Romantic fashion. Your ideal romantic look

In the 19th century, styles in art and costume changed with dizzying speed. And already in the 1830s, romanticism came to replace it. Romanticism will not last long. From the middle of the 19th century, the style would come into fashion, and by the 1870s it would be replaced by positivism.

Karl Bryullov
Horsewoman, 1832

The most striking change in styles occurred in women's costume of the 19th century. Fashion changed, and often quite fundamentally. While the men's suit remained essentially unchanged throughout the 19th century.

So, if in the first decades of the 19th century women wore simple shirt-cut dresses with puffed sleeves, then already in the 1830s corsets and richly decorated dresses with full skirts came back into fashion.

Jean Baptiste Camille Corot
Portrait of Claire Sennegon, 1837

Dresses in the romantic style are divided into casual and ballroom. Casual dresses have no neckline. Ball gowns often have bare shoulders. The sleeves of ball gowns can be either short or long. Long gloves were worn with dresses with short sleeves.

Another feature of dresses in the romanticism style is that the sleeves and skirts of these dresses take the shape of a bell.

The colors of the dresses are different. Plaid dresses are in fashion. Shawls and scarves are worn with dresses. For example, an echarpe scarf, which falls to the waist from behind, after which it is thrown in front over the arms bent at the elbows. Or a boa scarf - a round scarf made of fur or ostrich feathers.

Karl Bryullov
Portrait of Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna with her daughter Maria, 1830

A fashion for hats appears. During the period of romanticism, the bonnet hat became the most popular - a headdress with a high hat crown (for hair pulled back at the back of the head) and with wide, hard brims framing the face, tapering towards the back of the head. The hood was held on the head by wide ribbons, which were tied under the chin with a bow.

Also in fashion is women's riding clothing - the Amazon dress. The Amazon dress consisted of a long cloth skirt and a narrow blouse. A hat with a veil and gloves were worn with such a dress.

Karl Bryullov
Portrait of M. A. Beck, 1840

The Romanticism style in European art was most widespread in England and Germany.

English artists of that time painted melancholy landscapes with inclement and foggy weather, and writers in their books told the stories of beautiful poor girls who, once in a mysterious haunted castle, necessarily, having overcome all difficulties and trials, became the mistresses of the castle and married handsome princes . Thus, artists created romantic landscapes, and writers created those same famous English novels of the 19th century.

Little Jane argues with her guardian Mrs. Reed. Illustration by F. Townsend for Charlotte Brontë's 1847 novel Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre meets Mr. Rochester for the first time

But not only interest in the feelings and emotions of viewers and readers was characteristic of romanticism. Another feature of this style is an interest in the past. Moreover, there is an interest in the past, history and mythology of one’s own country, and not, for example, as was previously the case, in mythology.

It was during the period of romanticism that the British remember King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and the French remember Joan of Arc. It was at this time that fairy tales were written and legends were written down.

And the Middle Ages became the most favorite historical period for people of the first half of the 19th century. Interest in the Middle Ages is also reflected in the fashion of that time, mainly in jewelry. For example, ferronnieres are becoming fashionable - women's head decorations in the form of a narrow ribbon with precious stones.

Karl Bryullov
Portrait of G. N. and V. A. Olenin. 1827

In addition to the Middle Ages, the East is of interest. The 19th century was the time of colonial empires. Both England and France had their colonies in the countries of the East. In the suit, the passion for the East will be reflected both in patterns with oriental motifs, and in the appearance of such a type of men's home clothing as a dressing gown.

Eugene Delacroix
Self-portrait, 1837

As for the men's suit of the Romantic period in general, it was not subject to such significant changes as the women's suit. Men still wear light trousers, and on top a vest, tailcoat or frock coat in darker shades. And a variety of coats. One of the most popular was the carrick coat, a coat with several collars.

V.A. Tropinin
Portrait of A.S. Pushkin

However, there were some innovations. Thus, during the period of romanticism, a fashion for checkered fabrics appeared. And it was during the period of romanticism that dandies appeared.

