Today we're talking trends. The good, the bad, and the "what the what?!". I pulled these top ten trends off of Polyvore and from what I'm seeing in magazines and online they seem to be pretty accurate. We'll tackle five today and the other five tomorrow. Trends can be dangerous. You need to approach super trendy items the same way you should approach anything you wear. You have got to seriously ask yourself if it actually looks good on you, and if it doesn't, then put it down and walk away. Just because something is trendy doesn't mean it's universally flattering.
1). Marled Sweaters: I wasn't totally sure what the word "Marled" meant. I was pretty sure I knew just from looking at the sweaters themselves, but I wanted to make sure I was correct so I looked it up.
"The word marled means mixed colors or, often, slightly different shades of the same color. Specifically, marled fibers are fibers of different colors that are twisted together to produce an unusual look."
Read more: http://www.ehow.com/info_10019858_marled-cotton.html#ixzz2cYNIRvHj
This is a trend that I love. For the most part. Here's the rule though. The sweater itself still needs to be flattering. Just because it is trendy doesn't mean it's flattering. Recite that to yourself over and over as you go into the stores. Here's one of my favorite looks for this trend.
I love this sweater. I love the asymmetric hem and the different texture in the sleeves. This sweater gives that comfy oversize feel without actually adding bulk because it's got narrow sleeves and a thinner fiber. Just ignore her face because you would be much happier than she is in that sweater.
Another great thing about this trend is that it has to do more with the fibers and the knit not the style so you can find a sweater in the right fit for you and still be on trend here. The thing to avoid with this trend is too big of a fiber. It can leave you looking like you stole your grandpa's sweaters... especially if your grandpa is Bill Cosby. Oversized is comfortable and can look cute, but don't over do it.
2). Black Leather Skirts: This trend has been around FOREVER, and it can go quickly from classy like nobody's business to trashy as all get out. I'm not going to lie, I've always wanted a black leather pencil skirt. Those are gorgeous when done right! The key to black leather is length and quality. If it's short, tight, and looks like pleather than you look like... well.. you know.
Top Left: A-line skater skirt. I love this style in leather. Its cute factor makes it less edgy but still a little hardcore. I love it with the neon and softer hair and accessories too. It would also look adorable with tights and boots. If you don't have legs like hers, black tights will do wonders! It's amazing how thin and shapely your legs can look when you wear the right pair of black tights.
Top Right: This is one great way to do the leather pencil skirt. Especially because it isn't skin tight. It makes it classier without being too oversized. Also, you really can't go wrong with a black well-fitting pencil skirt (leather or not) and a perfectly fitted black sweater. It's pure class. Her accessories give her a little edge, but not too much. This would also look great with tall black boots or pumps. You could even go crazy and pick a colored pump if you felt like it. Live a little! Have fun!
Bottom: This is a good way to do a leather mini skirt. Notice how it's not stuck to her like spandex and doesn't look like plastic? It's got give and movement to it even though it's shorter. Once again, if you don't think you have the legs to pull it off, grab a pair of black tights and go forth and rock the leather skirt. The shoes she's wearing are VERY tricky to pull of. Especially with a short skirt like that. It could totally truncate your legs if you don't have the perfect ankles and thighs for this. Once again... black tights will save the day. Or pair it with (non slutty looking) black boots. You could also choose a pump that doesn't have an ankle strap, this will help to elongate your legs.
Number one rule with leather: keep it classy y'all.
3). Tie-dye Denim: There are so many facets to this tie-dye denim trend, and to be honest I don't really care about it. It's not necessarily good or bad, it just is. Basically what I would say is the same with any other trend... make sure it fits you well! Nothing will look good on you if it doesn't fit and flatter well. For example:
These pants aren't necessarily bad, they're just not very flattering... Can you tell how little I care about this trend? Seriously, if you like it go for it... just make sure the pants fit well and you wear it with something that works better than what this girl chose. For example:
These pants are a much more flattering fit and her accessories work better with them. I also am much more interested in the color than in the first photo. I will tell you that I don't like the shirt she's wearing... it's also tie-dye denim and it's just over kill. It would have been much better with a plain denim shirt or a white chiffon flowy tank.
So where do I land on this trend? Do it if you want, just do it well!
4). Asymmetrical Jackets: This is a trend I LOVE! Always have, always will. It just brings an interesting element to your clothes and a little bit of a rockstar edge. It's a really hard trend to do wrong and it's a really fun addition to a simple and classic outfit. The collar could be asymmetric or the hem could be or both!
See how simple this outfit is? When you have a few really fun pieces like this top and classic pieces like good black skinny (or straight legged) jeans it really requires no accessories. This top makes a statement so you don't need much of anything else. You could wear a simple bracelet if you wanted to, but I would keep it very simple.
I'm in love with asymmetric leather jackets. I think everyone should own one. They are so fun and pretty and just make life better. This is a jacket that can be part of your actual outfit for that day not just something to keep you warm while you get where you need to go. It's gorgeous and simple with some edge thanks to that zipper (and the fact that it's leather). Pair this with some great dark jeans (or black!), any top that won't be too bulky under the jacket, and some boots and you're set. Once again, very little accessories needed. A big chunky scarf would look awesome with this jacket too if it's cold enough. Fun right?
Bored of your normal trench coat? Well say hello to this one. It's incredibly simple but the asymmetric hem adds a touch of interesting to an otherwise potentially boring jacket. Also, I love the hood. Hoods are my friends.
5). Aviator Sunglasses: If you've read this blog at all you know my answer to this one. I LOVE AVIATORS!!! WEAR THEM!!! Seriously, aviators are good. I like them. This is another trend that is very difficult to mess up. Just pay attention to your facial structure and pick your aviators accordingly. Like any pair of sunglasses, aviators come in slightly different shapes and sizes so you do have options. There are literally a million different types of aviators you could look at, so pick what you like and what fits your face well.
