Driving in style - the best fashions to wear in the car
Fri, 23 Dec 2011
‘Driving in style’ conjures up images of Hollywood starlets, cruising around in shiny convertibles and earning envious glances from pedestrians and other motorists.
Risk and reward
We can’t all be lucky enough to share this kind of lifestyle, but it’s nice to pretend every now and then. And, of course, glamorous driving starts with glamorous fashion, so here’s our guide to driving in style.
The early years
Back in the early days of motoring, cars offered passengers scant protection from the elements. Early driving fashion was born out of the need to keep warm and dry.
Fashions, for both sexes, consisted of long protective storm-coats made from leather or fur. Or on warmer days a driving coat known as a ‘duster’ was worn to protect the passengers’ underclothes from dust.
Early head gear
Women wore specially designed face veils that could be attached to the fashionable hats of the day. Some even wore large face-covering bonnets that looked like beekeeper’s hats, with glass windows to see through. Although looking like a beekeeper isn’t what we’re recommending here!
Men tended to wear a cap or flying helmet with a set of driving goggles to protect the eyes and face.
Luckily, as cars have become more comfortable, driving fashions have been allowed to relax a little. So there’s no longer any need to wear helmets, bonnets or veils when taking a spin.
The wind in your hair
On the subject of hairstyles, skip the temptation to the let the wind flow through your hair. Wind and dust can dry hair out and cause long-term damage. And we hate to say it, but the only thing a wind-blown birds-nest will attract is giggles, if not also the occasional homeless bird!
So if you’re going to drive a nice car with the roof down, then make sure you’re truly driving in style by dressing to impress.
The headscarf
What you need is the ultimate in car fashion - the headscarf. Go for light, upbeat patterns and colours and choose silk or cotton gauze. Think Audrey Hepburn glamour and you can’t go wrong.
Choose a scarf with a long shape, so you can leave the ends to catch the wind from behind. But don’t go too far with your scarf length. Take warning from the tragic death of Isadora Duncan. This early twentieth century modern dancer was strangled when her headscarf caught in the wheels of her new Bugatti.
The right outfit
Next go for a strapless cotton sundress or a boat-neck sweater, but be careful of catching too much sun if you have the roof down. If the weather is a little cooler, then choose a fitted long jacket with big collars.
Sunglasses
Next, and again, tipping our hats to Audrey, it’s all about the sunglasses. Audrey herself tended to go for oversized shades defining a look that still remains super chic nearly 50 years later.
Your style
Driving in style is all about feeling good behind the wheel. And whether you’re driving to the beach, the bakery or the ballet, there’s plenty of opportunity for a little glamour. Just make sure that looking good doesn't affect your driving safety. Whilst a pair of 12 inch heels might be the perfect addition to your outfit, they're definitely not road worthy. Instead, swap your heels for a pair of car friendly flats – you can always change when you get to your destination.
Last, but not least, remember that being well dressed at the wheel is is one thing, but you’re never fully covered unless you have car insurance that gives you everything you need.
