Practicality, accuracy and restraint of the British are the hallmark of the entire nation. A serious attitude towards any life circumstances equally extends to the habit of dressing. The British style of clothing is quite consistent with the strict and restrained behavior of people. It's hard to imagine a typical Englishman wearing a colorful Hawaiian shirt, a casual suit or colorful shoes. But comfortable, functional, well-tailored clothes that fit the figure well - this is the classic British set.
A little about the history of style
The formation of the English aristocracy at the turn of the 15th-16th centuries entailed numerous changes in the structure of life. Global transformations have also affected the appearance of people.
In the formation of fashionable images, neatness and elegance were especially valued. Women and men equally carefully selected all the details of the costume, avoiding pomp and pretentious forms. Simple formal clothing was practical and comfortable.
The traditions of British style have survived to this day, having little exposure to fashion trends over the past centuries. Thus, the English image over time acquired the status of a classical style.
Modern style and its trends
Although the English style retains the main trends that have developed over the years, in the 21st century it still acquired a number of features. It is taken as a basis and considered a starting point when new directions are developed. They talk about the authoritarianism and great fashion opportunities of Foggy Albion.
Vanguard
Vivienne Westwood is the founder of the avant-garde, who upset the unshakable traditions. She wanted to get away from the dullness by introducing rich colors and fancy accessories. Everything that is passed off as avant-garde today demonstrates the spirit of rebellion and protest against existing rules. Being the queen of punk, Vivien introduced exquisite and unusual decorative elements into the established style, in particular rivets, embroidery, and clubs. The fabrics on her clothes are decorated with abstract prints; the colors from which it is made are different, including those that cannot be combined with each other.
It is not surprising that many stylists call the fruits of Vivien’s creativity the fantasy of an urban crazy woman.
Retro
The name of this direction is well known to many. Everyone knows that this style is based on the transfer of images of the 40-50s. twentieth century. During difficult years for the whole world, ladies wore dresses with small flowers with romantic colors and tulip skirts. This is all in fashion today, but with some amendments.
Ladies wear an elegant tuxedo or long jacket with their suit. If they choose trousers, then only those that emphasize the slenderness of their legs. A dress for going out is taken with an open back and a long train.
The remaining details that form the image, be it makeup, hairstyle and manicure, should be discreet, but noticeable. You can easily dress up an evening dress by taking with you to a party a hat, a clutch bag or a cane in sparkles and rhinestones.
Country
This so-called English country style is practical and simple at the same time.
Fashionistas who are unlucky enough to live in a big city put on breeches with suspenders with a blouse, put a straw hat on their head, and shoes without straps on their feet, and go about their business.
Hipster style
In the 40s In the USA, a youth subculture arose, which includes the hipster person. At first, the word was used to describe people who listened to jazz, loved art, and the fruits of the modern film industry. Today, hipsters are young people between the ages of 15 and 30. Since young people always choose bright and new directions in music and worship everything modern in culture and photography, it is not surprising that they prefer their own special style of clothing.
This style is bright, unforgettable, easily recognizable on Instagram pages. Representatives of this subculture love to be photographed in strange poses and bright clothes. The basis of the style is vintage combined with modernity . Young people's wardrobes are full of tight jeans and brightly colored sneakers. In addition, they have platform shoes, eye-catching scarves, chunky glasses, oddly styled hats, plaid shirts, chunky knit deer print sweaters, tights, shorts and tank tops in all sorts of colors.
Sometimes, behind all this bright shell there are subtle and vulnerable personalities who always take everything to heart. The youth themselves believe that only in bright clothes they do not blend in with the crowd, full of “grayness,” restraint and wretchedness.
Well, their direction, born out of a reluctance to follow the classical canons, has a right to exist!
British style in men's clothing
Restraint and brevity of behavior are reflected in people’s wardrobes. The basis of a typical male look is created by a traditional three-piece suit, consisting of a jacket, vest and trousers. The classic cut of clothing requires a person to have a straight posture, restrained behavior and good manners.
Organic materials such as cotton, wool, tweed and jersey are used in tailoring. The main requirement for fabrics is excellent quality and good quality. Monochromatic types of cool, muted colors are more often used. Patterns in the form of small tartan checks are also popular.
