classicstyle – Her Tinted Closet

The Bodycon Dress!!!

May 27, 2019September 4, 2019 Rupika Chopra33 Comments

The Bodycon Dress :

The famous “Bodycon dress” has been a first love for many. It has been quite popular from the 50’s among those who want to look chic, sexy and elegant. As the word suggests, Bodycon has been derived from the word – “Body Conscious”. It has long been a part of classic dressing and is a statement in itself.

It is a perfect accessory for the body. I feel if you can adorn a bodycon dress with grace, you can carry any outfit like it is your second skin. They are designed to perfectly fit a woman’s figure and never fails to look flattering.

My summer closet has many fitted colourful dresses. But the one’s I have added recently are the more casual one’s, like the one I am wearing. A fitted dress does more talking than most styles. They ooze simplicity out of your personality.

I love the cotton lycra dresses as they are soft and close to comfort during summer season. These dresses look good in many fabrics like velvet, silk, lace, polyester, etc. Bodycons make an unforgettable impact.

Mid – Thigh stretch dresses have been trendy and a go to dress for a night out. Designer Herve Leger invented the “Bandage Dress” in 1989 that swarmed the world of fashion. It was on the runways making everyone drool. It was originally known as “the bender” as it moulds the body perfectly. These dresses are unquestionably sexy and timeless.

There is some sense of confidence this dress oozes as it wraps you completely, flaunting your curves with elegance. Today one has many options to choose from high end brands to the high street one’s, offering multiple choices in fabrics and cuts. I love wearing the bodycon dresses but this summer I decided to add some longer ones as there vibe is more Vintage.

Fitted dresses have been in vogue from the 1950’s. I have aways found that a good fitted dress makes anyone beam like a Diva. The more informal fitted dress like mine is loved by the liberated generation as it is casual and trendy. The black dress with the “Love stripe” on both sides makes is a perky casual outfit. It clearly defies the old boring conservative styles.

Remember the famous peace – T shirts? They always make a statement and reflects a state of mind of the one wearing it. Love is a powerful emotion and I simply love flaunting the message on my dress. It makes me happy and empowered. These dresses are fun and can be worn to an informal get together with absolute flair.

I like hanging around in the long fitted dresses as they allow you the freedom of movement with style. Of course, the more you enjoy a dress, it shows in your body language and that is the advantage of dressing in a long bodycon dress.

Sneakers have come back with a big bang and today they are also being worn with formals and informal outfits. Sneakers are not only comfortable but are the new cool. They look perfect when teamed with dresses and suits.

I am wearing a stripy bodycon dress with sneakers and they make me look sporty and strong. Today strong is the new sexy and I love to see that fashion is going back to basics. In the 70’s and 80’s people wore sneakers with just everything and there you go, it is back again with so much glamour devoted to it. Sneakers are the millennials stilletos. They give a relaxed and strong vibe. It just looks a non complex choice.

I find the combination of sneakers & bodycon dress a powerful one. It has a no fuss vibe. It is one of my favourite look this summer. I love to accessorise it with a simple belt as it accentuates the waist, making you look absolutely stunning. A belt always adds more body to your style.

So this summer grab your flattering bodycon and flaunt those curves with much ease.

Dress : H&M , Shoes : ZARA , Belt : D&G

The unconventional “BELL BOTTOMS”!!

May 1, 2019September 4, 2019 Rupika Chopra23 Comments

Ring a Bell – with “THE BELL BOTTOMS” :

Bell Bottoms or the flared pants are the coolest depiction of a personality with distinctive views and someone who is a lethal combination of being firm, strong and liberated at the same time.

Bell bottoms are worn by “history makers”. There is something inspiring about the the flared styled bottoms that only a personality loaded with passion can do justice to this creation. I know skinny jeans and pants look amazing as well but the spell of “bell bottoms” is UNMATCHED.

