How does this affect you and I, the people in the real world of everyday fashion? Style-repetition - old looks coming back as new - is actually a great thing. It allows us to reinvent certain pieces we hold dear in our closets (as well as to part with others that have little potential) vs. rushing out and buying every "new" piece that gets our hearts racing in stores.
Making this delineation can be tricky - nobody wants to look dated, trying desperately to pull off an old look as "new." On the contrary, how many of us have rushed home with a new purchase, only to find something almost identical sitting in the back of our closets? (Admit it....it's happened to all of us!).
Given this dilemma, here's a quick guide on what to bring back from your current wardrobe, versus what's worth splurging on right now for an instant update...
Old Digs
Trend #2: The Tuxedo Jacket - Pretty much any blazer, vest, or jacket with a standout lapel falls into the broad spectrum of this very current trend. Long, short, peplum, or straight, there's a tuxedo-inspired style out there for everyone. Menswear is a fresh and modern take on black-tie, so feel free to wear your piece formally with slacks, as well as casually with more easygoing bottoms or shoes.
Trend #3: Anything Red - 2012 may have been the year of the red pant, but now the standout color is being reintroduced as an all-over hue. Dresses, jumpsuits, tops, bottoms, accessories...red, in any way, shape or form should no longer be sitting idle in your closet. As the color that will put a spring in your step, red is globally renown for bringing luck, good fortune, and overall confidence. So pick it up, brush it off, and wear strategically. And don't stop at just one piece! A long line of red can be visually stunning, not to mention slimming. Just be sure to keep accessories and hair/makeup to a neutral minimum.
Trend #4: Black and White - Sure, the trend today has more graphic elements, but what used to be considered too harsh in the past few years is now mainstream chic. So find those b&w stripes, checks, floral, block prints, small prints...everything goes. The combo is great alone or as a base for a pop of color. (Confused on which hue to layer b&w with? Choose your childhood favorite. It always works!)
Trend #5: Leather: Last year we saw the explosion of all-over leather in ways previously thought unthinkable or too extreme - as fabric for pants, shirts, shells, bags, shoes, trims, sleeves, etc. It was worn in every form, and this season we can breathe a sigh of relief that it is here to stay. Recent technologies in leather fabric allows it to be more pliable, breathable, and dye-able...making the options endless. So rock your leather favorites now - it's the instant fix to give an old piece new edge. Just stay away from anything with too much hardware...studs, grommets, etc. The take this spring is more feminine and sleek versus biker-chic. (Been there, done that!)
Trend #6: Flowy Fabrics in Pastels: Sick of jeans and T-shirts? This is the perfect antidote to restricting, uncomfortable shapes that become less tolerable as the weather warms up. Satins, chiffons, pleats, georgettes...anything that flows and comes in a subdued pastel is fair game. The look is floaty, fluid, and unstructured. Metallic accessories pair nicely with the airy feel this look exudes.
Had enough of the old? Diving right into the new....
Snake-Patch Print - Quite possibly our favorite new look for spring...an innovative spin on last year's animal-print craze, is the snake-patch, or python-patch print. Fresh and modern, this is one thing you will be hardened to find in your existing closet. The take on snake right now adds color to the previously neutral print. In addition, the layered-effect of different textures and scales gives off a custom-made feel. So go right ahead...pick up this look, and you are adding something rarely-before-seen and original to your apparel treasure chest. (Use the options below as a visual guide to more affordable versions on your next shopping trip!)
There you have it! A quick-and-dirty shopping list, and some inspiration to revamp all your "oldies-but-goodies". If you feel you are missing any of the first six looks, choose one for purchase this season, but resist the urge to run out and buy much more than that. Then head to the dry-cleaner's with your black and white prints, tuxedo jackets, satins, reds, and leathers to get your complete wardrobe in top-form for spring today!
And for those cooler, in-between sorta days, we leave you with this:
http://sbdstyle.blogspot.com/2013/02/with-spring-around-bend-but-winter.html
Written by Saba Ali - stylist, writer, founder, and sole proprietor of SBD - Image Consulting
Questions? Concerns? Leave a comment or email us at stylebydesign.sbd@gmail.com. Oh, and don't forget to subscribe today!
No comments:
Post a Comment