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Fashion Forward #4

Top Trends
Those of you out there in cyberspace know that I do my best to steer you guys through those treacherous but fun fashion waters that we are all trying our best to maneuver. The Fall is here, and fashion has put out a full assault. I have flipped thru thousands of pages of the fall magazines (literally thousands – Vogue’s September issue is over 754 pages ALONE), checked the runways, and spoken to the trendsetters. I’m giving you this season’s top trends – as well as ones that should be ignored.

The 80’s part Deux
I did the leggings thing in the 80’s. I also remember my cousin loved her some little ankle booties (I distinctly recall white ones with swiss cheese like holes all over them). I wore oversized sweaters off the shoulder with the big belts. Looking back at 80’s fashion 20 years later and giving a modern spin is cool. However, not every trend should be rehashed.

80’s trends that should not be revisited

Leggings - Horrible. Do not put them on. I don’t care if you have great legs or want to wear a really short skirt and the leggings will allow u to do so - if the skirt is that short, you shouldn’t be wearing it in the first place! I guarantee in five years the fashion mavens will look back and shake their heads over losing their minds putting this trend back out.

Big Belts – Putting a belt UNDER your boobs is really not cute. Your WAIST (in case you don’t know) is the area where your belly button is. Your big belt should cover the belly button – NOT ABOVE IT. If you insist on trying this trend, make sure the belt is proportionate to the look you’re going for overall.

Big sweaters – This trend was huge in the 80s, and current fashion stylists had panned it as the equivalent of wearing a paper sack until recently. Proper tailoring through blazers and button down shirts will camouflage bulges and bumps, not a bigger sweater that has no structure. The slouchy sweater is a no in my book.

80’s trends that should be revisited

Ankle boots /booties – These are a cute way of covering up the foot without being extreme. Don’t get me wrong – I love a full boot. I prefer up to the knee with a high stiletto (affectionately known as my hooker boots – every woman needs a pair) but an ankle boot with textured tights and a cute skirt is just a fabulous look. Also, for you ladies out there who can’t get a pair of boots to fit over your calves just right, this is a great alternative.

Gold jewelry – No I’m not saying to bring out the big dookie gold rope chain and the doorknocker earrings (at least two pair). I’m talking a pair of classic big gold hoops, some gold bangle bracelets, and a ring or two. Platinum may be the metal du jour, but gold is the classy standard.

Menswear inspired dressing – It really goes back to good tailoring. A good blazer with a crisp pair of slacks NEVER goes wrong. Look at men’s magazines to get inspiration, and stick to greys, navys, and blacks. Notice the color combinations in the men’s magazines and try one out!

Skinny pants – Tread with caution with this trend. If you have a great set of legs, the skinny pant will give you a bit more structure than a pair of leggings, so you won’t look like you’re walking around in glorified stockings.

Plaid – Try a cute skirt and take yourself back to the days of grammar school. Make it classic with a blazer and pumps, or be naughty with some high boots, tights and a sweater with a denim jacket.

Remember, it’s all about adhering to the fashion rules that fit your personal style. Just because it’s fashionable doesn’t mean it’s for you.

Message Arlene Shadesnyc and tell her what you think

By Arlene Shadesnyc on 9/12/2006[read on] [18 comments]

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