From the draped tunics of ancient Greece and Rome, and the timeless glamour of Old Hollywood, to the extravagance of Y2K style, the history of fashion is full of unforgettable moments. And you know that, at Our Fashion Garden, we love looking to the past for inspiration.
But today we asked ourselves a very special question: Which trends from the past best align with each of Kitchener’s essences? And how could we adapt these aesthetics to our times? And take a part of them with us?
So, let’s take a trip to the past, an exploration to connect with those missing pieces of your essence lost in time. If you, too, dream of Edwardian lace dresses, ’80s shoulder pads, or oversized ’70s glasses, read on. Let’s discover which era best suits you… and how to bring it back to your current style.
If you still don’t know what your essence is, try the 7 Style Essences test. It will make it much easier for you to identify the elements, clothes, and accessories that are ideal for you.
The Dramatic Essence
’80s, ’40s and early 2000s
If you’re a Dramatic, you would have flourished in eras where fashion was a symbol of structure, power, and ambition.
The Dramatic essence undoubtedly commands attention, featuring bold silhouettes, tailored structure, and a commanding presence. And if there’s a time when this essence was most present, it’s the glamorous power dressing era of the 1980s.
The 1980s weren’t about subtlety. They were about commanding space: in boardrooms, on dance floors, and in fashion. And that’s exactly what the Dramatic woman naturally does. And not only that, the sculpted suits of the 1940s or the sleek, defined minimalism of the early 2000s also perfectly embody the Dramatic essence.
Even as time passes, this essence doesn’t just want to be seen; it transmits the energy of someone capable, visionary, and bold.
These are some silhouettes and details that help us match these eras with the Dramatic essence:
- Defined shoulders or shoulder pads.
- Bold, high-contrast colors like red with black, white with cobalt, and fuchsia with gold.
- Structured tailoring.
- Statement buttons.
- Long silhouettes and architectural cuts.
- Statement jewelry like oversized earrings, sculptural cuffs, or layered chains.
- Elegant blazers cinched at the waist.
- Shiny textures: patent leather, lamé, silk satin.
- Don’t dress to go unnoticed, but to define the moment.
And how to adapt these trends today?
The modern Dramatic girl just needs to embrace this energy and give it a modern twist. For example:
- Wearing an elegant monochromatic suit with wide-legged trousers and a waist-defining belt.
- A structured blazer over a minimalist black slip dress.
- Pointed heels in deep red or metallic.
- Layered silver or gold chains to accentuate the neckline.
- A high ponytail or elegant bun paired with sculptural earrings for a clean, commanding look.
The Natural Essence
ancient civilizations, 70s, 2010s
If your essence is Natural, fashion has never been about excess or pretension. You thrive in times where comfort, practicality, and freedom of movement were a priority.
Maybe people have told you they feel instantly comfortable around you. You’re the kind of woman who makes effortlessness look elegant, and who can make even a plain T-shirt look chic.
This essence has a fashion history rooted in comfort. You would have felt right at home in ancient civilizations, where clothing focused on functionality, featuring tunics, sandals, breathable fabrics, and warm leathers for cold weather. Or perhaps in the late 19th century, when a quiet rebellion began toward more practical garments that facilitated movement, especially in women’s clothing.
You also share some of the spirit of the 70s, the bohemian dresses, fringes, earth tones, natural textures. It’s as if that decade was made for your type of beauty.
You’d also fit right in with the normcore and athleisure wave of the 2010s, when comfort and minimalism made a strong comeback, and dressing for yourself (and your lifestyle) was back in style.
No matter how much time passes, this essence always has a tranquility that draws people in. You remind them that beauty can be simple and that comfort can be chic. Your style is a reminder that nature is a source of inspiration we should never forget.
Let’s look at some trends from the past that still define your style:
- Soft and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, raw silk, organic knits.
- Earth tones and sun-bleached palettes: olive, clay, cream, denim blue.
- Relaxed silhouettes: wrap dresses, oversized shirts, palazzo pants, boxy jackets.
