To think people dressed more attractively in the past?

[LaurieFairyCake]

Hats, gloves, tailored outfits - tights, low heels

Now I'm not saying we don't dress more practically with our leggings and our 3/4 linen trousers and baggy t shirts and tops

But only that they don't look as 'smart' as before

I'm not a big fan of 'smart'. I think people look more relaxed and comfortable and are not restricted by their clothing so much now. I find that attractive, so in my opinion UABU.

Nora Batty came to mind when I read the op

Didn't Nora have stockings around the ankles ?

I defo don't mean that

Yes I think smart looks better but then I am a snob

Past? Depends on when...

I think of some particularly hideous Elizabethan ruffs, horrible waspish corseted waists in the 17 and 1800s, lurid 1970s highly flammable man made fibres....

Puff ball skirts anyone?

I reckon I'm thinking in my wee head up
to the early 60's just before hemlines rose to the thighs

There was frumpsville, even in the era I think you are taking about. Curlers peaking out of head scarfs, housecoats, lisle stockings and sensible shoes...

I think it depends on your physique, I am small slim flat chested I would look great in a Mary quant 60's outfit and truly ridiculous in say dior new look - no curves. If I was tall and willowy that 70s Bianca jagger look would be awesome

Yes, love Victorian/Edwardian fashion, and really wish people still wore hats.

I suppose it depends when in the past you are referring to. Shell suits and poodle perms were not a good look.

I like a hat, a well made shoe and a tailored jacket. I also love natural materials and hate modern fabrics.

Otherwise as far as the styles go I'm all about the 1920s and 1940s

Still wore hats?

You'll be pleased to know I wore a hat today and most of last week. Of the sun shading variety. As has my DH and DS. In the winter they are also what keeps our heads warm...

For me, it's not so much the styles but the fabrics that modern clothes are made from that is so disappointing. Everything looks so cheap and nasty - scratchy material, garish colours and awful patterns, all with pointless bows/lace/buttons sewn on to try to make it look 'prettier'

Give me simple, comfortable styles in beautiful fabrics please!

Ah, sorry I've just seen your previous post about 60s.

I really wish men would go back to suits, trenchcoats and trilbies.

Oh, and with pockets ffs

Yy to men in suits. I go weak at the knees for a clean shaven, short back and sides,sharp suit kind of Man. City boy sort. Yum.

Yes totally not what this thread is about though

Except for the fact Victorian fashion ( well middle and upper class versions) would stop you running, eating a full meal, even breathing properly, that's one of the reasons I also love 20s fashion - must have felt like a radical step towards freedom to get rid of that corset or wear a calve length skirt for the first time.

I am sOoo glad we do not have to be faffed with tights in this weather these days...

Knitted swimming costumes must have been horrible...or those with a zip at the back.

Yes, I absolutely agree. Most people these days dress purely for comfort, which is absolutely fine and utterly their choice, but walking down the street, most people look like they just threw on whatever was closest.

I also think hair these days leaves a lot to be desired. We have more products and tools that ever before at our disposal, but most people just have hair that hangs there or is pulled back in a pony-tail. Compared with the coiffed 'dos' of previous eras.

It's just different fashions and priorities I guess. Plenty of people do still look fabulous.

Erm, well...

I love the it that (almost) anything goes now.

40's style is gorgeous.