poetry in commotion...

Fashion Predictions for this Spring/Summer + Rules

One of my littler known interests is fashion. "Of course it's little known, you dress so terribly". I resent that madam. I could never convince anyone I'm any sort of metrosexual, but I do realise the importance of looking good when you have to, as should anyone who wants to get anywhere in this world. Unfortunately I was granted only average looks like the most of us, so I have to make up for it with a knowledge of what looks good and what doesn't. Fashion also makes for an interesting post that otherwise deviates from the main topics, "Things on the internet that are funny" and "Things in the world that are bad", as well as the ever popular "The difference between XYZ". I'm by no means calling myself a fashion guru by the way - I can of course, be totally wrong. However, it's relatively easy to predict future fashions - I just see how they dress in the US. The only weird thing is that sometimes fashions can suddenly sweep the globe, including this Australia, and other times it takes years for fashions to gain popularity here, if at all. I also probably should've stated these predictions during winter, since some of them are starting to show already - but you can say I was right at least (assuming I'm not completely off the mark)!

Firstly of course these predictions are general in nature. There are always several rules I keep in mind when deciding what I need to get if upgrading my wardrobe.

1) Not all fashions will look good on you. Be honest with your body and dress appropriately. A skinny guy like myself would never wear overly baggy clothes, and a rotund guy or girl should never wear skin tight. For women especially, be honest with your size. I'm sure its nice to tell everyone you're a size whatever, but when those jeans are so tight on you it creates an overflow of flab (also known as a 'muffin top'), you'll actually look fatter than what you really are.

2) Don't simply wear something because its fashionable, even if you hate it. If you don't feel comfortable in what you're wearing, it's just going to be detrimental in the long run. It may be fashionable to show off a lot leg (oh how fashionable!), but if you're going to feel self conscious and act like a nervous wreck all day. Not to mention if you just hate the look full stop. Example: you will hardly ever see me in jeans.

3) Don't buy 'instafad' clothing you'll never wear in the future. Not only is it an expensive exercise, more importantly, it's going to be time consuming to constantly buy up to date clothing. If you're like me who hates shopping for clothes, this will be a big issue. If you're like a billion other women who are avid worshippers of the shopping gods...well..ignore. I favour timeless classical clothing that survives fashion fads, yet giving it a modern spin to keep it up with the times. Simple design tshirts, polos and jeans are such examples. I tend to favour a well made shirt also, though my fashion preferences can be abit electic at times.

For now lets all pause to spare a thought to all the males who embraced the oh-so brief pink phase, clothing which they now hide away from sight, never to see the light of day again. And lastly:

4) For the men: Call me old fashioned, but the only ornamentation a guy should wear is a watch, a necklace maybe and a ring if engaged or married. Rings (that don't fit in the aforementioned category), bangles, arm/wristbands and dear god piercings are a no no. As for the watch, try to get a nice looking analogue watch for everyday use, and a dressier one for a night out. Digital watches are for 8 year olds or if you're working somewhere dirty and you just need some kind easy access to the time. Otherwise, stay away.

For the trends:

Women: For tops the ubiquitious slim fit tshirt and those retro puffy blouse, coupled by slim fit jeans and tennis sneakers, most probably Converse. Polka dots will reign supreme, though very small polka dots as opposed to the large ones of yesteryear. Slim fit jeans can be replaced with short shorts, with a broad belt or sash buckled at the waist. Shoes can be replaced with those retro slip ons too (sorry I have no idea what they're called). Finish off with suitably over sized sunglasses. For a night out probably the jeans, though a dress will be just as popular, polka dotted or not. General design will favour solid blocks of soda pop colour, like light yellows, greens and orange(s), both bright as well as muted.

Men: Mens fashions don't tend to change all that much. The old t-shirt and jeans will still be the main stay. Slim fit or not, t-shirt colours will also be solid blocks of soda pop colours. Jeans will favour more fitting jeans as opposed to baggy ones, though most men should stay away from slim fit, especially if super skinny. Polos will still be ok, though once again soda pop colours. Polos will tend to favour very broad stripes in keeping with the solid blocks trend. Sunnies will favour bigger sizes too. Watch for a return in popularity with aviators for both men and women (not that aviators really went out of fashion, classics as they are), though probably more modern/alternative takes on the classic. Khakis and chinos may make a showing, though that will probably be next year. Oh, casual tennis shoes are the way to go too - probably the ubiquitious Converse.


Ok, that's all the fashion talk you're going to get out of me!

P.S - I updated the sidebar with more links. If you've wondered sometimes where I find my weird music from, Cokemachine Glow, Stereogum and Daytrotter are all good sources, as well as the ever so popular Pitchfork Media.

posted by jaseypoo! @ 9:58 PM