It is believed that the emergence of dandyism is associated with the attempt of young people from wealthy families to express their protest against the fashion of the 19th century, which was the same for all classes.

Karl Bryullov
Portrait of I. A. Beck. Around 1839

The emergence of dandyism is associated with a man named George Brummel. He is considered not only the most famous dandy, but also the first dandy in history. It was George Brummel who introduced the principle of “casual elegance” in clothing, which became a guide for all those who wanted to look like a dandy.

Statue of George Brummell in London

In the first half of the 19th century, George Brummell was considered not only a trendsetter, but was even called the “Prime Minister of Elegance.” Among his friends were the heir to the English throne and the future Prime Minister of England, who also became adherents.

George Brummel outlined his views on fashion in the book he wrote, Men's and Women's Suit.

Karl Bryullov
Portrait of the writer A. N. Strugovshchikov, 1840

The principle of “casual elegance” in a men’s suit was as follows: the collar of a white starched shirt was never buttoned, the neckerchief was tied carelessly, the hair had to be slightly disheveled, the suit must be made of good quality fabric, and much attention was paid to accessories. Dandies wore gloves that almost never took off, expensive watches, a cane or an umbrella-cane.

A mandatory attribute of a men's suit in the romantic style was a headdress - a top hat. Men's hairstyles were short haircuts. They did not wear beards or mustaches, but sideburns were in fashion.

Today there are a great variety of styles and trends in fashion. Absolutely every person can choose a style that reflects their inner state and at the same time emphasizes their individuality. Fragile ladies who prefer a romantic style of clothing especially like to experiment with their appearance. Let's take a closer look at what it is.

Origin

The history of the romantic style of clothing is interesting and rich. Its appearance, as noted by fashion trendsetters, occurs at the end of the 18th - beginning of the 19th centuries, in the so-called era of romanticism. This is where the name was borrowed. In those days, heavy frame robes moved aside and gave freedom to lighter, antique forms. Dresses with an accentuated waist and a fluffy floor-length skirt have come into fashion. The top of the dress could be either closed or have a serious cutout in the neckline. The ideal of beauty was considered to be the image of the “Gibson Girl,” which meant a lady dressed in a long flowing dress or a skirt with a white blouse decorated with frills. Later, namely at the beginning of the 20th century, the dress became a little shorter, and layering and puff sleeves came into fashion.

Distinctive features

Despite the common goal of girls and women to look attractive, gentle and beautiful, this style allows you to be different from the rest. What is inherent in a romantic look? Of course, these are light, flowing styles, very soft lines of silhouettes, a combination of different volumes in one outfit. For example, tight summer shorts and a fluffy chiffon blouse or, on the contrary, a tight top and a full skirt.

Ruffles, frills, lace, lush folds, an abundance of decor in the form of embroidery, bows, flounces - all this characterizes the romantic style of clothing. Photos of owners of feminine attire in this article only confirm this. Many modern designers turn to this style, creating both everyday items and formal wear, such as wedding dresses. Clothing in the style of romanticism is loved by little girls, young girls and women of Balzac's age. Because a huge number of different models allows you to choose things according to your own taste.

Color palette

Romantically inclined people like to dress in clothes of discreet pastel colors. We are talking about pale green, cream, powder, pale blue colors. Also, the described style is characterized by rich shades of blue, pink, etc. Prints with floral and plant motifs, arabesques, and various geometric images are often used. in clothes will not tolerate dark, gloomy colors, as well as flashy colors, for example, bright orange or light green. Only light inclusions of them in the pattern are acceptable.

Matter

Among the fabrics that are used to sew such things, we should highlight lace, silk, satin, linen, guipure, organza, cambric, fine knitwear and sometimes wool. The matter does not have to be flying, although it is preferable. A romantic style of clothing can even be manifested in knitted items, such as a beautiful sweater. At the same time, woolen fabric does not give up its place, from which you can create an excellent thing for a delicate young lady.

