Ladylike Glamour

A lovely polish has swept the runways for fall, echoing the glamour and conservatism of the 1940s. It is characterized by smart suits, pencil skirts, frilly blouses, crisp tweeds, statement bags, delicate gloves, and an air of confident beauty. Perhaps we might even don a brooch?

CC begins with a runway survey (pics via style.com except where noted):
Christian Dior Couture (top left)

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Chanel Couture
Derek Lam
Javier Larráinzar; photo via Spanish Vogue
Catherine Malandrino Resort 2009

Jean Paul Gaultier Couture handbag and glove detail
Christian Lacroix Couture brooch detail

Now, what to buy [or take out of storage!]:
1) A sleeveless or cap sleeve shift, like this Oscar de la Renta tweed sleeveless dress, available at net-a-porter.com. CC loves the Greek key cutout at the neck!

Or this RM by Roland Mouret Moon dress, a Neiman Marcus exclusive! Go to neimanmarcus.com.

Another fabulously bright (yet still conservative) sheath? Diane von Furstenberg's bold orange Domino dress, at shopbop.com.

CC also likes Isaac Mizrahi’s tuxedo-inspired shift (photo via Spanish Vogue).
This cream-hued Dior cutout sheath is simultaneously alluring and demure. Go to neimanmarcus.com.

If your budget is a bit meeker, opt for Milly's beige rolled collar pencil dress, delicately ribbon belted at the waist. Visit shopbop.com.

If the spaghetti strap is more your style, opt for this Black Halo Bouquet cami dress in topaz. Note the skinny gold self-belt! Go to revolveclothing.com.

Even an asymmetrical dress can fit the ladylike bill, as with this Black Halo one shoulder sheath, in ravishing royal blue. At Neiman Marcus.

For those blessed with sewing skills: fashion your own sheath using Vogue Pattern 1043, a wonderfully dainty full-skirted frock, circa 1953. Available at voguepatterns.com.

2) A pencil skirt, such as this J. Crew Domino jacquard pencil skirt.

Lorick Zeina navy embroidered skirt with yellow silk dupioni slip, at gargyle.com.

3) A conservative heeled shoe, preferably with a pointed toe, like this Manolo Blahnik tasseled wool pump.

Alternatively, invest in a brown or black leather bootie, such as this buckled platform by Jonathan Kelsey for Mulberry. These two photos courtesy style.com.

4) A frilly, girly blouse, either patterned (See by Chloe abstract print silk blouse at right, available at Neiman Marcus) or solid.

Forever 21 Victorian ruffle blouse. Go to forever21.com.

5) A substantial bag. In terms of accessories, it is time to invest in a durable leather shoulder bag that will stand the test of time. Think luxury and rich color, like this smashing Alexander McQueen stamped patent leather tote, for purchase at net-a-porter.com.

CC is also loving this grape-hued Botkier Morgan satchel. Visit singer22.com.

6) Gloves, gloves, gloves! Stay tuned to Couture Carrie for myriad ideas, but here’s a sneak preview:

Moschino leather gloves, available at Saks
Fifth Avenue; photo courtesy elle.com.

7) (optional; for experts only): a brooch! (Valentino Couture at right)

CC is so excited about this trend, and she hopes you are, too, my lovelies!

What's in your wardrobe already and what ladylike pieces are you poised to buy??