Bring 'em back, Bring 'em back

Trying to echo the words of the Atlanta rapper TI who in his song Bring em out said:

got the crowd yelling (Bring 'em out, bring 'em out)

Aye, all my hot girls yelling (Bring 'em out, bring 'em out)

Aye, all the Dope Boyz yelling (Bring 'em out, bring 'em out)

Being a hot girl is not a part of my lifestyle but when thinking about what fashion trends that could make their debut in this modern world, some of the fashion trends of the 1960s come to mind. I changed some of TI's lyrics to make it more fitting to this piece.

got some of us yelling (Bring 'em back, bring 'em back)

Aye, some fashion trends returning (Bring 'em back, bring 'em back)

Aye, men and women self expressing (Bring 'em back, bring 'em back)

When I say bring ‘em back, I’m not talking about all of them; just the return of certain trends like those of the 1960s. The 1960s was progressive when it came to both male and female wear. People were able to express themselves freely whether they chose to incorporate the hippie style or wore something more youthful; full of color or filled with an array of different patterns. Everyone during that time period got the opportunity to participate in major shifts in fashion through their individual self expression.

Most of the hairstyles such as the beehive, the mop top and the Vidal sassoon cut can be left behind. Full volume hair giving women the appearance of a doll-like face can remain in the past too. Although I must admit that I do enjoy wearing my afro out in all of its glory. The colored tights, brightly colored pant suits for women and the gogo boots can all remain in fashion history. We have seen the whole idea of fit and flare, the pencil skit and the neck ties which have surely been incorporated in fashion trends today. However, what I would like to see a comeback of are a few styles worn by the one and only Jackie Kennedy.

Jackie Kennedy Onassis, a former first lady of the United States was widely known for her historical white house preservation work, photography and her devotion to her children. Let's be clear! She was a fashion icon and one of the most popular first ladies. With the help of a family friend Oleg Cassini, Jackie was able to have a one of a kind wardrobe designed specifically for all of her appearances. At times, I wish I had designer friends too but only when I briefly succumb to an every now and then fantasy bougie experience. Boldness defined her. In a letter to the press after they criticized her French inspired fashion sense, she told them of her dislike for prints and “Terribly simple, covered-up clothes.” There's nothing like a strong woman who voices her opinion. (You tell them how you really feel Jackie!)

Everyone knew about The Jackie Look and tried to emulate it. It was also called The A-Line Look by Oleg Cassini. There was a skirt suit with a hem on the knee. This she wore with a three quarter inch sleeved collared jacket, elbow gloves, low pump heels and a pillbox hat. The gloves aren't necessary but I am all in when it comes to low pump heels. Comfort is of utmost importance.

A pillbox hat can definitely make a comeback as a spring accessory. Just think of the many spring-like colors one could wear and it can be paired both casually and even formally.

I love the idea of a coat dress similar to the one she wore during her husband’s inauguration. It has an A-line silhouette and stand-away collar with oversized pockets and buttons. I believe that it has been modernized but I do love the older version. It was loose fitting with huge pockets which made it seem very comfortable. As a woman, who doesn’t want or like pockets? Her style was simple yet clean cut and highly sophisticated.

Now what about the Shift dress? This screams of spring with the idea of pastels and patterns. When I say patterns I am talking about those that aren’t too overwhelming. These I believe can be timeless. I agree with Jackie that we have to be careful with the prints.

On days when one wants to feel fancy, her triple stranded pearl necklace would add the right touch to a beautiful gown. Of course it is not an accessory that we can wear daily but it will make a woman feel womanly. Pearls bring with it a sense of elegance. It can be used not only as a neck piece but can be incorporated into a stunning dress. The pearls can be attached to the neck and even the wrists using the same triple stranded pattern acting like a cufflink. Fashion design does not run in my blood but a girl can dream.

When we really think about it, I believe we all have a bit of Jackie O in us. She continued to influence fashion trends until she died. Remember she embodied the wide pant leg suit, silk Hermes head scarves, large and round sunglasses and even the wearing of jeans in public. Her style choices will always remain iconic.