We create a thoughtful image

In practice, creating an image in a feminine-romantic style is quite simple. After all, any element of the wardrobe can be made in this style direction - from clothes to accessories. You just need to select things correctly in accordance with your body type and external data.

Dress options

A romantic style of clothing for girls implies the obligatory presence of a dress in their personal closet. This style features A-line dresses, high-waisted, layered or pleated skirts. The dress often has decor in the form of ruffles, flounces and frills. There may be a deep neckline in the neckline, puff sleeves or three-quarter sleeves, lace. As for the length, there are many variations - from ultra-short to floor-length models.

Skirts

Skirts in a la romantic style also come in different lengths. But if you still strive for femininity, and not vulgarity, then it is better to choose a model of either medium length or the longest possible length. The silhouette in this case is flared. The product is decorated with ruffles and flounces, barely noticeable bows and is sewn from fabrics that easily drape and flow. In winter, dense fabrics are more suitable, which will create a ruffled effect.

Blouses

It is generally accepted that a blouse as a piece of clothing is more popular among older ladies. The romantic style of clothing for women offers blouses in both fitted and loose silhouettes. A deep neckline in this dress is possible. Lately, people have been paying more attention to blouses with 3/4 or bell sleeves. Translucent fabric is a great option for the summer. If the weather is cool, it is more appropriate to choose a blouse made of thicker fabric with long sleeves.

Tunics, which are also not far from romance, are also perfectly combined here. With frills, ruffles and soft colors, they can easily create a romantic look.

Trousers

Traditional trousers a la romantic, of course, are not stuffed with bows and frills. It's more about a flying silhouette. This cut is more often found in summer models where lightweight fabrics are used. Summer pants that flare from the hip look great with a fitted top. Among demi-season trousers, high-waisted options are considered romantic, emphasizing an excellent figure.

The designers managed to bring more romance into women's shorts - here they used frills, lace, delicate prints, pastel colors, etc.

Jackets

If you want to slightly dilute the naive romantic style of clothing, you can use more classic things. This is where the right jacket comes in handy. It can be fitted, semi-fitted or straight cut. It is better to choose a jacket that is more discreet, moderately romantic. Both button closures and decorative hooks are suitable.

If the bet is on a jacket, then you need to take the option with rich trim, embroidery, draperies, i.e. in full dress.

Coat

A coat made in a romantic style is always unusual in its cut. As a rule, these are models cut at the waist. The front shelves of the coat can be draped at the bottom or have rounded outlines. A beautiful belt, decor in the form of embroidery or embossing, or an interesting collar with flounces can complement the look.

Knitten things

Very often, fashion designers and needlewomen resort to knitted items when creating a romantic image. Thus, cardigans and sweaters with beautiful relief patterns and ornaments will perfectly complement a romantic look or become its highlight.

Shoes

As you know, the favorite shoe material for romantics is suede. Therefore, you can often find a lot of suede shoes, boots and ankle boots in the wardrobe of romantic people. By the way, the latter belong to the romantic style and look great paired with Romantic-style shoes can have low, high and medium heels. As for the decor, this includes lace trim, embroidery, floral print, etc. Summer shoes for romantics - soft wedge or stiletto sandals, ballet flats, pumps.

Accessories

Since the romantic style of clothing is one of the most feminine, accessories should also have a similar characteristic. It is possible to use a large number of accessories, including decorations on clothes, handbags, clutches, head decorations (headbands with bows, flowers, hairpins, etc.), decors on bags. It is better to choose more delicate jewelry, such as a string of pearls.

Another traditionally romantic accessory is a lady's hat. It can be knitted, in the form of a beret or felt. In a hat with a delicate flower, any young lady will look mysterious and feminine. You just need to choose the right one for your face type and skin color, as well as your clothes.

With the help of all these little things you can create a unique image and emphasize an individual approach to your wardrobe.

