Ladies Who Lunch, The Vintage-Inspired Fashion Trend Is Making a Chic Comeback

There was a time not too long ago when women didn’t step out in yoga pants unless they were actually going to yoga. These were the women with standing lunch dates, lipstick that stayed on all day, and manicures that matched their lipstick perfectly. Their days were filled with charity galas, tennis matches, and endless gossip. They wore pearls around their necks, always had a martini or a glass of champagne in hand, carried tiny handbags, had rich husbands, and wore skirts that never creased. Think of Mean Girls made in the early 60s, but with a touch of class and elegance. You know the type.

Today, it’s less about everything matching perfectly and more about keeping fashion neat and stylish without being too formal. The ladies who lunch look, with its clean lines, matching sets, bouclé jackets, pastel knits, smart accessories, and a hint of expensive perfume, is back in fashion. But this time, it’s not just for socialites or stepmothers. Gen Z and millennials are taking the look and making it their own.

This isn’t just old-fashioned style coming back. Today’s fashion stars have turned it into something fresh, powerful, and ready for the spotlight.

Gigi Hadid 

She turned heads at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party in a breathtaking red Zac Posen gown that looked straight out of a 1950s fashion show. With its cinched waist, defined shape, and elegant silhouette, it felt like a scene from a vintage fashion spread.

Kerry Washington 

Kerry Washington gave the ladies-who-lunch look a high-fashion twist at the Golden Globes in a structured fuchsia Balenciaga gown, complete with gloves, sheer tights, and pointed heels. Her Messika diamonds added just the right touch of polish.

Zendaya

Giorgio Armani’s rust-toned gown, structured through the bodice and flared at the hem, made Zendaya look like a queen at the Golden Globes. Styled with a voluminous bob and a striking Bulgari necklace, the look felt straight out of a 1950s power lunch at a club.

Sabrina Carpenter

The queen of retro, Sabrina Carpenter went full pretty in pink in a sequinned Valentino mini dress for the Women’s Stories gala dinner, hosted by the Red Sea Film Festival and Vanity Fair Italy. With sky-high platforms and a bouncy ponytail, she looked like she was off to meet her girlfriends for an aperitivo and a good gossip session.

What makes this aesthetic so easy to adopt is its versatility. A belted coat, a pearl necklace, a tailored skirt, or a perfectly fitted cardigan — these pieces effortlessly fit into a modern wardrobe. The secret lies in the styling. Add slingbacks, a ladylike handbag, and a classic watch that looks like an heirloom, and the look comes together beautifully.