H O O K E D - Timeless Fashion

Timeless Fashion

Written by Rachel Xu and Unmukt Goel

Fashion houses ruthlessly churn out new trends each season to coyly tease our senses, all while constructing an endless pursuit which our financial capabilities fall terribly short of. Yet if one has a keen sense of style, you would realize how transient most of these trends actually are.

HOOKED thus brings you an article to intervene in your fashion addict ~~disastrous~~ ways.

        First and foremost, voice out the following statement to yourself:

        'I am ___________ and I am a deluded fashion addict (disaster).'

        Acceptance, darling, is always the first step to recovery.

        This acknowledgment of our plight should be followed up with an appropriate course of action which is to reexamine your shopping habit and choices. Before purchasing or just plain fantasizing about the drool worthy (gorgeous, fantastic, exceptional...) Balenciaga dress that you saw on editorials, you ought to take a look at your cupboard and be certain you have these timeless pieces that would last you till the day (and for many years to come) you actually manage to purchase that work of art.

        If you have yet to be mesmerized and utterly fanatic about the world of fashion, you still need these pieces to be socially accepted.

FOR THE GIRLS

1) (Little) Black Dress

        Yes, the ubiquitous (L)BD.

        This piece, ladies, can bring you far. Gender disparity, in my opinion, is only physical, because our mental capacity is definitely comparable (diplomatically put) than the general male populace.

        Coupled with this killer dress, we win hands down. Sadly, the world is really that superficial.

        A note of caution, the word ‘little' should be taken with a pinch of salt. The cut of your dress ought to be flattering and not look like you could not afford adequate fabric to cover more than the (in)conspicuous spots.

        This piece is EVERYWHERE. All high-street fashion shops have their own interpretation of this iconic piece. If you barf at the possibility of having to see another person with an identical dress, be an adventurous little minx and go to shops that carry limited pieces from lesser known designers.

2) Fitted Jeans

        A well cut pair of jeans is a requisite piece for every wardrobe.

        This pair will be your soul-mate on your casual/semi-formal days. The difficulty lies in acquiring the right pair of jeans for your frame because you should be the one wearing the denim and not the other way around. Don't get caught up in it-cut of the moment (read: SKINNY JEANS ARE NOT MEANT FOR EVERY GIRL).

        If you are hesitant which pair you should invest in, don't be wary about asking the sales associates at the store, who will most probably have precious goblets of advice to dispense.

        It is also tres important that everybody should realize that Levi's is not the only denim apparel store available in the world.

        There is nothing wrong in having firm faith in the brand and its ability to clothe your pins in 501 (ver2000) but if you are feeling adventurous, look for other designers that offer equally good quality and possibly more interesting choices and fits.

        HOOKED recommends Made in Heaven (MiH) that will be retailed at The Link come end of March. Though definitely a tad pricier, this designer sure knows her denim.

3) Heels

        One can never over emphasis the importance of having a good pair of heels.

        Spare yourself the agony of ill-fitting heels that would more appropriately be a perfect torture tool. A sturdy heel and a comfortable, sleek design are essential for a good pair of heels to be timeless in essence.

        Your best bet would be to invest in a pair of versatile black pumps, which is an absolute classic.

        Nine West and Aldo have a great affordable range that would cater to a tight budget.

4) The White Shirt

    A white shirt is an absolute essential and a gem of a piece that, depending on what it is paired with, can be used for both day and evening.

        When purchasing a white shirt, a good fit is an absolute must; the trend that extols wearing your boyfriend's shirt is over-hyped. One should only fall prey to this trend if your boyfriend is not a monstrous athlete (read: the Hulk) whose shirt makes you look like you recycled your ghost outfit from Halloween.

For us sad undergraduates whose purse strings are pitiable, GAP offers a good range of fitted shirts that will stay in your wardrobe through the seasons. If you eschew the notion of buying something mass produced, Baylene offers a good alternative with well-cut and quirky shirts at a non-ridiculous price.

5) Watch

        Who said a good pair of watch is only essential for a man's wardrobe? Us girls should also have one that is a subtle yet essential piece for any conceivable outfit.

        Avoid purchasing anything that looks like a designer went crazy with her rhinestone/crystal collection. Look for a chic and sleek piece that doesn't scream ‘I am BLING and not genuine leather!'

        Minimalist and sharp looks rule in CK's watch collections and each piece bought is guaranteed a sizable fashion lifespan.