Romance in men's fashion

Despite the fact that attire is characteristic of more than the female half of the population, men's fashion also borrowed something for itself. Thus, the romantic style in men’s clothing is manifested in such things as tapered trousers and a light cardigan. All these elements of clothing are made in discreet colors.

Sweaters, pullovers, and fitted jackets can also be made in the style of romanticism. There will be no bows or flounces in men's fashion, but some signs of a romantic style are still present: pastel colors, fitted shapes, rough styles.

The faces of representatives of this type are not easy to describe. They cannot be defined or identified unambiguously by any single characteristics. Basically, a complex romantic appearance is a combination of many details and features that allow you to get the overall picture. Refined, mysterious, fragile facial features, barely noticeable asymmetry in its forms, at the same time quite clear main relief lines. The eyes are unusual, droopy, there is something bewitching about them, the eyebrows are thin and graceful. The lips are sensual, curved, slightly skewed, and have a complex shape that adds charm and intrigue. The nose is thin, maybe with a hump.

Individual facial features, the look and the image as a whole convey mystery and understatement. The face of this type expresses elegance, nobility, grace and sublimity. This is a feminine, charming type that hides its sensuality and inner world. It is not as frank as dramatic, but also not as ascetic as classical, devoid of the playfulness and coquetry of naive romanticism. This is a type that you really want to unravel, as if it were the main secret of the universe.

For a clear example, we chose photos of bright owners of a naive romantic type, both among women and among men.

Colors of a complex romantic clothing style.

This thematic direction has a special relationship with color. All the colors in his palette are complex, full of nuances and originality. Delicate, non-contrasting, somewhat dusty, eye-pleasing shades of pastel colors occupy the main place in his wardrobe. Next to the image, combinations of light shades of warm and cold colors are possible, for example, red-coral with dirty pink, mint green with gray-green. Pink, blue, yellowish-orange and soft green colors highlight the uniqueness of the ensemble well. Smooth transitions from a darker color to a lighter shade or vice versa are widely used. The color palette is quite diverse, but it is never colorful or challenging; it always seems to beckon, enchant, and bewitch.

Drawings, materials and texture of a complex romantic style of clothing.

Drawings are used in large quantities by the style; they are designed to highlight and emphasize naturalness and femininity, revealing all the complexity and beauty of the owner of the type. Complex romanticism does not recognize angularity and geometry in drawings. Calm but complex prints, with delicate, non-contrasting colors, nature landscapes, floral motifs, stylized ornaments, marine themes, and much more to create an image of a subtle, sensitive, aesthetic, self-sufficient nature. Abstract images in the form of heraldry, coats of arms, monograms also find their place in thematic collections of ensembles of this direction.

The style conveys its grace and mystery through light, flowing, flying fabrics that resemble delicate velvet and velor. Various types of silk, chiffon, fine wool, knitted fabrics with a slight shimmer and shine. Fashion designers widely and quite variedly use materials with embroidery and original lace.

Cuts and styles of a complex romantic style of clothing.

Complex romanticism is a demonstration of refined beauty. All his styles and harmonies in clothing emphasize female forms, softly enveloping them. There is no challenge, no severity, no ostentatious sexuality or demonstration of confidence in the ensemble. Clothes do not have rigid frames or lines. Complexly tailored elements with asymmetry, sliding parts, bias cut, draperies, flounces, folds, layering, gathers, lacing are often used.

The basis for self-expression is dresses; this basis came from the 19th century and remained in style forever. Made from light fabrics with noble lace, complex translucent inserts and a bold neckline, they do not hug the figure, but definitely define it, emphasizing the waistline. Dresses can be either with or without sleeves. Skirts can be pleated, draped, frilled, or flared. Lush, against the backdrop of a more fitted top, or more smooth and straight if the blouse has a more voluminous texture. Dresses and skirts are knee-length or floor-length. Blouses are feminine, they are almost always fitted and very often emphasize the bust line. Following all the canons of style, they are decorated with ruffles, flounces and other decorative elements.

The image should always be unsolved, and all its translucent components seduce delicately, only hinting at sexuality.