Bell bottoms have been my best mate from High School. Just like one has an “X Factor ” and the other “does not” – the same way one either likes the “bell bottoms” or does not. “Bells” are worn by the Go – getters and dream weavers.

My dress code on a casual day is an absolute well fitted flared denims / pants with a statement belt, combined with a T- Shirt / Shirt. I am simply a cowgirl in my heart and soul. I not only love horses, but I love the euphoria of breaking the norm that bell bottoms can create. The “cowgirl” in me instantly awakens as I brace myself in the magical flared pants. And yes, when I add a “hat” and “boots” to the look, I ain’t stopping for anyone!!

The “flared legs” were originally made in the 17th century for men working on the boat, as they could be easily rolled up while washing the decks. It became the uniform of the U.S Navy in the 1950’s. And if the sailors fell overboard the pants could be easily pulled off over boots or shoes. They could also be filled with air and used as a floatation device. So bell bottoms emerged from the functionality and the ease it created. In the 1960’s and 70’s “Bell Bottoms” became extremely popular as they were simply unconventional and cool. The youth began to love the flared pants for the same reason, rebuking the old fashion and expressing their love for freedom.

During the 1960’s, those among the youth who did not conform to the conservative styles of dressing, fell in love with the then inexpensive “Bell Bottoms”. Young people at that time shopped for the flared bottoms at the Military surplus stores. Wearing a part of the old military uniform added much appeal to their personality reflecting change and strength. The “Bell Bottoms” became a symbol of the rebellious one’s in the 60’s.

The youth painted the pants with colourful peace symbols and embroidered flowers, to promote the Anti War message to the world, showing how much they were against the Vietnam War that took place from (1954 – 75).

Flared pants became so much of a rage, but those who could not find them, often made their own flared pants by cutting the sides and attaching an extra triangle cloth to be fashionable.

By the 1970’s, the designers had started manufacturing the bell bottoms in different fabrics like denims, satin, cotton, polyester. Both men and women started wearing them with zest and liberation. My favourite singer Cher, James Brown wore “bells” with absolute style. Some of the flared pants were so wide at the bottom that they were also called the “Elephant Bells “.

They became popular among the pop stars and became an outlandish symbol of glamour. From printed to shimmery all sorts of bell pants were seen worn in the 70’s. The trend successfully continued in the 80’s as well. But also straight pants and denims had taken over the fashion scenario again. But none the less the style picked up momentum in the 90’s and since then it has been repeatedly on the runways across the world.

The bell styles today are inspired by the funky designs of the past and now bell pants can also be seen on the lace fabric. Infact, I recently picked up a lace suit with lace bell pants being an attractive element of the outfit. It is seldom that I will miss out on a well fitted bell bottoms ever, as one does not find them easily and even when the new styles are produced by brands, they are the first one’s to be grabbed from the shelf.

In the 70’s the “bells” were more high waited one’s. But now the ” bells ” are modified to the mid waist and low waist huggers. I love the fact we go back to where we started when it comes to fashion and the evolution today matches the basics of yesterday.

Some of my favourite designers for the bell bottoms are Celine, Elisabetta Franchi, True Religion, Balmain, Zara, TOPSHOP, J Brand, For All Mankind, Frame, D&G, YSL, DONDUP, Stella McCartney, Sonia Rykiel, Liu JO etc. These brands have the most fabulous fits that sits like a glove on your bottom.

Adorning “bell bottoms” gives you a BOHO vibe. When you wear your bell bottoms with a shirt just like mine, it takes you to an era. My “red polka” shirt is completely retro and takes one back to the 80’s style. I love to wear linen flare pants in the summer season. They are simply chic and breathable.

My satin bell pants are sultry and fun as well but these can be worn to formal occasions. Whatever the fabric may be ” bells ” are a statement in it self. So grab the best hugging bell bottoms this season and team it up with a funky top or a shirt. Spice up your look with accessories and perfect stilettos and go on and flaunt your FLARES with all your Flair!!

