Eclectic

History of style

The first use of the term eclecticism or eclectic as a mixture of styles, ideas and directions dates back to the 2nd century, however, as a direction in clothing it began to be used much later - in the middle of the 19th century. The second name of this direction is diffuse, that is, mixed style. Then women wanted to show all the luxury of the outfit, so they wore "all the best", and often not combined. Then eclecticism looked like this - beautiful dresses made of two or more fabrics, an abundance of jewelry, chic hairstyles.

The next embodiment of eclecticism was hippies. It cannot be said that they fiercely wanted to combine the incongruous, but most representatives of the subculture did not have money, so they tried to stand out in this boring world by what they have - clothes bought at the flea market or in second-hand. Of course, the wardrobe consisted of completely different things, which were later combined by hippies, as it went to mind. Modern famous fashion houses and designers almost everyone has in their portfolio a collection in the style of eclecticism - at one time the line of original clothes was presented by Prada, Ralph Lauren, Dsquared², Gucci and others.

Style features

The eclectic style has practically no rules - the main thing is to have a sense of taste that will allow you to combine things that are not intended for wearing in a duet. However, all diffuse images have common features:

• Unity of different styles. It is on the contrast of polar stylistic directions that a variety of eclectic images are created. A prime example of this combination is a light, airy dress and rough boots or a tracksuit with boats;

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• Texture. Frequently used things have a very different texture - a chintz sundress and a scythe may seem incongruous, but in fact they give a stylish and original diffuse bow;

• Bright colors and prints. In general, there are also calm outfits, but most often the combination of colors in the wardrobe is also original. Designers do not recommend combining blue and green, and eclectic lovers confidently combine them, complementing them with yellow or red. If the image is calm, accents are used - bright accessories and hats;

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• Combinatoriality. The term combinatoriality reflects the whole essence of eclecticism – a combination of the incongruous, but with a general harmony in the image;

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• Multi-layered. Due to the layering of clothes of different textures, and sometimes even in 3-4 layers, the complexity and originality of the image is emphasized.

Eclecticism and other styles

Notes of eclecticism can be found in other, independent stylistic directions. The principles of diffuse style are traced in:

• Casual. Often in the wardrobe are used things of different styles, for example, business and sports;

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• Boho. Images in the boho style reflect eclecticism better than other directions, as they observe almost all the principles of eclecticism, adding unique notes - natural fabrics, bright prints;

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• Ethnic. Ethnic style, like boho, often looks like the outfit of an urban madman, but this makes it original and truly diffuse.

You can use the principles of eclecticism in other styles - kitsch, new look, sports, the main thing is to combine things within the rules that a particular style of clothing dictates.

Basic wardrobe in the style of eclecticism

Putting together an eclectic basic wardrobe is hard enough. On the one hand, there are no rules for collecting outfits, on the other hand, you need an exceptional taste that will help to collect a concise, but original and bold wardrobe. In order not to make a mistake, at the initial stages we recommend making a basic wardrobe for the eclectic style of:

• Dresses. It is better to choose several models of different lengths, cuts and colors. Dresses with patterns, bright prints and original cut are welcome - with asymmetry, cutouts, layers;

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• Skirts. Like dresses, skirts from mini to maxi will perfectly fit into the diffuse image of a stylish girl. Most often, skirts have loose, flying styles, in which it will be comfortable. Pencils are best left for office style, and for eclecticism, the sun, half-sun, models with a smell, light flowing options are suitable;

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• Pants and jeans. You can pick up everything you like - from torn jeans, to flowing trousers;

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• Shirts and blouses. Freedom of choice allows you to choose blouses and shirts from office to ethnic. Both bright models with a print and calmer monochromatic ones are acceptable. The latter are perfectly combined with a skirt or trousers;

• T-shirts and tops. T-shirts and tops are rarely used on catwalks, but in everyday wardrobe, eclecticism allows their use. A T-shirt or crop top under a loose shirt in combination with torn jeans with rhinestones looks great.

Shoes & Accessories

Shoes are best to have in several styles. You will need sneakers - and in the case of eclecticism, they can be with bright prints. Basic white and black models are also acceptable.

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Be sure to buy rough shoes - with a dress made of light fabric you will get a stylish and romantic image in a diffuse style.

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Shoes, ballet flats, sandals, try to choose the color of the outfits so that harmony is preserved in the image. Eclectic accessories welcome – from neckerchiefs and headscarves, to pendants, bracelets and earrings. Bracelets and earrings will suit massive, expressive. Bags - with bright finishes and additional details like an outfit - with fringe, ruffles, rhinestones, embroidery.

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Don't forget to add an accent to your hair. This can be the previously mentioned scarf, as well as stylish and bright hairpins, rims, crabs and tiaras.

Men's wardrobe

For men in the basic wardrobe we recommend to include:

• Jumper of bright colors - with patterns or monochromatic;
• Cardigan. If you take a cardigan of a bright shade, for example, coral or grass, it will look great with basic T-shirts, T-shirts and loose shirts.

• Straight or slightly narrowed trousers of neutral color - they are easy to complement with a bright "top", trousers with additional decor - lamps, prints - stripes or a check, as well as free trousers;

• Shirts, T-shirts and T-shirts. It is better to arm yourself with several models - brighter and extravagant, as well as calm, close to the basic;

Shoes are also variable – slippers, sandals, boots, sneakers. Of the accessories, take a closer look at the scarves - they will complement the multi-layered image. Non-standard hats and caps will come in handy.

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