Shoes in the style of complex romanticism.

Shoes should complement all of the above. Classics of complex romanticism are considered to be shoes with stable heels, stilettos, pumps made of smooth leather, suede or fabric, sandals, boots with thin laces, ballet shoes with openwork inserts. The toe of the shoes is oval, elegant, elongated. Shoes may have additional details - straps, flowers, velvet trim, complex patterns, prints with an aged effect, etc. The task of shoes in an image is to emphasize femininity and sexuality, to add even more bewitching mystery.

Accessories of a complex romantic style.

This style makes extensive use of accessories and decorations, which we will talk about in a separate article “Accessories and Basic Styles” in the “Accessories Are Everything” section.

Look Book. Images of a complex romantic style.

As an example, we will look at four clothing ensembles in the style of complex romanticism from the stylist of our project, Yulia Gogolitsina. These bows were created using the bow builder on our website. Any of you can register and create individual images. Collect sets from your own clothes, or use the catalog of our website for work. We have developed a simple interface that allows you to save and collect bows in your account and share them on social networks.

We present exclusive looks in the “Naive Romance” style from the “Fashionable Raid” project: for parties, evening wear, casual and business wear.

Complex romantic business image.

A complex romantic evening look.

A sophisticated romantic everyday look.

A complex romantic cocktail look.

Sophisticated romanticism blends and combines well with drama themes, classical and sporting details. Many famous fashion houses work in the style of complex romanticism, we would like to invite you to watch shows in which this style predominates, with the caveat that fashion designers almost always mix different styles with each other, but the basis can still be traced.

Complex romanticism has still retained its relevance. It contains elements whose creation can be traced back to the end of VIII. The style is popular among couturiers from different countries. Many people use it in their collections without fear of seeming conservative. This style will always be in demand and modern; its complexity only attracts the attention of fashion designers who try to use all its possibilities. Lace, elegant draperies, flounces, ruffles, floral prints, ornaments, all this is used in other styles if it is necessary to give the image more charm and mystery, to emphasize naturalness and feminine mystery. The style is not simple but, undoubtedly, very interesting.

The next main style according to the Popova system, which we will consider, will be

Ekaterina Malyarova

The history of the romantic style

Perhaps the romantic style can be called one of the oldest, since a woman, in essence, was always somewhat romantic, and, consequently, her appearance too. However, if we talk about more documented moments, the romantic style received a significant leap in its development in the late 18th - early 19th centuries, when heavy frame dresses were replaced by light, graceful antique silhouettes.

Stiffer and denser fabrics were gradually replaced by delicate and light materials; dresses were draped and decorated with a wide variety of ruffles, bows, frills, beads and pearls. Ladies gathered their locks into high, lush hairstyles, which they happily decorated with ribbons, bows or combs.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the American artist Charles Gibson created a sort of ideal image of a woman of those years, which to this day is called “Gibson’s Girl.” She is characterized by a long flowing dress with ruffles and a high hairstyle with decoration in the form of a flower or ribbon.
This is how the romantic style was born, which is now, somewhat modernized, used by many fashion houses in their collections.

Romantic "Gibson Girl".

Illustrations of the Romantic style of the late 18th century

Signs

To create a pure romantic look, it’s not enough to just put on a cute blouse with your favorite jeans and step into the well-known and versatile beige pumps. Romantic style is something more, it is lightness and femininity, mystery and flirtation, youth and purity in one bottle.

And yet, what are the main features and components of such a feminine and charming style?

• Colors. The color scheme of romance is delicate and pastel - blue, pink, peach, light green, violet, gray, white shades.
• Prints. The most romantic print is, of course, flowers and everything connected with them. This category also includes all kinds of patterns, silhouettes of birds and animals, as well as small geometry.
• Textile. She deserves special attention; the romantic style does not tolerate rudeness and severity. The brightest representatives of the materials used to create clothes in a romantic style are lace, chiffon, silk, tulle, organza, guipure, satin and linen.
• Elements. The romantic style simply loves lace, and it can be used to frame both the entire product and individual elements. It is also characterized by all sorts of ruffles, frills, drapery, bows and flounces, which are incredibly popular this year.

