We all know–especially women–how quickly fashions come and go. Bouffant hairdos and bobby socks in the 50s gave way to long straight hair and sandals in the 60s. Hemlines went up and down faster than Elvis’ pelvic twitch.

I never fell for any of the trends because none of it was flattering to my short shape; besides, I never did “master” the art of fluffing and puffing the hair.

A few months ago, searching for the perfect outfit for a family wedding, I saw a lot of trends that didn’t exactly “make it” in Victoria. Most of these items were on sale for an almost-free-give-away price. Let me tell you about them.

In the summer dresses I never bought, the uneven hemlines were a source of frustrations for me. I finally found a dress with short sleeves, a decent neckline, pockets and in my size except for a hemline that seemed to drag to the floor on one side and went above the kneecaps on the other. I suspect the length was supposed to be worn by someone much taller. This fad was not at all suitable for a shorty. Another annoying   feature also involved  hemlines that ended with pleats—not the entire garment—only the hemlines.  Pu-ul-lease, we can’t all be leggy models!

Foregoing the idea of a dress, I decided to search for a nice top. After all, what can a sane designer do to a nice top?  Well, let me enlighten you. No longer dependent on unique colours, patterns and textured fabrics, tops get embellished. I don’t mind a few sparkles to make it dressier, but I totally detest any additions of cute flounces or bobbles. And,      to find what would have been a great top except the sleeves, necklines and hems had flounces with bobbles  was just too much.  Who let the wacky designers decide that unconventional clothing was the way for the masses? Hey, we’re not all young, confident and quirky to feel unique wearing your designs.

Where are the great designers who put style and class into their clothes? There are an awful lot  of us loving the classical charm of clothes that makes any woman feel good.  The chic, grace and panache of classical clothes will always attract our attention. In this day and age where money is a great motivator, designers who tout their outrageously zany clothing line will eventually discover that traditional and classical sells better. Classical is never boring because there is a wealth of material and designs to make a classical piece unique.

Women do not dress like their mothers, but they know what appeals to them. I love the simple classical styles. The use of updated colours or textures in the fabric, makes it far more appealing to me than any superficial or distracting detail that makes the garment a one-time wear only. Classical pieces are timeless. Dresses can be changed-up with a belt, scarf or piece of jewelry; skirts or suits with a blouse or sweater. Perhaps this is why classical pieces are difficult to find since I’m less likely to search for another skirt or dress when I already have them in my closet.

Classical clothing is out there somewhere on some young, obscure designer’s mind. I’m hopeful he or she will have that  aah-ha moment soon and we’ll see our 21st century version of classical clothing for women.

Meanwhile, those older and younger women–who look chic, attractive and fashionable, are wearing their updated classical pieces that are popping with colour, not bobbles. Or maybe, they’re wearing their older classics that are ageless and have outlasted any fads or trends. . .