Fashion Trends: Are They Still a Thing? by Fern Baker-Guy
Back in the day (well, my day at any rate), trends were all-important. They ruled the season. We waited for them to be announced in the newspapers, poured over them in fashion magazines, searched them out in stores.
In today's instantaneous online world, trends come to us in a nanosecond - and seem to leave just as quickly. Maybe our attention spans are just not long enough anymore to concentrate for too long. I'm convinced social media has given me ADD.
Regardless, we still see brands, retailers, and influencers declaring this or that as "trending". I'm going to have a little fun here and let you know the top 5 things that are supposedly trending at the moment, and then I will render my verdict.
1. Metallics
There's no doubt that we're seeing more metallics everywhere we look. Footwear, handbags, clothing and of course accessories. Silver is back in a big way after spending several years in fashion purgatory, This is great news for silver lovers. But what about gold? Does it mean gold is now "out"? No, my friends. Just today I read an article about the "trend" of black paired with gold accessories. Say what? Was it ever "out"?
Verdict: Go ahead and pair either gold OR silver accessories with whatever the heck you want. Both are beautiful and add a touch of glam to any outfit. As for metallic clothing, use it sparingly as a feature such as a sweater or a jacket - not an allover look (unless you're trying to channel Judy Jetson).
2. Wide-leg and Baggy Jeans
It's been a couple years since the skinny jean trend was declared legally dead. In its place arrived the straight leg, wide leg, bootcut, cropped flare, boyfriend, girlfriend and cargo. Literally anything goes. And guess who snuck back in? Yup - none other than Ms. Skinny Leg.
Verdict: Jean styles should be chosen by what looks good on YOUR body type. Are you tall? Short? Curvy? Straight? This matters more than what's in. There's so much to choose from, you just need to try until you find what works.
3. Red Everything
Red is currently, ahem...red hot (sorry). It's been much ballyhooed as the fashion color of the year, to the point that I would have expected to see it everywhere. To be honest, I have not seen tons of red, at least no more than usual in the Fall/Winter season. Many other colors are vying with red for 'top color' status, including greens, purples, browns and oranges.
Verdict: Once again, you should wear whatever color you like and is flattering to you. That said, there are definitely different ways to incorporate red, from head-to-toe for a monochromatic look, to a pop of red in a sweater, scarf or handbag. It's a fun, vibrant, mood-lifting color that comes in may iterations, at least one of which is sure to look great on you. I say give it try.
4. Blazers
Blazers are having a major fashion moment. Frankly, I couldn't be happier. I'm a lover of all jackets, from leather moto jackets to shackets. But there's something about a blazer that's so polished, so chic that it's my all-time favorite. Just try to find a look that isn't elevated by the addition of a blazer. (Go ahead, try. I'll wait). Jeans, trousers, skirts and dresses - all look great topped with a blazer.
Verdict: By all means add an updated blazer to your wardrobe if you don't already have one. I suggest starting with a classic black blazer that can go with anything. It can be wool, velvet or faux leather. Once you have a black blazer in your wardrobe, you can branch out to other colors and even patterns, such as plaids and tweeds (which are also making a strong showing this season).
5. Quiet Luxury
This trend is showing no signs of going away. It's actually more of an anti-trend, with it's focus on classic, wearable pieces that stand the test of time. The term 'quiet' refers to the fact that these clothes don't scream "look at me!" with flashy logos or details.
Verdict: This a great time to invest in quality, classic pieces that won't go out of style. The nice part is that the price tag on these items can go anywhere from true luxury to wallet-friendly. You may have to sacrifice cashmere for acrylic, but you'll still get that "old money" look.
Of course there are other "of the moment" trends, such as business suiting, maxi outerwear and all things sheer. Watch for these to be adapted in ways that are more wearable and accessible for us normal folk. Overall verdict? Embrace the trends that speak to your taste, style and wallet. Mix them in with what you already have. Combine them in new ways. In this way, you'll be sure to have a style that is uniquely YOU.