- Cloth. Of course, the most striking item of romantic style is the dress. It should be gentle and light, without revealing details in the form of a large neckline, flowing over the figure, A-line or with a circle skirt, in pastel colors or with the print that we mentioned just above.

The second and third places in importance in the romantic style are shared by skirts and blouses. Everything is the same here – no ultra-short tight-fitting minis or provocative slits, delicate motifs and light fabrics.

Regarding the trousers. Still, no matter how gentle and beautiful they are, if we talk about a pure, without any admixtures of the same casual, romantic style, then any bottom other than a skirt/dress in itself contradicts it historically. However, in modern realities, these frameworks are not so limited and somewhat blurred, so provided that all other details (fabric, color, print, elements) of a romantic style are observed, trousers are quite possible.

- Accessories. Whether it’s a bag or shoes, the rule is to keep the color scheme simple; beige, white, grey, blue are preferred, in rare cases black, as well as gold and silver. Decorations, in turn, can easily follow the floral theme and be quite large, but not massive in appearance.

At the end of this paragraph, it would also be appropriate to talk about those things that in no way can create a pure romantic style, these include: biker jacket, sweatshirt, leather clothes, decor in the form of stripes and spikes, sneakers, ripped jeans, clothes in neon colors , leopard and tiger prints. Of course, all this can be combined with things in a romantic style, but the final result will no longer be romance in its purest form, but eclectic, casual, sporty-chic, etc.

Romantic style in makeup and hairstyle

It is naive to assume that the entire styling of a set begins and ends with the selection of clothes, because makeup and hairstyle play a huge role in the integrity of the image.

Romantic style makeup has several options:

• Maximum naturalness. Nude make-up was once at the peak of popularity, when natural beauty is only slightly emphasized with the help of cosmetics. The emphasis is on clean, radiant skin, just mascara on the eyes, no bright lipsticks, just balm or gloss that barely shades the color of the lips.
• Smoky eyes in beige shades, smooth shading, no clear boundaries, delicate natural shades on the lips.
• And the third option is small arrows on the eyes, preferably not with sharp, but somewhat “elusive” tips, on the lips the same natural range.

Romantic style hairstyle:

The main signs in the mind of a hairstyle of this direction are no graphics, rigor or clear lines. The romantic style is a variety of weaves, braids, curls, slightly tousled buns, styling as if a light breeze was blowing, but not a tightly tied ponytail, for example. A variety of hairpins, hairpins, combs, hoops and ribbons are also welcome.

Who is the romantic style suitable for?

If we proceed from nature, then, of course, the most logical answer is brewing - to all girls, because they are all romantics at heart) However, in reality, not everything is so simple. And there are so-called restrictions. For example, an age-appropriate, romantic style looks harmonious on young girls, but on mature women it looks uncomplimentary, and sometimes even comical.

The appropriateness of the romantic style also plays an important role. At a discounted place, where there is a strict dress code, it is difficult to imagine an employee in a lace dress and flounced sleeves, but it’s a completely different matter - a beach party or a special event, be it a birthday celebration or an anniversary.

It is also worth noting that in most cases, the romantic style looks best on slender girls of asthenic physique, because all sorts of ruffles and flounces can be detrimental to ladies with curves, thereby presenting their figure in an unfavorable light.

The most romantic brand of our time – Valentino

Of course, whoever has not focused on the theme of romance in their collections, because, one way or another, it is always at the peak of popularity, however, one of the longest supporters of romance and the embodiment of feminine masterpieces is the Valentino brand. Things from this brand are simply imbued with lightness and tenderness - flowing fabrics, lace, clicks, embroidery, pearls, floor-length silhouettes, flounces, ruffles, bows, flowers, appropriate glitter and chic.

Valentino spring-summer 2017 show