Hot or Not?
When Fashion Trends Die
It's a fashion follower's worst nightmare -- worse than looking fat, more humiliating than wearing the same dress as another party guest -- it's the dread of looking last year.
Fashion trends, sometimes referred to as fads, are notoriously fickle. The fashion industry is always on the hunt for what's new, what's hot. For every new, must-have handbag, there's another that gets tossed aside like, well, last year's trend.
The Fashion Cycle
- First, there's the emerging trend (the American Marketing Association refers to this as the "distinctiveness" part of the cycle where the trend is highly sought after. You know this as when you see that great hat/dress/shoe on the runway, red carpet or music video.
- Next, comes what the AMA calls the emulation phase, where everyone wants a piece of the trend. You'll see it in fashion magazines, newspapers, internet and TV during this phase.
- Finally, the trend becomes saturated in the market, usually at very low prices. With trendy items like a must-have designer handbag, the item becomes widely available as a knock-off.
Most of us will buy it somewhere between phases two and three. Only celebrities and fashion industry types have access to fashion fresh off the runway that hasn't appeared in stores yet, like in the first phase of a fashion trend.
At the second phase a look is often available in high-priced designer collections. Only in the third phase, when a look makes it to the mass market, does it become affordable for most consumers.
Twenty or 30 years ago it might have taken a few years to make it from red carpet to mass market, but today's manufacturers have put the fashion cycle into hyperspeed. Sometimes a hot trend makes it into lower priced retail outlets in as little as a few months.
In or Out?
Affordable trendy clothing (sometimes called "fast fashion") is a double-edged sword: it makes fashionable looks accessible to those of us on real-life budgets, but when the market is totally saturated with a look a trend loses its appeal. It basically helps to kill the trend quicker.
So how do you know how long a trend will last? A few general guidelines:
- Generally speaking, most fashion trends stick around for at least a year. Some trends, usually the most understandable ones, last longer. For example, the personalization or initial craze started with Sarah Jessica Parker's "Carrie" necklace during season two of "Sex and the City" in 1998. The look saturated the mass market in the fall 2003 with initial handbags, sweaters -- you name it -- a full five years after it started.
- One school of thought says that fashion cycles about every 20 years. Thus, the minis of the '80s have come back into favor now (as did the nameplate necklace mentioned above, which was hot then, too).
A big part of deciding on how long a trend is viable depends on where in the fashion cycle you bought the trend. If you bought it as a knock-off or at a discount store, then you should count on it being in for just one or two seasons. Because the fashion industry often lumps together Spring and Summer, Fall and Winter, that gives you approximately six months of wear out of a look before it looks dated.
- Although there is no hard-and-fast rule about how long a fashion trend will stick around, you can bet that the more-difficult-to-pull-off looks (Uggs, large cuff jeans, trucker hats) are just fads that will fade. That doesn't mean you shouldn't have fun buying them, just know that they aren't looks that will be fresh this time next year.
- Buying power can keep a trend on life support. Sometimes consumers love a look so much they just won't let it die. Capris, crops, tank tops and flip flops are all examples of former trends which actually became wardrobe staples.
- The higher the profile -- boho chic and mod are recent examples -- the more likely it is that the trend will look dated by the same next year. Likewise, the more radical the cut, color or print -- microminis, army jackets, mod graphics -- the more certain that the trend will be long over by the same time next year.
The best defense against quickly changing trends is to have a wardrobe stocked with mostly classic looks: jeans, T-shirts, blazers, little black dresses. Use trendy items as an addition to a core wardrobe to give it some kick.
The Hottest Fashion Trends for Spring 2008
It's that time of year again: A new season of fashion trends has arrived! Straight off the designer runways in New York, Paris and Milan, these hot looks are what you're going to see hitting the stores very, very soon. Take a peek at what's coming up, and find out if any of these trends are something you'd like to try out!