- Crochet, straw, canvas, hand-dyed garments, raw hems, and other natural textures.
- Unpolished beauty, air-dried hair, tanned skin
- Minimal makeup, and pieces that tell stories over time.
Some tips for adapting all these elements to your current style:
- What do you think of a summer linen outfit that can look just as good barefoot on the beach as it does with sandals in the city?
- Vintage denim skirts or jeans with a flowy tucked-in blouse and a woven belt.
- An utilitarian jumpsuit softened with layered jewelry and natural makeup.
- Minimalist leather sandals or espadrilles and a straw bag that goes with everything.
- Hair in loose waves or a low bun with a few strands loose, tousled, but purposeful.
The Classic Essence
Edwardian & Belle Époque, 30s, 50s
Your style is about refined balance: never too much, never too little. The classic woman doesn’t chase trends; instead, she takes care of herself, her appearance, her makeup, her hair, and her way of carrying herself. Her wardrobe not only looks good, but also has structure and an air of elegant power, without being intimidating like someone with a Dramatic essence.
We see your style in the Edwardian and Belle Époque eras, wearing sporting high-neck blouses, fitted skirts, gloves, and pearls. This was a time in history, after the Victorian era, when clothing began to become less restrictive. They tried to find a balance between sophistication and a more comfortable, but not frumpy, touch.
The 1930s also suits you, with its elegant gowns, bias-cut dresses, and the elegance of Old Hollywood film stars like Grace Kelly and Carole Lombard.
Of course, the 1950s is your natural home, with defined waists, pencil skirts, elegant coats, and the refined perfection of Jackie O or Audrey Hepburn.
You and your style offer a sense of order in an ever-changing world.
These are some of the trends from these eras that most resonate with your Classic essence:
- Blazers, sheath dresses, midi skirts, high-waisted pants (impeccable tailoring in general).
- Quality fabrics like wool, silk, cotton blends, or crisp poplin for spring and summer.
- Neutral palettes with depth: navy, ivory, camel, burgundy, slate gray, all colors worthy of royalty.
- Symmetry and simplicity through clean necklines, matching sets, and impeccable collars.
- Subtle details like slim buttons, a cinched waist, pressed pleats, and covered seams.
How to Show Off Your Style Now:
- A button-down shirt (slightly oversized or perfectly fitted), tucked into tailored pants.
- A structured midi dress with heels or loafers.
- A minimalist, elegant tote bag
- High-quality accessories (like a gold watch or silk scarf).
- Don’t forget your family heirlooms, brooches, jewelry, etc.
- Your everyday look may lean toward monochromatic; let your outfit be precise rather than garish.
The Gamine Essence
20s, 60s, 80s, 90s, 2000s
If this is your essence, you have a mix of joy, wit, and sparkle!
You’re half rebel, half sweetheart; your style is totally unpredictable. You don’t just dress fashionably, you play with fashion! You’re the kind of girl who combines polka dots with stripes and somehow pulls it off. We love Gamine fashion because it’s never too much, as long as it feels unique.
The 1920s, with their masculine silhouettes, beaded fringe, and playful spirit, are a perfect fit for your energy. Celebrities who exemplify this are Josephine Baker and Louise Brooks. And what about the minidresses, go-go boots, bold eyeliner, and color blocking of the 1960s? You’d fit right in with a photoshoot with Twiggy.
Another era where this essence didn’t go unnoticed was the 1980s, with layered accessories, cropped jackets, graphic tees, and unexpected combinations. The early 2000s also shared your love of the original: mismatched prints, layered tank tops, charm jewelry, and fun textures.
Even the 1990s, with its eclectic minimalism, boxy silhouettes, and pop references, left room for your bold take on the basics.
Throughout time, this essence has always felt alive, fresh, and curious, always changing and always evolving.
Your style says, “Let’s have fun with this.”
Here are some vintage trends with Gamine influences:
- Mini silhouettes like skirts, dresses, coats.
- Structured and boxy shapes with a youthful touch.
- Short everything! Tops, cardigans, pants, jackets, and blazers.