In a suit, the main attention is paid to the jacket, which should be tailored precisely to the figure. The vest is used as desired; it is more suitable for special occasions and important business meetings. In the absence of a strict dress code, the suit is replaced with jeans and a thin pullover or knitted vest.
British style offers very few accessories for a man's look. Usually this is a handkerchief in the top pocket of a jacket, an umbrella cane, a designer watch, and respectable glasses. The color of leather shoes should completely match the entire suit.
How to dress in English style: a woman’s basic wardrobe (with photos)
The basic women's wardrobe includes outerwear, suits, skirts, dresses, jackets, shoes and hats.
Outerwear
Winter and mid-season clothes in the English style cannot be called warm. It is quite consistent with the UK climate with rainy autumns and not very frosty winters.
Take a coat as the basis for a warm wardrobe: straight or slightly fitted, with or without a belt, knee-length or mid-calf. In case of winter frosts, prepare an insulated coat with a small fur collar and a decorative row of buttons that are not used for fastening.
For autumn, prepare a conservative raincoat or poncho. The main thing is no lacquered elements or rhinestones, which are in dissonance with the English style.
Suits
The next element of a woman's wardrobe is a conservative suit. It owes its appearance to Coco Chanel, who at the beginning of the twentieth century first introduced the world to the ladies’ “two piece” in the form of a tight skirt and a strict jacket.
Your classic suit should have a straight or semi-fitted silhouette. Leave only your neck, hands, calves and ankles exposed. Make sure that the buttons are compact and match the tone of the suit. You can choose the option with one cut or slot.
If you are young, energetic and want to be creative, try complementing the English style with high-waisted trousers, jackets without sides, and tapered styles.
Skirts
To match the representatives of Foggy Albion, choose skirts in the shape of a tulip or pencil, made of smooth or pleated fabric, with a vent, raised seams or a wrap. Decorate the belt with a buckle, facing, and belt loops.
Combine skirts with classic-cut blouses. If the sleeves of the blouse are less than 3/4, then put on a jacket on top.
Jackets
The classic English jacket has a semi-fitted silhouette, tailored to the figure. Darts allow you to emphasize the chest line and waist. The product reaches the middle of the thigh or rises slightly above the hip line.
Dresses
A ladies' wardrobe in the English style cannot be imagined without dresses. The main requirement for them is that the product must follow the lines of the figure and have the shape of an elongated rectangle. The neckline is small, closed, and the sleeves are set-in. Thin straps are acceptable.
The length of the English dress is midi or maxi. The midi dress reaches to the knee, the maxi goes to the ankle or to the floor.
Make a sheath dress the main element of your English wardrobe, which goes well with pumps and classic jackets. The basis of a formal look can be the same sheath dress or a version with a flared skirt.
Hats
An integral attribute of the English style are round hats with small or medium brims and classic berets made from natural fabrics. You can decorate your hats with brooches or stones. The color of the decor should be as close as possible to the color of the headdress.
Shoes
English women prefer comfortable, practical shoes. The favorite shoes of elegant ladies are pumps with heels. The style should be closed. Either an open heel or an open toe is allowed.
If you spend a lot of time on your feet, choose comfortable moccasins or simple ballet flats. Let's say decor in the form of a small bow or fringe.
For everyday wear, look at broncs, oxfords and derbies. The main thing is that the shoes are closed and have low soles.
Accessories
English women prefer modest, discreet accessories: scarves made of natural fabrics, leather gloves, roomy bags. Choose neck scarves or scarves so that they match the tone of the main ensemble and successfully complement it.
High-quality clothing does not need additional accents, so jewelry should be expensive, but not provocative. Complete the look with a string of pearls or a miniature brooch with iridescent diamonds.
Clothing in the English style is the standard of good taste. It fits the figure, emphasizes feminine shapes, but does not seem provocative or sexy. This style demonstrates restraint in everything. From it you can get many ideas for creating business and casual ensembles.
The main features of the English wardrobe
The features of British style are timeless and passed on from generation to generation. It is a reflection of the comfort and reliability of good old England.
