Trash or Treasure?
Roman Fashion Trends You Should be Keeping Around (or Ditching Forever)
A buzzfeed review by Secretary Ana Leyendecker
Everyone knows there’s nothing new under the sun- right? And so, as I was looking at some non-traditional inspiration (aka statues), I figured it would be worthwhile to analyze the fashion choices of the Roman Empire during Augustus. So, without further ado, here are some trends I think should stay for future years, and ones I think should be forgotten in history.
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image courtesy of public domain vectors
image courtesy of getarchive.net
traditionally made with wool
or linen and draped the
figure in a flattering yet
comfy way. I say yes to the
eternal maxi dress, it will
be versatile through all ages!
I respect that. No matter how
you wear ‘em they are
effortless and chic no matter
the time period
so we decree that this trend
4) Sandals The Romans lived in their leather sandals, and I think they looked fabulous doing it. Continue the Roman tradition by buying your own pair of sturdy sandals, like Chacos or Tevas.
5) Strapless Bandeaus All the rage right now as outerwear, strapless bandeaus were Roman undergarments. Neither option for wearing these seems very comfortable or supportive, so I’ll hope this trend goes into the River Lethe and everyone forgets about it.
6) Pteruges aka the ancient kilt/hula skirt combo. Part of the Roman military uniform, it is both functional and stylish, created with strips of leather and metal studs. It's weird and I like it, so it can stay.
5) Strapless Bandeaus All the rage right now as outerwear, strapless bandeaus were Roman undergarments. Neither option for wearing these seems very comfortable or supportive, so I’ll hope this trend goes into the River Lethe
and everyone forgets about it.
6) Pteruges aka the ancient kilt/hula skirt combo. Part of the Roman military uniform, it is both functional and stylish, created with strips of leather and metal studs. It's weird and I like it, so it can stay.
7) Short 'n curly Hair popularized by Nero, who framed his face with curls, I can see why it became so popular. With the rise of the perm, it appears Nero’s influence reaches far beyond the grave and crowns the head of every teenage boy. I say this is a keeper (for now) since anything is better than frosted tips.
8) Beetle Cosmetics To get the classic red lip (so favored by Cleopatra) Roman women would grind up beetles, beeswax, and rose petals to get just the right hue. I would honestly prefer something natural over something potentially poisonous in modern times, so I say beetle cosmetics can stay for a little while longer.
9) Mohawk Helmets The standard for a Roman military uniform of higher rank, these give the same energy as mullets. I simply cannot endorse them, and they need to be put in Tartarus.