Four key trends that continue to shine
April 14th 2010 04:54
We all know that fashion is cyclical in nature; what goes around will almost always come around again at some time in the future. This process can – and often does – take decades to come about, and as a result, a person’s retro or vintage outfit can be defined as being inspired by an entire decade: seventies boho chic, eighties power dressing, and nineties grunge, to name a few well-known examples. But in the (nearly) two years that I’ve been writing for Fashion Peach, there’s been a handful of trends that keep popping up, with a break of only a year or two since they were last big news. Here are four of these key trends that, according to Hollywood’s bright young things, have the staying power to make it through more than just one season.
The large handbag.
Although there was a brief time in which we put our large handbags away and opted for smaller styles like structured purses with a chain-link strap, it seems that Hollywood's elite have decided once again that when it comes to handbags, bigger is simply better. I first wrote about the large handbag being in vogue in June of 2008, when they already had a strong following among celebrities, supermodels, and ordinary folk alike.
Now, the big bag is back with a vengeance! Despite predictions that the smaller handbag was destined to reign supreme, due to gadgets like iPhones making women's lugging load 57% lighter
(don't ask me how they arrived at that figure), it seems that many celebs have chosen to stick with their large handbags. I can see why - you can keep items like laptops, books and magazines hidden, and the bigger your bag is, the smaller you look! As long as you don't slip into monstrous-tote territory, you'll be keeping your handbag modern and stylish.
Ripped jeans.
The technical term used now is "distressed denim" but the look is still the same - ripped jeans first caught this writer's attention in October of 2008 and are once again being donned by some of our favourite stars.
Worn by both the fashion-forward folks like Ashley Olsen and Katie Holmes, and the lovers of super casual tomboy styles like Megan Fox and Drew Barrymore, ripped jeans are looking to be one of the key trends of the noughties.
The tuxedo jacket.
This is another trend that first appeared halfway through 2008 and has resurfaced once again. The tuxedo jacket hasn't changed in cut or design (and that's the whole point; a classic is a classic) but what the stars are wearing underneath it has. Two years ago it was all about embracing the masculine but now, celebs are wearing it with a touch of contradiction: usually over a demure, floral dress or a sassy mini.
If you happen to be wearing a digital print dress then the tuxedo jacket is the ideal companion to it, as the block of basic black will add a nice contrast to the whole outfit and tone down the "look at me!" nature of the digi-print. That... and it will stop you from getting cold (sometimes, we do need to be practical!)
The slouchy beanie.
Now this beanie is one of my personal faves for winter, and it also happens to be a favourite of many big names as well! Back in 2008 the slouchy beanie was gracing the noggins of Rachel Bilson, Rihanna and Ashlee Simpson, among others, and it quickly spread to the mainstream. While we did flirt with pom-poms on our beanies in 2009, the classic slouchy winter hat was not forgotten and it made a welcome return at the beginning of this year.
Personally, I can't wait to get my own slouchy knit hats out of storage! It's definitely cold enough for them already in some parts of the world but for those of us living in the tropics, we may have to wait until that ski trip... or just cross our fingers for a cold snap.
Of course, there are several more trends that have what it takes to last more than one season, but these are the ones that really struck me for their ability to go the distance. That, and I just happen to love them myself! As far as purchasing is concerned, it's simply common sense to invest in the styles that will last the longest, as opposed to those that are naturally flash-in-the-pan (tie dye, anyone?)
As for defining our fashions by the decade? It's hard to say what the noughties will be most remembered for, in terms of sartorial style. These four key trends may be among them, but in fashion, as with many things in life, only our hindsight can ever be truly 20/20.
The large handbag.
Although there was a brief time in which we put our large handbags away and opted for smaller styles like structured purses with a chain-link strap, it seems that Hollywood's elite have decided once again that when it comes to handbags, bigger is simply better. I first wrote about the large handbag being in vogue in June of 2008, when they already had a strong following among celebrities, supermodels, and ordinary folk alike.
Carey Mulligan and Vanessa Hudgens with their large leather handbags in early 2010
Now, the big bag is back with a vengeance! Despite predictions that the smaller handbag was destined to reign supreme, due to gadgets like iPhones making women's lugging load 57% lighter
(don't ask me how they arrived at that figure), it seems that many celebs have chosen to stick with their large handbags. I can see why - you can keep items like laptops, books and magazines hidden, and the bigger your bag is, the smaller you look! As long as you don't slip into monstrous-tote territory, you'll be keeping your handbag modern and stylish.
