What's the Last Year's Trends: In or Out?
As the legendary Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion is meant to become unfashionable.” Bell-bottoms, once “all the rage”, have since died out, joining the ranks of mullets, sweater vests, and that emo phase you had in eighth grade. With new trends splashed across the pages of Vogue every time you blink, how can you keep track of what's still cool? 
Staying on top of all the latest trends can be expensive – we get it. Your budget barely allows for more than a few boxes of Ramen every week; how can you be expected to pay for entirely new wardrobes season after season?
Fortunately, you don't need to restock your closet every three months. Gianni Versace was once quoted as saying, "When a woman alters her look too much from season to season, she becomes a fashion victim." The key to dressing stylishly without spending much is to shop your own closet before you head to the mall. The majority of trends from last year are still in style today. With the help of a few fashion insiders, I was able to determine which trends can be carried into Fall 2010, and which should be left behind. It's time to ask last year's trends Heidi Klum's infamous phrase: “Are you in or are you out?”
In Or Out?
Lace: In
Stylists at Modcloth say, “We're lovin’ lace this season! Whether it be in the simple detailing of a tank or a full bodysuit, we can’t get enough of this romantic trend.” Last year, lace made a splash on tees, tanks, blouses, and even nails. This gorgeous trend is still in. “Last fall, I wanted lots of lace... This fall, lace is still very prevalent, but in smaller doses. Less obvious, subtle lace details are key this season in comparison to last,” explains Valerie Muvdi, women's buyer for Kembrel. If you're not one hundred percent sold on this trend, look for low-impact ways to wear the material, with just hints of it here and there. My favorite way to wear this trend is to layer lace tanks or blouses underneath solid pieces, like I did here.
Hippie Headbands: Out
Worn straight across the forehead, rather than over the top of the head, hippie headbands made a splash in Hollywood last year, worn by boho-chic celebs like Nicole Richie, the Olsen twins, and Mischa Barton. Fashion blogger Tiffany Ish of I Am Style-Ish says, “I think hippie headbands are on their way out... Overall, headbands are going out and instead of hair adornments, we are all looking for statement jewelry - rings, bracelets and earrings instead to add the perfect touch to our outfits.” By now, the trend has lost momentum; I think it's time for this trend to be retired.
Denim Leggings (Jeggings): In
With the comfort of your favorite pair of leggings and the style factor of a pair of jeans, denim leggings were an instant hit last fall. A year later, this trend is still going strong. Once the weather cools down, denim leggings will look right on trend paired with a cozy cardigan and tucked into boots. Stylist Katharine Polk recommends wearing denim leggings with a loose, white tee and flats to class or with platforms and a leather jacket for a night out. (A word of caution: You do not have to call them jeggings. Not everything needs to be named Brangelina-style.)
Boyfriend Jeans: In
Are denim leggings not your thing? Not a problem! Relaxed, super-comfortable boyfriend jeans are still trendy. “These are my go-to jeans when I just don't know what to wear. They scream effortless. Pair them with a semi-fitted top, dainty ballet flats, and a fun belt to make the look more feminine,” says Valerie. While boyfriend jeans are hot for fall, they aren't as appropriate for the colder months since they usually hit at the ankle. “I suggest storing them for winter, but pull them out again next spring!” says Katharine.
Exposed Bras: In
Exposed bras became popular last year, but unless you're Carrie Bradshaw, it's not always an easy trend to pull off. The key to wearing an exposed bra well is confidence. Valerie says, “In my opinion, there is nothing better than a great lacy bra with a semi-sheer blouse for a night out. This look can be paired with a bandage mini, skinnies, leggings, silk shorts, denim cut-offs [or] harem pants.” If you admired this look last fall but didn't have the confidence to try it, now is your chance. Muster up all your Carrie-inspired confidence, put on your favorite bra, and go for it while the trend is still hot!
Exposed Zippers: Out
Exposed zippers were seen everywhere last year, zipping up the backs of skirts and dresses, down the front of tank tops, on the ankles of leggings, and across the tops of bags. After seeing so many exposed zippers, I'm zipped out. Just like an overplayed song on the radio, this trend has lost its luster. Still holding onto a dress with an exposed zip up the back? Cover up with a cardigan and it will be your little secret. And according to Tiffany, “[Exposed zippers] aren't something that's too terribly trendy so even if you are wearing it when it's ‘out’ it will still look cool.”
Over-the-Knee Boots: In
“Last season over-the-knee boots were a new trend. This season they are a staple. Why? Because they can dress up so many basic wardrobe staples including chunky sweaters, oversized tees, boyfriend shirts, and leather bombers,” says Valerie. She's right! Not only are over-the-knee boots stylish, they're surprisingly warm and comfortable. (Most pairs bend at the knee as you move, which means your movement won't be constricted.) I love over-the-knee boots because they're just as easy to wear as your worn-in pair of Uggs, but they're ten times as chic. Looking for a fresh way to style your boots? Modcloth ] stylist Jess Cole suggests, “A dainty lace dress with tights, a blazer, and tall boots is a totally chic retro look for the fall!”
Were you disappointed to read that hippie headbands are “over”? Does the thought of another year of exposed bras make you want to cover up and end this trend for good? By all means, wear what you love! There's no reason to feel obligated to partake in every trend that comes down the runway, nor should you avoid a particular look because others claim it's not in style anymore. Have fun with fashion, regardless of what the current trends are. The fashion industry loves trendsetters – not followers – so be bold, wear what you love, and maybe you'll start the next big trend!
