Grecian Glamour
It’s 2025 and you’ve taken a few weeks off of work to escape to the Greek islands. You sit perched on a rooftop for drinks in Paros, after hours spent sunbathing on the beach. As your eyes gaze around the perimeters, you are met with early 2000s fashion, reenvisioned and nuanced in its modern context. So, what does this past manifesting to the present look like?
Kate Moss photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth, available via British Vogue. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
A few key trends have found a cyclic rhythm, which is a win in itself for sustainability. At the very least, we know that if a garment goes out of style, it will be back soon enough. No need to discard old clothes and contribute to waste and landfills. These items will be coveted once more, and soon.
Let’s reminisce for a moment. Recall that in the early 2000s, low-rise skirts and jeans, metallics and neons, bold shoes, and gaudy sunglasses took the wind. Presently, these same trends have elevated themselves to fit the times. The low rise phenomenon has shifted to a more mature look, now displaying itself as a feature on linen and cotton trousers rather than denim. We’ve ditched metallics and neons for the more soft toned hues of neutrals, blues, and pinks, and we’ve begun to play around with statement accessories and platforms that emit a high-fashion tenor to them.
We have come to recognize that social media is a major catalyst for the influx in and speed of trend cycles. But, with influencers adjusting these aesthetics into something that feels fresher, we mustn’t neglect how culture molds these looks, as well. That is to say, location and culture is another informant for stylistic decisions.
To begin with topography, Greece’s islands are an amalgamation of color. Between the cycladic whites of buildings, and the cyan blues of the water, visitors give into the temptation of dressing in accordance with these color schemes. This is visualized in the tendency for newcomers to clothe themselves in various shades of blue and white, matching the landscape. Further, the mountainous and rocky attributes of the islands call to attention the need to wear natural grains and fabrics, such as linen, cotton, and gauze alike. The implementation of these fabrics into daily style assists in the Greek heat, as well. As for footwear, it is crucial to take practicality into account with confidence boosting. Leather sandal-sneakers, oftentimes with a pump to them, have recently found themselves as the answer to this dilemma.
As for culture, the timeless looks of Ancient Greece, with their draping of togas, affinity for gold jewelry, sandals and the evil eye, have paved the way for the modern-day key players. This is where white linen sets, threaded evil eye bracelets, headscarves, chunky gold necklaces, and leather sandals come into play. Luxury brands such as Versace and Zeus+Dione have been especially enticing to these trends.
It is vital to keep in mind that popular Greek fashion is a reflection of heritage and culture, in tandem to seasonal trends. A tug-of-war between the fashion of tourists and of locals is ever present. Thus, we must keep intentionality and awareness of culture at the forefront of our minds when approaching Greek styles.
