What type of clothing comes to mind when you think of Greece? In my mind I see a beautifully draped, airy, white dress and brown leather gladiator style sandals. It’s part ethereal, part freeing, and part practical for the warm weather.
Or perhaps you’re seeing a vivid floral maxi skirt with an effortlessly sophisticated one-shoulder tank top. Have you ever wondered why these specific images come to your mind in association with Greece?
Style always repeats itself and has a deep story to tell.
When you look at the clothing worn in today’s society, you’ll see a nod back to previous times and cultures. Times when clothing was created and worn for a purpose. It’s a direct reflection of that society's beliefs, values and day to day activities. A time when style was created with intention.
Many of these beliefs and values have been passed down from generation to generation which is why you’ll still see them reflected in that society’s fashion and architecture and food… even if there’s no longer a specific need based on today’s lifestyle. It’s an opportunity to honor past cultures and preserve history.
There’s something magical that happens when you travel. It’s as though you become transported into a completely different world. It’s an opportunity to experience another culture and open your eyes up to another way of living. It’s an invitation to shift out of your habits and routine and create space for something new.
So why do we think of drapy, airy pieces when we think of Greece?
The number one reason is the climate! Ancient Greeks wore light clothes as the climate was hot. Early clothing was made from simple shapes like rectangular linen or wool. Fabric and clothing was so valuable that they did not want to cut it. So instead, they learned how to play with draping and tucking and added decorative pins or clasps or belts for the wow factor and to hold the pieces together. So anytime you see draping on clothing today, you can thank the ancient Greeks.
Think simplicity when it comes to early Greecian clothing. Tailoring was non-existent, and it was more about skillfully creating the perfect tuck or pleat. One of the pieces of clothing for women was called a peplos and it was worn over the chiton which is a tube shaped “dress” kind of like a beach cover up. Women would pull the peplos up at the waist to create a peplum effect over the chiton. So you can also thank the ancient Greeks for peplums like this! (P.S. these examples are all shoppable- just click through).
As the Greeks became more sophisticated, they began trading for silk goods to elevate the silhouettes they were able to create. It’s interesting that silk today is still considered luxurious and sophisticated. It has to do with how it’s produced and that it’s less available than other fabrics like linen or wool or cotton.
Current fashion that reflects Greek style is feminine and flowy, graceful and elegant, sheer and light and reflects the power of the feminine. One of the designers that comes to my mind is Halston. He was a minimalist focused on one shoulder gowns with gorgeous draping. Here’s an example.
Here’s the top 3 elements in modern day fashion that you can thank the Greeks for creating.
- Elaborate drapes and pleats and pieces that can be wrapped or tied or twisted in different ways to create new looks (think of those bridesmaids dresses that everyone can wear a different way based on how it’s tied).
- One shoulder necklines which are HUGE right now! I definitely recall wearing plenty of tanks like this in the nineties and early 2000’s. One shoulder gowns feel like a modern day Goddess. You’ll see shoppable examples here.
- Headbands and gladiator sandals. Worn in the past due to the heat and worn today to step into your best boho chic vibe. Shoppable examples here.
The simplicity and elegance of ancient Greecian clothing is what has allowed it to continue permeating modern day society. Yet now when you reach for that pink one shoulder tank or green gown with the most beautiful draping, you’ll understand the HERstory of that piece. You’ll understand why that silhouette was created and how it allows you to honor the women of ancient Greece. And maybe just by putting it on you’ll allow yourself to be transported back to another time, another culture and another opportunity to experience life differently… even if it’s only in your mind.
xoxo,
Style Specialist & Confidence Catalyst
