Retro Chic

Retro chic - what is it? A question that many ask, and there is no precise definition, but it is a style, in clothing, accessories and items, that is bold, vibrant and fun and gets its inspiration from earlier decades, notably the 1950's, but the '60s, 70's and even elements of the 1940's contribute to retro chic.

In the 50's, in particular, there was a sense of hope in Britain and the USA and this sense of hope manifested itself in the design of the times, consumer goods and fashionable clothes began to become affordable to the average man, woman and family and a spirit of optimism was afoot. There was a futuristic style to household objects as, for the first time for the masses, form could compete with function. Chrome was popular, and often teamed with bright red or baby blue. The polka dot, perhaps, more than anything symbolises this style and is synonymous with retro chic.

 Dots and spots feature prominently in retro fashion, sometimes bold and loud - aren't those shoes great! - sometimes more subtle and understated.  Retro chic is not just spots and polka dots, but they feature heavily in the style, and anything dotty and spotty could be classed as being retro chic.

The designs of dots and spots are clearly heavily influenced by this style!

 Retro chic is about the 50's, with a healthy dose of the 60's, 70's and 40's, but not the 1980s, which is a whole different style altogether.  Different, note, not better or worse, just different. 

The 80's were a decade when, perhaps, hope turned to cynicism and greed.  Look at the two cars below, both French, both Citroens.  One is sleek, curvaceous, futuristic and cool.  The other is more angular and assertive - more about reaching its destination than the journey, and this aint retro chic.

(The 80s was, however, a great decade: discover 1980s music here.)