10 Looks: New Fashion, Vintage Ideas

Fresh, modern, of-the-moment women’s fashion is inspired by designs of decades past.

1920s

The lesson: Every woman should have a fabulous cocktail dress on hand.

The background: During Prohibition, fashionable flappers suddenly needed a not-too-formal, not-too-casual outfit to wear for those very hush-hush cocktail parties. Thus, the abbreviated evening gown was born. Ninety years later, cocktail dresses are still indispensable. Have just one go-to dress, like either of these chic styles, and you’ll be set for any social event that pops up.

 To buy:  Near right, Pink Tartan satin dress, $495, Tootsies, 713-629-9990. Sergio Rossi heels. Miriam Haskell necklace. Far right, Ports 1961 by Tia Cibani silk-chiffon dress, $525, 917-475-1022. Magrit heels.