You Don’t Have To Walk Like An Egpytian To Dress Like One

By Brian Maynor
May 16, 2014

You don’t have to look very far to see Egyptian influence in fashion.  Tunics; gauze and linen fabrics; maxi dresses and sheer pieces all can be found in Egyptian hieroglyphics and this weekend you can immerse yourself in all things Egyptian at the SC State Museum’s Egyptian Night at the Museum showcasing the Tutankhamen: Return of the King exhibit.

Ancient Egyptian fashion was all about being practical:  in the dessert heat you want to stay cool, so thin layers of linen were most common.  We may not reach dessert temperatures, but we know all about trying to stay cool during the summer.   Here are a few fun facts and inspiration boards about Pharaoh fashion:

1.  Comfort and beauty working together.  Natural fibers like linen and muslin are breathable and durable to keep you cool in the subtropical heat, while the simple styles were accented by jewel tone colors and embellishments.  The layers were kept light and thin making them sheer.

2.  The original maxi dress.  The common people of Egyptian society wore simple sheath dresses, while higher-ranking members wore pleated ones.  The length also denoted class, but today length is about what works for your height.

Petite women often shy away from the maxi dress because it tends to overwhelm them, but that doesn’t have to be the case.  As long as there is some shape to the dress and it stops right at the top of your foot this summer staple can be worn by ladies of all stature.

3.  Tunics are making a comeback.  Sometimes restyled and named popovers, the tunic has seen a surge in popularity over the past few summers, but they were seen in Egypt as early as 1420 BC.  Lightweight and buttoning only halfway down, the bottom is left loose to be worn over pants, or shorts today.  These are extremely versatile pieces that look great on their own or under a coat.

4.  Pile on the accessories.  All Egyptians loved jewelry and wore a lot of pieces that were often heavy and ornate.  Large and elaborate collars and bib necklaces; bracelets, rings and earrings were very popular and often inlaid with stones and beads.  Gold was the preferred metal in honor of their sun god Amun-Ra.

5.  Hieroglyphics and iconography.  Scarabs; the Eye of Horus; asps, and ankhs are all Egyptian symbols that dominate pop culture and accessories today.  Another example can be found in Issa’s Spring 2014 collection, which is filled with Egyptian prints; sheath dresses and jeweled collars.

 

If a style worn back in 1420 BC is still around today you know it’s a keeper.  Simple, elegant, beautiful and adaptable are the hallmarks of an ideal wardrobe, in any time period.

 

Don’t miss your opportunity to spend a night at the museum this Friday.  Get all the information and details here:  http://www.scmuseum.org/events/egyptiannight.aspx.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].   Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

 

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