Men's wardrobe
In the men's wardrobe, classic Scottish tartan seamlessly combines with military elements, waxed jackets coexist with tailored and tailored suits. Here are its main elements:
- suits (three-piece, two-piece);
- slightly tapered high-waisted trousers;
- shirts (striped, checkered, plain);
- blazer;
- blazer;
- sweater, jumper, pullover;
- warm trench coat;
- Polo shirt;
- shoes, boots.
The look of a modern dandy would not be complete without accessories. You can add a tweed cap, a warm neck scarf, eccentric suspenders, ironic cufflinks, an umbrella cane, a tie with a diamond or herringbone pattern, a silk pocket square (this is the only detail that can be bright).
Women's wardrobe
Fashion trends in British style allow you to turn ordinary ladies into true, feminine and sophisticated ladies. The following wardrobe items contribute to this:
- classic suits;
- fitted jackets;
- laconic sheath dresses;
- knee-length skirts;
- blouses;
- warm coats, trench coats, duffle coats, reefer peacoats;
- pumps, ankle boots, high-top boots.
The limited list of accessories includes a spacious bag, warm scarves, leather gloves, expensive jewelry or real jewelry. Restraint of accessories and their highest quality are encouraged.
Men
The English style of clothing for men has similar features. Strictness, sophistication and simplicity are inherent in followers of both sexes. The basis of a man's wardrobe consists of jackets made of thick fabrics, plain and checkered shirts, trousers, coats, knitted sweaters, and classic ties.
Suits can be straight cut or slightly fitted. The traditional English style of men's clothing involves wearing suspenders.
Aristocrat on vacation
English country style clothing is less formal. An interesting detail is added - a pullover. It can be blue, dark red or burgundy, that is, the color scheme is not as strict as in the classic version. A must-have attribute is a checkered shirt. The tie is wool and also checkered, sometimes plain. The Brit's leisure suit is a blazer with elbow patches. The photo clearly shows that the Englishman remains a gentleman even in nature.
Patterned shoes or brogues are suitable for footwear. Initially, these were boots with many small holes, which made it possible to get rid of water when forced to walk through swamps. It also aided ventilation and drying. Today, perforation is decorative. A tweed cap on your head will complete the look of an aristocrat on a walk.
British classics, despite its conservatism, have become the starting point for many popular trends, such as avant-garde, vintage, country, retro and hipster style.
Other characteristics of the fashion trend
Despite the unshakability of the main trends, the modern English style of clothing has nevertheless been enriched with various features. It was he who became the starting point for the development of new directions. Describing some of them will help to better understand the enduring authority and great opportunities of British fashion.
Vanguard
The founder of a non-trivial style opportunity was fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. She dared to challenge tradition by diversifying her fashion luggage with bright colors and unusual accessories. Her collections are permeated with the spirit of rebellion and protest against generally accepted rules. Vivienne Westwood has been called the queen of punk. Her clothes are decorated with numerous decorative elements - pins, embroidery, rivets. Fabrics often have the most unexpected designs in the form of abstract images. Sets often combine incompatible colors.
Suitable fabrics and colors
The British choose exclusively natural fabrics.
Preference is given to wool, silk and cotton fabrics that do not contain glitter or synthetic substances. The use of stretch, lycra and lurex in the English style is inappropriate. Due to the specific climate, warm and extremely comfortable fabrics are especially in demand. Among them are cashmere, jersey and tweed. Children's wardrobe items are often made from these materials. Prints in the English stylistic direction are quite appropriate. True, in this case they are also special. The constant leader is considered to be a cell presented in various forms. For example, tattersall, goose slipper and argyle are especially in demand. Even national dresses contain details of these prints. In addition, the use of well-known Scottish checks and stripes is also relevant.
When choosing colors, preference is given to a muted palette. Instead of red, lingonberry is used, green is replaced by mustard, and sunny yellow is replaced by beige. Rich shades are appropriate only as print elements or in individual accessories.
The most popular shades in the English stylistic direction are snow-white and black. In addition, it is appropriate to use a blue, peach, blue and brown palette. It is worth noting that most wardrobe items are plain. The only exceptions are striped and checkered items.
