How to go from J-Lo to Retro                                                            Back to columns list

By Nicole Beckett

September 23, 2004

I’ll be the first to admit it:  I follow Jennifer Lopez’s life like I grew up on The Block.  Of course, I do it under the guise of my career… I mean, as a fashion designer, I have to stay abreast of everything pop culture, and J-Lo is the definition of the phrase. 

 

So when the Age of Bennifer passed, I knew something was going to change.  The signature styles J-Lo once sported, and admit it, so did you, were off the runways—and off her booty-- so fast, it was as if the whole world went back in time!  In essence, it has. With tailored retro styles gracing the pages of fashion mags far and wide, gone are the days of flimsy peasant blouses and sleeves trailing far behind like the broken wings of a dove. 

 

Since then, the trends have done a 180 degree turn and all that was out is in again.  Vintage inspired designs from the ‘40’s and ‘50’s have taken over the fashion scene.  From calendar girl sweaters to round-toe pumps, everyone who’s anyone is doing pinup style—and that includes the illustrious Lopez.  The secret, of course, is to do it without looking like an extra on I Love Lucy.  Here are a few tips to bring you into the age of Betty.  Paige, that is:

 

Start with the asset that everybody sees first.  (Not your boobs, silly, your face!)  To get an updated pinup look, lightly powder your face, use lots of black mascara and add pouty red lips.  To top it off, you absolutely must style your hair with a one inch curling iron to get soft big curls—stick straight blowouts are so six months ago.

 

Do the secretary: wear traditionally conservative pieces like a pencil skirt and sweater set, but wear them a size too small…In fact, wear everything super fitted.  I cannot stress this enough.  If you wear any of these looks too loose, you will look dowdy, not like Miss September, 1952.

 

If you’re wearing a top or dress with a super-low neckline, wear a fitted cardigan over it with only the top button buttoned for a peek-a-boo effect. Better yet, wear a cape or capelet for a true LA Confidential look.

 

Join the Navy.  Okay, not really, but sailor inspired outfits scream retro.  Try my fave, and you may launch a thousand ships:  Pair a boat neck sweater with modern boot cut cords in black or navy, put a printed nautical print scarf through the belt loops and slip into some ballet flats. Ships ahoy, cutie!

 

Channel a ‘50’s Hollywood icon. Feeling like a bad-ass? Do the James Dean by pairing a modern black satin jacket and cuffed dark jeans to emulate the Rebel without a Cause.  Feeling oh-so-girly? Try Sophia Lauren and don a low-cut satin cocktail dress (the tighter the better) and put a flower in cleavage to make it PG.

 

Add a little rockabilly to the mix.  Classic rockabilly pieces include just about anything with cherries, Sailor Jerry tattoos and nautical stars.  The key to these pieces is to use them sparingly unless you are headed to Vegas.  In fact, whenever you are using classic retro pieces, treat them like you would accessories: look in the mirror and take one piece off before leaving the house.