What are your associations with the word "elven"? In recent years it has become quite a widespread epithet — elven jewelry (and you immediately understand what I mean!), elven dresses, elven hair (for me it's when the side strands of hair are taken to the back, ears are open). "You look like a real elf!" is a compliment not only for Tolkienists, even those who are far from fantasy role-playing games sometimes add to their looks something magical. How do we imagine the elves we want to look like?
Elves in all legends and stories are in harmony with nature, so in the first place, the "elven style" involves smooth lines, unassuming floral motifs, soft colors, often from the forest palette. They are beautifully proportioned, so their clothing usually has a flattering fit. Elves are sublime and noble, so there is a lot of aristocratic notes in their outfits: long flared sleeves, cloaks and capes, intricate trim.
Perhaps in recent years the greatest impact on our image of elves was made by the film adaptation of "Lord of the Rings". In my opinion, it turned out just fine and true to the story.
Costumes
Elven heroines from "Lord of the Rings" are regal and magical creations, but Tauriel in "The Hobbit" is quite different, a fighting elf with feminine look (though to elves it is rather unisex), with slim pants and soft boots, is maybe even closer to many people.
On the web there are a lot of successful incarnations of elf warriors:
A simple costume in the same style:
An elven wedding is a delicate romantic trend:
Some workshops specialize on tailoring stylized wedding dresses:
And here's another vision of elven dresses (flared sleeves especially catch the eye):
For some people elves are something historic, with a corset lacing — but always with ears: )
But for others they are like the forest wanderers, less royal, but maybe even more natural:
Modern clothing, which is positioned as elven (of course, images of designers about the elves may not be the same!), and which can be worn in everyday life, often has asymmetric cut. Elven dresses and elven flared trousers are quite unexpected:
Have you met here looks close to your heart? Or do you imagine elves differently?