All of us have fallen in love with TV’s latest craze-the vintage elegance of British upper class glamour of Downton Abbey. Whether it is the quintessentially Jane Austen empire waisted chiffon dresses, or the beautiful intricate lace detailing, it is without a question that this Emmy Award and Golden Globe winning show has sparked a huge wave of influence in the fashion world, making it a topic we must explore and discuss here at Savvy Style.
Just as Mad Men made a huge splash within the fashion empire a few seasons back, with designers emulating the show’s retro American 50’s wear, reworking it in their collections, Downton Abbey caused a resurgence of the use of lush, luxurious fabrics, and vintage, flapper inspired accessories.
But don’t worry, ladies, you don’t need to look like you just stepped out of the post-Edwardian era. Here are some practical ways you adopt the Crawley sisters look into your wardrobe.
Lace
Work in a little lace to your work ensemble by purchasing a neutral coloured lace pencil skirt. Just make sure nothing is see-through and that it is long enough to make it work appropriate! For dinners and drinks out, however, be a little daring and wear a lace top with a camisole underneath. Or even go for a fitted, lace dress in a dark navy or black. One of Savvy Style’s favourites? Gorgeous long delicate lace sleeves.
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| Boden |
Beading & Embroidery
Introduce some beautiful embroidery and beading into your autumn wardrobe by keeping an eye out for blouses and cardigans with such delicate designs. Pair it with something understated to keep everything in balance. Purchase a flapper inspired dress with sequins and intricate weaving for the evenings and special occasions.
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| J. Crew |
Brocade
This is the must have fabric for the season. Wear it as a blazer (there are lots of lovely brocade blazers popping up in stores this fall) or as a pencil skirt for work. When the weather gets a little cooler later on in the year, you can even wear it as a full length statement coat.
A fabric not usually worn on an everyday basis, introduce some chiffon dresses to your evening wear. Look for classic styles and cuts with a little vintage edge. Soft, flowy and feminine, this is a material that should be carefully taken care of. Try some empire waisted styles a la the Crawley sisters. Always remember to feel comfortable in what you are wearing.
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| J. Crew at Lane Crawford |
Velvet
Wear a velvet camisole under your work blazer during the day, and a slinky velvet dress for your nights out. Or even try this season's velvet fitted jackets, like this one from the newest J. Crew line here at Hong Kong's very own Lane Crawford.
When winter starts to roll around, why not try out some elbow high gloves? Inspired by the Crawley sisters, try satin or velvet for those special occasions, or even go bolder and try out some leather gloves (if Hong Kong gets cold enough) Another Downton Abbey-esque accessory? Vintage 1920’s women’s bowler hats for the colder months. If all of this is a little too much for you, then dip your toe in the shallow end and purchase some gorgeous pearl and diamante hair berets or broaches. Delicate, chandelier necklaces are also right on trend.