1. Floral Prints
2. Old-School Hollywood Glamour
Maybe it's a backlash to Britney, Paris, and Lindsay's shenanigans, but it seems like designers are steering fashion away from the bad-girl image and hearkening back to times when ladies were ladylike…and even wore (gasp) undergarments! Tracy Reese and Badgley Mischka showed feminine, pulled-together looks on their spring runways, and even if you don't want to don a gown and elbow-length gloves, you can still try a cherry-hued lip gloss and a chic evening coat. |
3. Technicolor Brights
Break out your sunglasses this spring, girls, because this season's clothes are going to be so shockingly bright you're gonna need 'em! Just about everyone from Versace to Zac Posen showed neon-hued pieces on the catwalks, so expect to see vibrant shades of yellow, pink, and green hitting your local shops soon. |
4. Ladylike Menswear
Some of the biggest names in fashion like Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Dior and Yves St Laurent all took a nod from the boys with menswear-type suiting, but then added nipped-in waists and feminine touches to make the looks completely wearable. I think that oxford booties (still a hit from last season) are a fun way to ease into the trend – but if you're really daring you should try wearing a girlie version of a men's necktie! |
5. Ethnic Touches
Safari-chic was all over the spring runways and the look was done especially beautifully by Diane von Furstenberg. Think beaded, tribal-inspired pieces and colorful ikat fabrics in modern, feminine dresses. For just a hint of this flavor, go for a graphic-print tunic over your favorite pair of jeans. |
6. Transparency
A totally 'cheeky' idea, some risqué designers like the ever-witty Marc Jacobs decided to show transparent or sheer garments in their fashion shows! While that idea is a bit tricky to pull off in the real world, a see-through handbag is a fun, less revealing way to get the look. |
7. Black & White
The most classic combo around, ebony and ivory made a HUGE comeback for spring '08. Even Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. line rocked the look, so get ready to add lots more of these basic staples into your wardrobe. |
8. Eco-friendly
Eco-awareness is a hot topic across all fields, but in fashion the trend is especially picking up steam. For years all of the organic clothing was – let's face it – a little boring, but finally there are some fun, fashion-forward items out there that you'll want to wear regardless of if they're saving the planet! Red-hot young designer Phillip Lim has contributed to the movement with a line of organic cotton pieces, and loads of other designers (even Levi's) are also on board. |
9. Heavy Metals
Metallic gold and silver have been big for about two years now, and the trend is not going away anytime soon; as seen at Anna Sui, it's just getting glitzier and more head-to-toe! Don't sweat saving your precious metals for evening, either – they look really unexpectedly fresh mixed in with daytime pieces. I especially love silver ballet flats, and I wear mine with everything from jeans to party dresses! |
10. Dip-dye
The 5-Minute Chignon
Prepare your hair.
Starting with slightly dirty hair, run a styling cream into your hair to create more texture. While your hair will be up, you still need it to have some heft. Work the styling cream into your hair, focusing mostly on what will make up the chignon itself.
Pull it back.
Wipe the residue of the styling cream through the crown of your hair, pulling it all back smoothly. Now pull your hair back into a true ponytail, securing it with an elastic, slightly higher than the nape of your neck. Imagine a standard cheerleader ponytail. This is the height you want to pull your hair into, as it will elongate the neck and create a formal look.
Start to twist.
Pull the ponytail tight, and split the hair into two even sections. Starting at the base, slightly twist the section of hair, and bring it over to the opposite side of the ponytail. The section should only be slightly twisted and be a bit loose. Once you've twisted it under, secure the section with a few bobby pins. Be sure to keep the pins hidden with the twisted section of hair.
Other side!
Repeat Step 3 with the other section of hair.
Finish it up!
Once both pieces of hair are loosely twisted and secured, finish off the look with a mist of hairspray. Be sure not to go overboard with hairspray or glossing spray, as the look is meant to be natural and chic, not overstyled. Use a sheer hairspray, simply to keep the chignon in place and create a "finished" look.
Top 10 No-Iron Work Pieces
10 simple pieces that will have you at work, looking together, no matter what
Stylish work clothes sans much effort? Sign me up! As if mornings aren't hectic enough, the last thing you want to do is run to throw something in the dryer or pull out the ironing board. No-iron work pieces are imperative for the modern working woman, and 15 Minute Fashion has its Top 10 List.