Denims : J Brand , Shirt : Haws & Curtis , Satin Shirt : ZARA , Pants : ZARA

Power Up in Suits!!!

April 21, 2019September 4, 2019 Rupika Chopra15 Comments

Power Dressing is SIMPLY SEXY:

“Clothes maketh the Man” has been the famous saying which became popular from the 16th Century. And when it comes to being perked up in a well cut suit, it better make you look beyond “dapper”. Power dressing has always been the real meat for me in my closet. It has so much to say with those fine cuts. It defines your persona and gives a no nonsense vibe. It defines your determined outlook towards life.

Power dressing is classy and reflects a personality of a person, potent with style, discipline, vision, integrity, responsibility, grace and character. Power dressing has always been used by men and women to dignify themselves and their positions, in the field of their work. Power dressing sets the tone for an individual to be treated in a respectable manner. Wearing a well cut suit is like a silent command to others to deliver their best and be treated with a sense of clout.

“Suiting up” has a lot to do with how you feel about yourself. The way one carries one’s suit, is a real art of displaying grace and grandeur.

In 1870’s Actress Sarah Bernhardt scandalized Paris by wearing a “custom made suit”. It liberated women and they wore these suits for riding, walking and outdoor activities. These “Boy Clothes” became the place of salvation for women.

Gabriella Coco Chanel gifted the world with “Timeless Suits” in the year 1914 that gave women a sense of freedom and power among men.

Women took to Pant – Suit in the 1920’s with “hats” and looked exclusive.

Katherine Hepburn supported the masculine look with much oomph and resplendence. She was called “The First Lady Of Menswear”. She also supported power shoulders during the 1930’s, proving she was far sighted with her “rebellious fashion sense”.

The “hulky” shoulders were loved by the most glamorous women of the time like Joan Crawford, Ann Blyth, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Natalie wood, etc. were all seen in the dynamic “waist hugging suits”.

And the trend continued to spark the fashion scene for decades. Even today, I run to my blazers if I want that edge over other outfits. I wear the blazers on torn denims, pants, skirts, dresses and shorts. A well cut jacket or even a loose style suit gives you much eminence to make heads turn.

From Royal Women to the professionals all have looked spectacular in their outfits in the 1980’s. Princess Diana was immaculately dressed in them making “power dressing” a phenomenon.

“Power dressing” was a phrase originally used in the 1970’s in America and by the 1980’s everyone was wearing the debonair outfit. Tailored Jackets, shoulder pads, tapered pants and slim cut skirts were the coolest innovation.

The look was at it’s peak when Michael Jackson wore a “suit” in his famous song “Smooth Criminal” in 1988. The famous movie “Working Girl” gave a new sense of being to women evolving with a “fearless demeanour” in the 80’s.

Many women in the political scenario fell in love with the empowering sets. Jacqueline Kennedy was a benchmark of grace and her streamlined suits were marvellously worn with pearls and hats. Margaret Thatcher, Hillary Clinton etc. have adorned suits with much sophistication as well.

And the trend continued to spark the fashion scene for decades. In the present scenario they have made a gallant come back with bold prints and cuts. They are being worn to every occasion. From formal to casual, now suits are worn with a pair of heels and cool sneakers as well. Depends on how you want to look.

Remember the very talented singer, Lady Gaga recently wore an oversized suit to the Elle Magazine’s Women in Hollywood Event. She looked endearing!!!

I can never forget a picture of Eva Mendes flaunting her well toned curves in a perfectly tailored suit. She looked beyond vivacious. The saying less is more – Well in this case – more is certainly leaving the world restless ! 🙂

Sneakers worn with suits look urban, cool yet affirmative and desirable. With super formal suits like mine one can choose to also wear flat shoes or white sneakers and stand apart.

Brands like D&G, Sandro, Kooples, Topshop, Zara, Marc Jacobs, Whistles, Balmain, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Marina Rinaldi, Elisabetta Franchi, Mango, La Vie Rebbeca Taylor, Nordstrom, ASOS etc. have some great collection of suits that one check out.

