Clothing Trends

Part 9 in a series by Karen A. Stevenson, President, Studio K Salon

Strolling through the mall last Wednesday night, I couldn’t deny my age.  Witnessing clothes coming back into the market labeled as ‘cool’ and ‘hottest outfits of the year!” and knowing I wore that style clothes when I was in elementary school was a crude reminder that approximately 30 years have passed.

Trends appear to be about 30 year spans.  Trends happen because the clothes industry decided what was worn last year simply won’t sell again this year, so they stretch creative imagination as far as they can reach, and come up with the next selling hit of the season.  Something new, something different, something fresher…..not!!

It is apparent that trend and fashion has decided this fall season that browns are to be the surrogate basic black, and oranges are replacement pinks.  The question is, can people really WEAR those browns and oranges and feel good about themselves?  Answer?  Probably not.  Unless, of course, you are a natural redhead or strawberry blonde.  So, this is when you have to make the decision if you are going to be trendy, and therefore fall into the fashion industries trap, and purchase the browns, and wear them the best you can in the name of being ‘hip’. 

Sadly enough, the trend is bringing back the entire ‘peasant girl’ look of the 60’s as well.  Some of those looks are not very attractive, nor complimentary.    The other day, I was at a popular dinner/dance restaurant in a nearby city, and watched as women in their later 30’s and earlier 40’s were trying to pull off wearing overly small clothes that didn’t fit, as well as the trendy cut of clothes certainly not designed for their body shape what-so-ever.  Then, add on top of that, the clothes were not accenting their skin tones because they chose the trendy oranges/tans and double whammy happened as far as make up and clothes clashing with their overall look.  What a sad sight that can be. 

Trendy or not, if you wear something that makes you feel unattractive, chances are, it IS unattractive.    If you happen to glance at yourself in a mirror strategically placed in the women’s restroom later that day, you will once again be reminded how negative those colors or that particular outfit may be on you.  Negative appearance usually causes you to feel negative.  Ever have anyone ask you if you didn’t feel so well?  Check your color outfit and see it if could be you are wearing something that is not complimenting you or your skin tones.

Department stores are loaded with clothes, all beautifully displayed to create a purchase.  All screaming “This is the trend for now!”  “Buy me! Buy me!”

Good news is you can still be trendy and not look unpleasant.  Be wise in your choices.  Make sure your complimentary colors exist in the clothes you wear closest to your face.  Choose the more trendy color to be pants, skirt, or something below your waist.  Make sure that the blouse or shirt you choose is one that accentuates your body style, and not over emphasizing your larger features, or under emphasizing your positive features.  Consider if the neckline is attractive or not?  Pick a few varieties and see what truly looks best.

Power shop by grabbing a number of items in your size and once you have chosen a large variety of clothes that are to be tried on, spend one extremely constructive length of time in the changing room, and narrow down your choices.  Analyze if it is complimentary or not, and analyze what makes it attractive?  Is it the color?  Is it the cut design of the neckline?  Is it the sleeves?  The way it is tailored?  

Nothing can be more confusing than picking out your next season outfits.  Beware of the trends, shop with educated knowledge.  And enjoy the journey.