        Take this as a stepping stone before acquiring your Cartier.

FOR THE BOYS

        From the frigidly formal attire till the early twentieth century, the hippie wear of the 70's, carelessly casual wear of the 80's and 90's, to the blingy and torn-in-all-places clothes of today, the fashion industry has undergone a revolutionary metamorphosis.

        While bell bottoms and double breasted suits, among other things, have wavered in and out of fashion over the decades, there are certain fashion statements that we will never be bored of.

        HOOKED looks at some of these timeless fashion statements that the guys can get their hands on.

1) Black Leather Shoes

        As the saying goes, a lot can be said about a man by the shoes he wears.

        Black, patent leather shoes have always been a symbol of class and sophistication. Not only do they go well with the tuxedo and black tie, they also accentuate the style with jeans and other casual wear.

        Coming in all shapes (and sizes of course), leather shoes are a classic fashion statement that will always have a unique appeal.

2) Denim Jeans

        Originally intended for work, denim jeans have gained popularity over the years and become a popular fashion statement.

        Today, shops sell them in every style and color possible. However, despite the phenomenal explosion in variety, jeans reflect the same casual yet smart style.

It is impossible to go wrong with jeans - they go well with almost any combination of clothes, and almost everybody wears them these days.

Increasingly, they are replacing pants and Bermuda shorts, as everyone rushes to get their very own pair of Levi's or Wranglers.

3) The White Shirt

        You'd be surprised as to how many styles and types of plain white shirts are available in the market.

        Aside from the technicalities of this area of fashion however, the fact is that the White Shirt is a timeless piece of fashion that exuberates elegance, just as the Little Black Dress does for women.

        With its universal appeal, the White Shirt blends impeccably with jeans, black tie and formal wear. From traditional cotton and haute couture silk to modern linen shirts, the range of materials and designs in which white shirts are available is endless.

black_tie

4) The Necktie

      Traceable to the Steinkirk of the late 1600's, the necktie is a timeless piece of fashion that has evolved through the ages.

        It was preceded by the Cravat and the Ascot, both of which you probably would have never heard of. All the same, the neck tie has come to be an essential element of formal wear. It is also being worn with informal and party wear nowadays.

        Classic designs such as the striped tie and plain silk ties are smart and elegant fashion items that every man's wardrobe must have. Whether it's striped, plain, narrow or broad, neck ties will always be a popular fashion accessory.

5) Ray Ban Aviators

    Completing the look are the famous Ray Ban Aviators.

These teardrop shaped sunglasses that were developed in 1937, have increasingly gained popularity the world over.

Coming in various shades of silver or gold coloured frames, these sunglasses have a classic look and have been copied by several designers. No longer limited to pilots and military personnel, Aviators complement a casual look, and have been popularized by celebrities like Tom Cruise and Will Smith. HOOKED

Images courtesy of:
http://www.topshop.com/
http://www.calvinklein.com/
http://www.ilovejeans.co.uk/
http://www.ninewest.com/
http://www.baylene.com/

Comments
Written by Guest on 2008-03-12 01:07:38
While I do agree that the Little Black dress (LBD) is a classic piece and every woman should invest in her own version of it, the dress featured in the article is just plain ugly.. :sigh
Written by Guest on 2008-03-12 02:28:14
Even the guys shoes don't look like leather shoes
Written by Guest on 2008-03-12 10:26:23
as good as saying underwear is a timeless piece.
Written by Guest on 2008-03-13 07:18:55
"Written by Guest on 2008-03-12 10:26:23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
as good as saying underwear is a timeless piece."

Yeah, totally!
Written by Guest on 2008-03-14 01:06:48
This article is rubbish. "One can never over emphasis the importance of having a good pair of heels." They can't even get the language right.
"as good as saying underwear is a timel
Written by Guest on 2008-03-16 16:05:06
Instead of telling everyone what they already know. why not write about something like the different styles and types of white shirts available as you mentioned; the different types of cuffs, collars and cuts. that would be more interesting than this piece of rubbish.
Written by Guest on 2008-03-26 12:58:11
isnt that what people wear EVERYDAY? how is tt timeless? its routine.
Written by Guest on 2008-04-06 22:12:45
hey seriously, give the writers a break. they're writing this while doing modules like us. certainly, the tenses could be overlooked. n it's not like nus is a fashion house, a lot of people do wear like crap to school.

Write Comment
Name: Guest
Title:
Comment:

< Prev		Next >