Balancing Traditional and Modern Southern Fashion

Southern fashion embodies timeless elegance, charm, warmth, and a unique style. Southern fashion is rooted deeply in traditions and cultures; it's possible to blend and balance both the classic Southern Fashion style and Modern and have a happy balance of both in your wardrobes.

At its core, Southern fashion is all about blending ultimate comfort with effortless sophistication. In the South, we know how to mix practicality and attention to detail with quality materials and timeless patterns such as vibrant florals, lace, and even the classic plaid.

People often think of Southern fashion as sundresses, wide-brimmed hats, and cowboy boots. However, classic and modern Southern style is so much more than that—such as monogrammed accessories and heirloom jewelry with contemporary silhouettes utilizing a hint of tradition.

While Southern fashion is about carrying on tradition, it is also heavily influenced by modern-day fashion trends. The key lies in finding the perfect balance for you. Pair traditional garments like a plaid shirt or a vivid floral dress with a gorgeous leather jacket and sleek heels, or pair your favorite trendy outfit with a Southern twist, such as cowboy boots and a wide-brimmed hat.

Combine old and new styles, and opt for vintage basics. You can find gorgeous retro essentials like an oversized white silk blouse at thrift and secondhand stores. An oversized white silk blouse is always stylish; every Southern gal should have at least one in her closet. If you can't track down silk, invest in a few styles of varying fabrics, like lightweight cotton and breezy linens.

Other basics to consider are A-line skirts and denim jackets; pairing them with modern cowboy boots or your favorite Southern Recollections graphic tee will give you a vintage look with a contemporary twist.

Vintage Southern, or classic Southern fashion, especially before the 1980s, can lean toward semi-formal and formal wear. If you plan to incorporate styles from these eras, tailor your look around a balance between traditional and casual wear.

A tea dress is arguably one of the most iconic Southern styles. Choose a floral tea dress with large, bold patterns using a pastel palette, and choose a pair of ballet flats. Accessorize the dress with a modern belt to add further definition to your waist and break up the silhouette of a one-piece tea dress, mixing formal and casual effortlessly.

A pair of well-fitted, comfortable vintage jeans is a must-have for any Southerner. The South is chock-full of fantastic denim options. You can pair vintage jeans with the classic white blouse or top, a blazer, strappy modern kitten heels, a gold bracelet, and oversized sunglasses for an instant blend of unique Southern traditional and contemporary outfits that can be worn anywhere.

Whether it's your Gramma's monogrammed locket, brooch, or her necklace of pearls, you can hold onto the little pieces of your Southern past by wearing them. Wear a modern-style floral print dress with a handed-down ring, necklace, or string of pearls to mix something old and new.

In the fashion world, the South will always hold distinctive styles, and you can beautifully merge tradition and modernity, comfort and sophistication, practicality and elegance by experimenting. Whether it's a pair of cowboy boots or your favorite vintage jeans, the elements you choose will contribute to the distinct charm of Southern fashion.