1. Brooks Brothers No-Iron Classic Fit Shirt
The Brooks Brothers No-Iron Classic Fit Shirt is the only work shirt you could ever need. Made of fine woven cotton, the shirt is the answer to staying crisp and feeling your best all day. Besides being wrinkle-free, the shirt also flatters every body shape. It even withstands the most difficult test of all: the three hour flight. |
2. Gap Straight Leg Cotton Trousers
Perhaps it's the genius blend of cotton and Lycra, but these pants are a winner. The fabric is heavy, but moves with you throughout the work day, and even the khaki pair stay in tip-top shape without the help of an iron. They're wash-and-wear and the clean straight leg is appropriate for any work environment. |
3. Banana Republic Lightweight Wool Pencil Skirt
This lightweight skirt can be worn year round, making it a great versatile piece for the price. The skirt can be worn with flats or a pair of pumps, and can also be dressed up for cocktail hour with the right accessories. It sits comfortably at the waist, and can take being packed into a suitcase for hours and come out looking fresh from the dry cleaner. |
4. J.Crew Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan
Who doesn't love cashmere? When you're at the office all day, this little snippet of luxury will make you feel like a million bucks. Best of all, J.Crew cashmere is great quality for the price. Pick one in navy or black to play it safe, or brighten up your day with a cardigan in cobalt or yellow. Cashmere can be handwashed at your leisure, and seldom wrinkles. |
5. Ann Taylor Margo Felicity Wide Leg Pants
A pinstripe pant is a work essential because it allows you to work in multiple blazers. These are made of a wool/viscose blend, meaning the pant moves with your body. The pinstripe pattern lets you work in a black blazer, or any shade of gray, making them a great go-to pant to have on hand. |
6. Ann Klein Buckled Sheath Dress
A sheath dress works into any work wardrobe, and this one has a little something extra. The cotton/rayon blend is virtually wrinkle free and can be layered under a blazer or cardigan. You can also try it with a long sleeve stretch tee or oxford underneath during the cooler months. |
7. Banana Republic Seamless V-Neck T-Shirt
This seamless t-shirt works perfectly in the office when you have to keep your jacket on all day. Add a long necklace, or a bright silk scarf and you're set without having something fussy on. The seamless material is a stretch blend, and when rolled, takes up virtually no room in a suitcase. This t-shirt is also available in a crewneck for more options on a daily basis. |
8. Ann Taylor Herringbone Textured 3/4 Sleeve Jacket
The perfect answer to your blazer alternative, this herringbone jacket has 3/4 sleeves, so it's ideal for warmer weather. Put it over a sheath dress or shell for a polished look that is feminine and smart for the office. Because of the texture, this jacket always looks crisp. |
9. Banana Republic Lightweight Wool Blazer
The companion blazer to the rest of the Banana Republic Lightweight Wool collection, this jacket is a year round piece. Throw it on over anything and feel ready for that big presentation without worrying about looking frumpy. The hefty fabric and princess seams create a look that is flawless for the office. |
10. Merona Knit Wrap Dress
Style
15-Minute Fashion
Quick Gifting Idea: Victoria's Secret Stimulating Body Scrub
Stocking up on gifting items during sale season is a great way to make sure you have something on hand when the occassion pops up, but also save yourself some green. With retailers moving out spring and summer merchandise, you can score big on general items for extended family members, co-workers, and in-laws. Victoria's Secret's Stimulating Body Scrub is a great gift for the summer, as the lightly scented scrub will exfoliate away dead cells, leaving soft, smooth skin. Right now the scrub can be scooped up at the Semi-Annual Sale at four for $20, making them an affordable gift to stockpile in advance.
For more ideas on gifting visit Quick Gifting.
Sex & the City Blue Satin Manolos
We were all drooling over the countless gorgeous things in the new Sex & the City movie, which debuted last weekend. From Carrie's stunning Vogue wedding gown pictorial, to the yummy array of designer handbags that each of the girls carry, there was nothing left to chance when it came to outfitting such a film. Costume designer Patricia Field has a knack for creating trends and putting them on the map via Carrie and company, so it's no wonder that when the powers that be at Manolo Blahnik got wind this shoe was featured in the movie, the price increased substantially. Available in June, and retailing for a reported $825, the blue satin Manolo Blahniks with a jewel encrusted brooch, already has a sizeable waitlist according to the NYC boutique. No word on whether or not department stores will have the shoes in stock, but expect the eBay prices to be through the roof much like Carrie's "stolen shoes" (also known as the silver Manolo Blahnik Sedarby's) from season 5, which go for nearly double their price on the auction site.
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