Hilary Duff and Jessica Simpson keep the look alive in 2010... and for once, Jessica's the one who's NOT carrying a Louis Vuitton!
Ripped jeans.
The technical term used now is "distressed denim" but the look is still the same - ripped jeans first caught this writer's attention in October of 2008 and are once again being donned by some of our favourite stars.
Actresses Jessica Alba and Rachel Bilson sporting torn denim in LA earlier this year
Worn by both the fashion-forward folks like Ashley Olsen and Katie Holmes, and the lovers of super casual tomboy styles like Megan Fox and Drew Barrymore, ripped jeans are looking to be one of the key trends of the noughties.
Kim Kardashian drops her sex kitten style for a tougher look while Aussie supermodel Elle Macpherson shows she's still got it
The tuxedo jacket.
This is another trend that first appeared halfway through 2008 and has resurfaced once again. The tuxedo jacket hasn't changed in cut or design (and that's the whole point; a classic is a classic) but what the stars are wearing underneath it has. Two years ago it was all about embracing the masculine but now, celebs are wearing it with a touch of contradiction: usually over a demure, floral dress or a sassy mini.
Whitney Port smartens up a casual daytime dress, while Jennifer Aniston shines on the red carpet
If you happen to be wearing a digital print dress then the tuxedo jacket is the ideal companion to it, as the block of basic black will add a nice contrast to the whole outfit and tone down the "look at me!" nature of the digi-print. That... and it will stop you from getting cold (sometimes, we do need to be practical!)
Amanda Seyfried settles down the vibrancy of her digital print dress while Maggie Gyllenhaal dons a tux to keep herself from looking too girly
The slouchy beanie.
Now this beanie is one of my personal faves for winter, and it also happens to be a favourite of many big names as well! Back in 2008 the slouchy beanie was gracing the noggins of Rachel Bilson, Rihanna and Ashlee Simpson, among others, and it quickly spread to the mainstream. While we did flirt with pom-poms on our beanies in 2009, the classic slouchy winter hat was not forgotten and it made a welcome return at the beginning of this year.
Charlize Theron does warmed-up elegance while Nicole Richie keeps it casual
Personally, I can't wait to get my own slouchy knit hats out of storage! It's definitely cold enough for them already in some parts of the world but for those of us living in the tropics, we may have to wait until that ski trip... or just cross our fingers for a cold snap.
Jessica Biel adds a warm colour to her cool-toned outfit, and Katie Holmes tucks her hair under while out and about with daughter Suri
Of course, there are several more trends that have what it takes to last more than one season, but these are the ones that really struck me for their ability to go the distance. That, and I just happen to love them myself! As far as purchasing is concerned, it's simply common sense to invest in the styles that will last the longest, as opposed to those that are naturally flash-in-the-pan (tie dye, anyone?)
As for defining our fashions by the decade? It's hard to say what the noughties will be most remembered for, in terms of sartorial style. These four key trends may be among them, but in fashion, as with many things in life, only our hindsight can ever be truly 20/20.
| 170 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog
Comment by Anonymous
1 For The Road
Blondini
Reviews
So tell me what do you think about the whole shoulder pad bizo that's peeking through at the moment?! I don't know if I can do it, I feel trapped in bad fashion from the 80s!
Comment by Journeywoman
Great Hair Style Tips
I Dream of Hollywood
Fashion Peach
I'm really sick of the 80s to be honest, we've been reliving them in fashion for nearly five years now and it's time to pick a new era, in my opinion. Bring on the cloche hats of the 20s, teamed with 40s and 50s dresses, I say!
Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
However, I would dispute this. Today we carry around more than ever (and I never had a filofax anyway). We females carry around with us our purse, make-up, mobile phone, sunnies, optical glasses, camera...the list goes on. Too much I say to fit into a clutch purse if they ever try bringing that one back.
The ripped jeans I was never a fan of and only ever seem to look any good on supermodels but I do love the caps and the beanies. They look great in winter.
You are right though. A lot of the things are hardly out of fashion before they do a big spash again.