- Bold and graphic details like stripes, polka dots, hearts, and stars.
- Berets, statement earrings, original bags, socks with sandals (yes, really), and other eye-catching accessories.
- Color blocks, original layers, and unexpected proportions.
- Garments with a boyish touch
How to adapt these trends from the past to your current style:
- You can wear a cropped jacket over a printed minidress and platform Mary Janes.
- A printed tee, tucked into fitted shorts, with colorful sunglasses.
- A colorful bag that makes people smile, and maybe a charm bracelet that jingles as you walk.
- You can add a touch of the ’60s, a touch of the ‘2000s, and a touch of ’80s pop energy, and voila!
The Ingenue Essence
Edwardian Era, 30s, 50s, early 60s, and rural vintage looks
The Ingenue girl is sweet, nostalgic, and gentle. Despite her simplicity, her world is steeped in history.
There’s something timeless about the Ingenue woman. Her beauty is delicate, highlighted by small, thoughtful details like puffed sleeves, a delicate bow, or floral embroidery.
Let’s explore some eras where your essence lived on throughout history. For example, the Edwardian era of the 1910s, with flowing tea dresses, lace blouses, and romantic silhouettes, perfectly captures your softness. The 1930s also had an elegant and delicate touch, with bias-cut dresses, flowing sleeves, and soft waves. The 1950s, with its full skirts, pastel sweaters, Peter Pan collars, and kitten heels, was also one of the best eras for your essence.
The early 1960s also featured some details like mini-cardigans, elegant headbands, and feminine A-line silhouettes that were incredibly flattering for women with an Ingenue essence. And, of course, the current cottagecore revival also reflects that love of vintage simplicity, with ruffled aprons, soft dresses, and delicate floral prints.
The ingenue essence is like a childhood memory. Its style celebrates the small joys we often forget.
Here are some vintage trends that immediately make us think of this essence:
- Midi-length dresses, puff sleeves, and sweetheart necklines.
- Tiny flowers, lace trim, eyelet fabrics, and embroidery.
- Pearl studs, beaded cardigans, and embroidered scarves.
- Soft colors like pale pink, lavender, robin’s egg blue, and soft cream.
- Nipped waists with flowing, swirling skirts.
- Round necklines, delicate buttons, and pins.
And how to show off your essence now?
- Try wearing a pastel top with puffed sleeves, a midi skirt, and Mary Janes.
- A floral summer dress with ballet flats, a soft cardigan, and a bow in your hair.
- Vintage delicate brooches on denim jackets, a knit tote bag, and sheer socks with loafers.
- The most important part is to let your clothes reflect all your softness and charm.
The Romantic Essence
Rococo, Victorian Era, Old Hollywood of the 40s and 50s
Your presence is magnetic, sensual, and tender all at the same time.
But have you ever wondered during which fashion era your beauty would have truly blossomed? Let’s take a look.
First of all, Rococo, this was one of your golden ages. Softness and romance were everywhere (perhaps with a touch of extravagance). Think pink silks, bows, ruffles, corsets, and floral embroidery. Marie Antoinette’s love of beauty, detail, and ornate fashion, all those details were pure Romantic essence.
With its hyper-feminine silhouettes, cinched waists, and flowing skirts, the Victorian era also holds a prominent place for Romantic essence. The modesty of this era was complemented by intricate details like lace collars, embroidered cuffs, and parasols; what I love most is that every inch was a delicate balance between passion and decorum.
And the ’50s! The post-war fashion revival brought the hourglass figure back into fashion, with fitted bodices, full skirts, and sweetheart necklines. Many elements from this era truly flattered women with a Romantic essence.
The Romantic essence is timeless; you can always celebrate curves, romance, and the most feminine side of beauty.
Here are some vintage trends that immediately make us think of this essence:
- Dresses with a voluptuous silhouette, defined waists, and full skirts.
- Structured corsetry that enhances feminine curves.
- Pastel colors, especially pinks, mauves, and powder blues.
- But for a more sophisticated touch, there were also color trends such as burgundy, forest green, cream, and textured black.
