeans and rock ’n’ roll were linked to a bad-boy image that carries on today.

In the 80s they made a comeback and were then worn with white, high-top sneakers/basketball shoes or ballerina shoes.
Nowadays we also have the skinny leggings-jeggings style, which it seems not many people like.

People who are fashion followers tend to wear all the clothes that come into fashion without thinking whether they are appropriate for different occasions.

So next time you set foot out of your own little secure place called home, please stand in front of your mirror and check whether your clothes are appropriate for where you are heading.
Steer clear of turning yourself into a “fashion don’t” in public.

Beverley Freminot