Sources
Valerie Muvdi, women's buyer for Kembrel [http://landing.kembrel.com/hercampus/
Katharine Polk, celebrity stylist and fashion expert [http://www.katharinepolk.com]
Nicole, Chelsey, Jess, and Amy, ModStylists for Modcloth [www.modcloth.com]
Tiffany Ish, fashion blogger at I Am Style-ish [www.iamstyle-ish.com]
Staying on top of all the latest trends can be expensive – we get it. Your budget barely allows for more than a few boxes of Ramen every week; how can you be expected to pay for entirely new wardrobes season after season?
Fortunately, you don't need to restock your closet every three months. Gianni Versace was once quoted as saying, "When a woman alters her look too much from season to season, she becomes a fashion victim." The key to dressing stylishly without spending much is to shop your own closet before you head to the mall. The majority of trends from last year are still in style today. With the help of a few fashion insiders, I was able to determine which trends can be carried into Fall 2010, and which should be left behind. It's time to ask last year's trends Heidi Klum's infamous phrase: “Are you in or are you out?”
In Or Out?
Lace: In
Stylists at Modcloth say, “We're lovin’ lace this season! Whether it be in the simple detailing of a tank or a full bodysuit, we can’t get enough of this romantic trend.” Last year, lace made a splash on tees, tanks, blouses, and even nails. This gorgeous trend is still in. “Last fall, I wanted lots of lace... This fall, lace is still very prevalent, but in smaller doses. Less obvious, subtle lace details are key this season in comparison to last,” explains Valerie Muvdi, women's buyer for Kembrel. If you're not one hundred percent sold on this trend, look for low-impact ways to wear the material, with just hints of it here and there. My favorite way to wear this trend is to layer lace tanks or blouses underneath solid pieces, like I did here.
Hippie Headbands: Out
Worn straight across the forehead, rather than over the top of the head, hippie headbands made a splash in Hollywood last year, worn by boho-chic celebs like Nicole Richie, the Olsen twins, and Mischa Barton. Fashion blogger Tiffany Ish of I Am Style-Ish says, “I think hippie headbands are on their way out... Overall, headbands are going out and instead of hair adornments, we are all looking for statement jewelry - rings, bracelets and earrings instead to add the perfect touch to our outfits.” By now, the trend has lost momentum; I think it's time for this trend to be retired.
Denim Leggings (Jeggings): In
With the comfort of your favorite pair of leggings and the style factor of a pair of jeans, denim leggings were an instant hit last fall. A year later, this trend is still going strong. Once the weather cools down, denim leggings will look right on trend paired with a cozy cardigan and tucked into boots. Stylist Katharine Polk recommends wearing denim leggings with a loose, white tee and flats to class or with platforms and a leather jacket for a night out. (A word of caution: You do not have to call them jeggings. Not everything needs to be named Brangelina-style.)
Boyfriend Jeans: In
Are denim leggings not your thing? Not a problem! Relaxed, super-comfortable boyfriend jeans are still trendy. “These are my go-to jeans when I just don't know what to wear. They scream effortless. Pair them with a semi-fitted top, dainty ballet flats, and a fun belt to make the look more feminine,” says Valerie. While boyfriend jeans are hot for fall, they aren't as appropriate for the colder months since they usually hit at the ankle. “I suggest storing them for winter, but pull them out again next spring!” says Katharine.
Exposed Bras: In
Exposed bras became popular last year, but unless you're Carrie Bradshaw, it's not always an easy trend to pull off. The key to wearing an exposed bra well is confidence. Valerie says, “In my opinion, there is nothing better than a great lacy bra with a semi-sheer blouse for a night out. This look can be paired with a bandage mini, skinnies, leggings, silk shorts, denim cut-offs [or] harem pants.” If you admired this look last fall but didn't have the confidence to try it, now is your chance. Muster up all your Carrie-inspired confidence, put on your favorite bra, and go for it while the trend is still hot!
Exposed Zippers: Out
Exposed zippers were seen everywhere last year, zipping up the backs of skirts and dresses, down the front of tank tops, on the ankles of leggings, and across the tops of bags. After seeing so many exposed zippers, I'm zipped out. Just like an overplayed song on the radio, this trend has lost its luster. Still holding onto a dress with an exposed zip up the back? Cover up with a cardigan and it will be your little secret. And according to Tiffany, “[Exposed zippers] aren't something that's too terribly trendy so even if you are wearing it when it's ‘out’ it will still look cool.”
Over-the-Knee Boots: In
“Last season over-the-knee boots were a new trend. This season they are a staple. Why? Because they can dress up so many basic wardrobe staples including chunky sweaters, oversized tees, boyfriend shirts, and leather bombers,” says Valerie. She's right! Not only are over-the-knee boots stylish, they're surprisingly warm and comfortable. (Most pairs bend at the knee as you move, which means your movement won't be constricted.) I love over-the-knee boots because they're just as easy to wear as your worn-in pair of Uggs, but they're ten times as chic. Looking for a fresh way to style your boots? Modcloth ] stylist Jess Cole suggests, “A dainty lace dress with tights, a blazer, and tall boots is a totally chic retro look for the fall!”
Were you disappointed to read that hippie headbands are “over”? Does the thought of another year of exposed bras make you want to cover up and end this trend for good? By all means, wear what you love! There's no reason to feel obligated to partake in every trend that comes down the runway, nor should you avoid a particular look because others claim it's not in style anymore. Have fun with fashion, regardless of what the current trends are. The fashion industry loves trendsetters – not followers – so be bold, wear what you love, and maybe you'll start the next big trend!
Sources
Valerie Muvdi, women's buyer for Kembrel [http://landing.kembrel.com/
Katharine Polk, celebrity stylist and fashion expert [http://www.katharinepolk.com]
Nicole, Chelsey, Jess, and Amy, ModStylists for Modcloth [www.modcloth.com]
Tiffany Ish, fashion blogger at I Am Style-ish [www.iamstyle-ish.com]
