Dressing up can be quite a hectic job! However, most men and women might choose to differ if they feel that clothing is truly an investment. Apart from exploring a plethora of options at retail outlets and ecommerce platforms, we do love the idea of going back in time and checking out traditional dresses or specific state and country-based clothing, most of which are making a comeback. For example, casual maxi dresses have long been a favorite of women of all ages, and these dresses are making a grand comeback.
If you loved the romantic novels pertaining to the 19th century and how women sparkled in top hats, bustles, corsets and bonnets, it must also be known that their elaborate dressing etiquette can be a tad difficult to manage in the current times. Mostly, they slipped into lighter and loose-fitting morning dresses – true classics of medieval fashion. During evenings however, they preferred body-fitting clothes (like gowns) that accentuated women’s figures. No wonder, you can pick countless such options in stores now.
In Japan, the varieties were endless. Kimonos were common picks, which are now soon becoming a rage! Long back, these age-old, ‘full-length robes’ that women wore during special, formal occasions or festivals showcased how politely they conducted themselves. In fact, kimonos were largely inspired by kantoi, a one-piece dress without sleeves. What is even more interesting is that these clothes were sewn by artists using their hands. Naturally, hand stitching requires precision and skill and wasn’t any mean job! Now of course, clothes can be manufactured in bulk and that too using high-end machinery.
Parts of West and North Africa had men and women wearing a typical wide-sleeved robe called ‘agbada’- the traditional clothing. In most cases, the garment had some intricate embroidery on it and people mostly wore them during special ceremonies. The fabrics were mostly colorful and the patterns even reflected the individual styles of wearers.
The options in traditional attire in America would make anyone spellbound. But did you know that in Northern America, the term costume that denoted ‘traditional dress’ was considered derogatory by few native communities? Instead, they prefer to call them folk costumes. Certain indigenous groups in Southern America had an iconic attire called ‘Quechuas’, which were mostly found in households of Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Chile to name a few. In addition to that, they had ponchos (mainstream clothing at present). Even if the robes are now customized as per individual preferences, ponchos are still hot favorites for many!
In most cases, traditional clothes offer a sneak peek into the rich culture, ethos and legacy of certain tribes, communities or a specific time period or country. Retro vintage looks never really go out of fashion. If you browse through the sexy tops for women available online, you can realize this even better.