My black Tux looks rather sexy and sophisticated. I love this suit for its confident, charming, suave vibe. It fits me like a glove and also is beautifully designed with detailing on the pants and jacket . An outfit like this one is enough to make you feel nothing less than a bond girl.

I am absolutely in love with the “Pink Suit” I am wearing. I styled it all formal with pearls and heels. This outfit looks spectacular when worn to any formal event. From shows, events, promotions, parties to after parties you will look charismatic and stunningly poised. One can carry a classic Chanel bag or a simple bag that adds to the simplicity of the outfit with a fresh and minimalistic make up and let your personality shine through it.

I feel a “suit” allows you to be “UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOURSELF”!!!

So grab yours this season and flatter your senses!!

Pink Suit : ZARA , Pink shoes : LYN, Shirt : ZARA , Black Tux : ZARA , Bag : CHANEL, Black Shoes : L.K. BENNETT

Sailing in Stripes!!!

February 12, 2019September 4, 2019 Rupika Chopra42 Comments

The Breton Stripes 🙂

Ola Everyone! So If you peep into anyone’s closet, you are sure to find a Striped T – Shirt, Shirt or a Sweater hanging in there. There is almost no one I know, who does not own a striped garment. It is like missing the basics in your fashion wardrobe. Stripes are simply cool and casual. There is something easy going about stripes yet they distinguish you from the rest impeccably. From black and white to colourful stripes they are scorching the runways for years now and in the present scenario Stripes are the real attention seekers. Skin fit dresses, pants, blazers, formal dresses in organza and silk etc. have been eye catching at the Fashion Weeks in London, Paris, Milan and New York.

Breaking the taboos of the past – Stripes have catapult itself to being chic on the high street fashion scene.

Stripes have come a long way from the Medieval times, when it was considered demeaning to wear them. During that time, it was a uniform worn by the prisoners, criminals including sex workers, clowns, jugglers etc. By the 18th Century, Europe witnessed this pattern as being accepted as fashionable by all. More sporty and casual attires were being produced in this design by then. Courtesy Queen Victoria, who in 1946 dressed her four-year-old son, Albert Edward in a sailor suit to board the Royal Yacht. Since then, stripes became the latest fad for one and all.

The 1958 Act of France made it imperative for the sailors in the French Rivera to be dressed in blue and white striped woven jersey’s bearing 21 horizontal lines as their uniform, known as the “Mariniere”. This law was passed so that the men of the French Navy could easily be spotted incase of emergencies or was overboard.

The classic Breton Stripe (navy blue and white stripped) T – shirts originated from a place called Brittany in France. Later in the year 1917, the famous french designer Gabriella Coco Chanel visited the coast and was taken aback by the striking stripes on the jerseys of the seaman. She then launched her Nautical Collection with Breton Stripe Tops and Jerseys and soon it became a rage among the posh heads as well.

By then Hollywood was smitten by these bar codes and you could see the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Jean Seberg, Brigitte Bardot etc. wear them on boats and at leisure with much panache with high waisted trousers and jackets.

By the 20th Century, United States also gave up the badge of shame attached to this striking pattern and it became the coolest attire for the punk rock lovers who wore these striped shirts under their biker jackets.

Stripes look dynamic worn both to work or a night out. You can easily decide the vibe you want out of a this pattern …..you can always team it up with right accessories and change the look. In one of my blog posts I had mentioned earlier about how one can dress casual and formal in colourful stripes. Accessories change the whole vibe of an outfit. You can always choose to underplay or go blingy according to the occassion. My favourite stripe jersey is with blue and white stripes with an anchor made on it- it just looks spectacular when worn with white pants or shorts.

Horizontal, Vertical or Slanting – Stripes will always be the head turners !

