France is about a year ahead of America as far as fashion trends go. While these six up-and-coming fashions are becoming current and popular on our side of the world, they are beginning to look a little tired oversees.
However, if you’re looking to stay current this side of the Atlantic, be sure to invest in at least one of the styles below. I hate to actually see some of them on the runways; but as the French would say, “c’est la vie!”
By: Chelsea Oliver
Senior Staff Writer
France is about a year ahead of America as far as fashion trends go. While these six up-and-coming fashions are becoming current and popular on our side of the world, they are beginning to look a little tired oversees.
However, if you’re looking to stay current this side of the Atlantic, be sure to invest in at least one of the styles below. I hate to actually see some of them on the runways; but as the French would say, “c’est la vie!”
Capes
Also referred to as cloaks or caplets, these are not superhero or vampire style capes (those are only fashionable during Halloween). From early Medieval capes, to 16th century shawls, to military capes and 1940s fur, and even the hippie ponchos of the 1960s, the cape is a sophisticated looking poncho that is taking over.
Since fashion, very much like history, repeats itself, the fashionable cape has been waiting a long time to make it back into the spotlight and this season is its turn.
Although there are various types of capes the ones making the most impact are outerwear garments that have side slits for the arms and larger buttons close to the front. They come in a variety of lengths, the most popular being the short style, which cuts off just below the waist. The cape looks great with a fitted long sleeve shirt and skinny jeans tucked into knee-high leather boots.
Masculine Femininity
Although the real burst of masculine styled feminine clothing came about in the spring of 2010, it’s making an even bigger comeback for the winter months thanks to outerwear
This trend is full of high waisted pants, vests, ties and fitted suit jackets. Women are showing the guys how it’s done. This look is rooted in the office-related wear. Instead of taking the typical man’s suit and putting it on a woman, designers have gotten smart. 30 years after this style made its original appearance in the 1980s designers have begum making suits fitted for the female body allowing the clothing to work with a woman’s curves instead of giving her a box shape.
Essentially, this trend takes elements of the professional world but gives them a sexy edge. Pair your favorite closed-toe heels with straight-legged dress pants, a fitted dress shirt, a short vest and long, chunky necklace with a pea coat layered over it all to save you from the cold.
1940s Style
The high waist is also coming back into the circuit. The women of the 1940s just knew what they were doing when the empire waist was around and dresses were tight around the smallest part of the female body.
Since it was more socially acceptable in the 40s than it is now to actually have curves, many of the styles that are coming back flatter female curves.
Whether you wear an empire waist dress or throw a belt on top of your sweater, you’re going to look good. This look even gives stick thin runway girls hips, and those of you who have hips already will be able to rock this easily.
Just make sure to select a belt of the right side your body shape. Smaller belts typically look better on average to smaller girls while wider belts obviously cover more space and look better on bigger girls. This causes the eye to focus on the space the belt is taking up.
Bold/Large Accessories
For the past few seasons including this one, “bigger is better” seems to be the trend for fashion. Whether it’s your summer sunglasses or the scarf and bag you’re toting around in the winter, the bigger and bolder it is, the more compliments you’re likely to get. But please don’t go overboard. If your handbag is the size of your beach bag, you’ve gone too far.
The only tip I can give is to have fun with them. Your accessory shouldn’t make your outfit; it should instead compliment or complete it. An accessory is the cherry on top of your sundae: noticeable, but not overwhelming.
Neon Prints
Neon print, circa 1980, is also coming back. Animal print in neon colors is popular as well. Thanks to Rihanna’s music video for “Rude Boy,” the runway is keeping these prints around for the winter months as well.
It’s always refreshing to see bright colors in the winter, since the majority of people seem to believe you have to wear dark and sad colors to be in style during this season. This is a lie. Take advantage of the now on sale summer looks of neon prints and layer them with winter staples like solid cardigans.
Padded/Fancy Shoulders
I hate to admit that I saw this one coming. Like I said, the French are always ahead, and they’ve been bringing back the padded shoulders for a while now. It was only a matter of time before America got sucked in.
This past spring was a major break for the fancy shoulder style that I credit Lady GaGa for bringing back. The jewels, ruffles, chains and rhinestones have been making their way onto the shoulders of shirts and dresses for several months, and now the padded shoulders are back in full force.
With the padded should come two things. First, if your shoulders look bigger, the rest of you looks smaller. Second, a sense of empowerment is established.
Whatever you do this season, remember that any of these can easily miss the target if you try to over do it. Don’t try to mash them all together just because they are currently all over the runways and magazines. Having a sense of style isn’t about fitting all of the right fads together; it’s about finding what works best for you and your body and rocking it like no one else.