- Delicate floral prints and embroidery.
- Lace, ruffles, and bows were everywhere.
- Elaborate hairstyles with curls and floral or pearl embellishments.
- Decorated low-heeled shoes and embroidered stockings.
- Accessories such as cameos, fans, and lace gloves.
Romantic doesn’t mean old-fashioned. Even if you’re inspired by eras of the past, with intentional styling, your look can feel timeless and modern.
- Look for corset-inspired tops or sweetheart necklines
- Draped or gathered fabrics that hug your curves
- Lace, embroidery, and soft floral prints
- Pencil skirts, bias-cut dresses, or fit-and-flare silhouettes
- Soft or deep, elegant colors like pale pink, ivory, burgundy, or dusty rose
- Think of a silk slip dress with stiletto heels and pearl earrings. Or a delicate, draped blouse tucked into high-waisted pants with a pop of pink.
The Angelic Essence
Ancient Greece and Rome, Middle Ages and Renaissance, ’30s, ’40s, 2010-2020
Think of the Angelic essence as something light and almost otherworldly. With a soft touch but a depth that is difficult to define. In fashion, it goes hand in hand with long, flowing lines, soft colors, and a mystical elegance.
And what past fashion eras align with this heavenly grace? Think of the draped tunics of ancient Greece and Rome, often in white or muted tones; they needed no structure to be striking. Elegance lay in how the fabric draped on the body.
Then there are the Middle Ages and Renaissance, from which we highlight long, flared sleeves, high collars, and rich yet muted palettes applied to textured tapestries.
We also find a touch of Angelic in the 1930s and 1940s. There is something profoundly angelic about the bias-cut dresses and sheeny satins worn back then.
And of course! Let’s not forget the recent resurgence of cottagecore and fairycore, which are more contemporary. With their flowing white dresses, minimalist yet detailed accessories, spiritual themes, and a calm, slow-living aesthetic that embraces dreaminess.
The angelic essence isn’t dramatic or minimalist; it’s floating in time, enchanting and timeless
These were some Angelic trends from these eras:
- Draped tunics that fell in long, soft lines.
- Pale colors or white which symbolized purity and spiritual connection. Other hues included ivory, soft gold, lavender, and deep blue (some associated with purity in those eras).
- Symbolic accessories included laurel wreaths, thin bracelets, and golden sandals.
- Long veils and capes draped softly.
- Silk, light velvet, and fine linen (rich but soft fabrics).
- Bias-cut dresses that flowed with the body without highlighting it.
- Movie star styles like Greta Garbo’s, a little mystical and elegant.
- Soft hairstyles with waves, nothing over-the-top.
- Soft minimalism
Here are some tips for adapting these eras to your looks:
- Go for flowing fabrics like silk or chiffon
- Off-white dresses, understated metallics, and long, draped silhouettes.
- Soft waves in your hair and radiant skin are the finishing touch.
- You can also pair a summer linen dress with a flowing scarf.
- Wear soft ballet flats and fresh, simple makeup.
- Think floor-length maxi dresses in soft fabrics, simple silhouettes, and Grecian-style sandals.
- Add delicate gold or silver jewelry for an ethereal glow.
- In winter, you can try creating looks with capes or hooded cloaks, velvet in faded jewel tones, and spiritual motifs like stars, moons, or stained glass.
I think we can agree that looking to the past isn’t just nostalgia, it’s a way to remember the roots of our style and our essence. Perhaps you’ve seen a piece of yourself in the beauty of the Victorian era, the youthful charm of the 60s, or the Rococo grace. Every trend and every era has details that can reflect part of who we are.
And after this entire journey through fashion eras, I’d like to conclude with this:
“let our past inspire our future”
Understanding our essence and its roots is more than just a fashion tool. It’s a way to connect more with ourselves, feel more confident, and unleash our creativity.
At Our Fashion Garden, we’re here to help you discover that essence and give it a style that makes you feel more like yourself. If you enjoyed this post, we invite you to explore our personalized services to learn more about your essence.
Is there an era you’d like to explore further? We’d love to know!
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