As you all know I like to break the fashion norms, so on my sailing trip to Thailand, I chose to wear the striped shorts which were high on comfort and style. You can team it up with a cool crop top. You could also wear it with a bikini top and dazzle.

My sailing trips are incomplete without my well made UPF hat and a good sunscreen with minimalistic make up. On trips like these I love to stay hydrated with coconut water and yes nothing surpasses the glow that comes from inner bliss. 🙂

So next time you sail guys -don’t forget to match with the French Rivera style!!!

Happy Sailing !!

Outfit : H&M , Sunglasses : Lespecs , Hat : John Lewis

All Chic & Classic!!

December 4, 2018September 7, 2019 Rupika Chopra35 Comments

All Love for Chic & Classic!

Hello Style Lovers!!

Want to know about one of my weaknesses?? Well! It’s the obsession I have for chic dressing. At most occasions I choose to dress sophisticated. It without a doubt stimulates my fashion sensibilities. There’s something classy, neat, easy and impactful about dressing chic. The word “Chic” is derived from a French word “Chique” – which means skilfully smart, stylish and fashionable.

The best thing about chic dressing is one does not need to keep buying the latest trendy clothes and you don’t look like you are a fashion victim ever. No matter how old your outfit is, it will only represent who you are in the truest sense. The Classic style is flattering on just anyone and that’s the magic of timeless dressing.

Chic dressing is dignified and refined. One can choose to pick an outfit according to one’s body type and look suave. Whether you look flattering in a dress, suit or a combination sets, that’s for you to decide.

I am an ardent fan of Chanel like many of you. I love the brand not only for the luxury it exuberates, but also for the magic of simplicity Gabriella Chanel gifted the world. Gabriella Chanel proved that, no matter where you may come from, the magic of being a visionary leads to the beginning of a new era.

The ever classic beauties Audrey Hepburn, Jacqueline Kennedy, Katherine Hepburn were head turners in their elegant ensemble. In the present scenario, I am a huge fan of Queen Rania’s style. Elegance leaves an impact like nothing else does. Its reflects one’s personality eloquently. It is charming, poetic, beautiful, dainty yet STRONG!!

Chic dressing comprises of well cut shirts, dresses, skirts, pencil skirts, well cut suits, off shoulder dresses and much more. I have some of my favourite outfits and dresses that can be repeated endlessly on several occasions. An off shoulder dress in black and white is just discerning and tasteful…..It sits as one of my delish pieces in my wardrobe. 🙂

But nothing replaces a combination of black and white on an outfit. It is a bold yet understated combination. Black being a powerful colour and white being a colour of purity and peace, the combination brings out a striking vibe. Not much is needed when you wear this combination. You could wear a well cut white shirt with black pants, skirt or a dress or a suit, it will always be an enticing combination.

This outfit is a fabulous combination of both of my favourite colours. The skirt has the perfect Dior check on it. I love the Bow – Tie shirt which has white detailing on the wrist, neck and shoulder with the bow. Stockings add more grace to the formal look.

My well cut Italian shoes are perfectly designed to wear at work and formal events. You can see I have also teamed the outfit with long boots as well that can be worn as the temperature drops. One should always grab a pair of well made shoes as they are high on comfort and style. You can also choose to wear pointed stilettos for a more formal evening.

This look is perfect for work, formal lunch or dinner. My jacket is a tweed one which I completely love. Tweed makes one look fabulous as it has a vintage vibe to it. Overall the combination is “Chique “. One can always add a pair of pearl stud earnings with such an outfit. I avoid wearing any accessory in the neck with a bow – tie styled shirt. If I was wearing a top or a plain shirt I would have loved to add a pair of pearl strings with stilettos. You can keep your make up minimalistic but a wing eyeliner will make you dazzle with this look, for when we dress chic and classy, WE LET EYES DO THE TALKING !!:)

Skirt: Dior, Shirt : Jaspal , Jacket : Ted Baker, Shoes : are from a local store in Italy , Bag – Scervino Street