Lately I’ve been consumed by, and consuming, fashion like an addict. Given that my course focuses on it, you have to keep up with everyday news and events. Especially during fashion month. One thing I’m learning to do, is how to be analytical and connect all the dots. Meaning: everything that is influencing fashion right now. As I wrote before, it’s hard to keep up with it all and still have time to enjoy a doughnut. Overwhelming at times. But a girl can try. One of the things I love to follow, and have immense pleasure doing it, is street style.
I believe that some people have that amazing gift to just see a political movement in a beanie. But I also believe that you can learn it. You have to train your eye to analyze every situation and what is being approached in it. There’s a reason why fashion is being so political. So uncertain. There’s a huge shift going on in the world and that’s reflected in the clothes, the fashion shows, the street style.
I’ve been consuming more street style images than runway shows. I want them to end so I can thoroughly watch them. But in the meantime, I gaze upon the people that attend the shows and, regardless of them being paid to wear those clothes, they’re sending a message. Great style cannot be mimicked, and I realize that. But you can certainly look up to people and take tids and bits for yourself. So, here’s what I’m taking from the street style this Fashion Month (even though Paris is going on right now).
Athleisure, or athluxury, is now inherent in all street style fashion weeks. You can’t scroll through pictures without spotting a few athletic elements. Whether your outfit is classic chic or casual layered, you see either details (like the socks) or the actual trend embraced from head to toe. I feel like, between New York, London and Milan, New York was at its best. Generally speaking, the street style was highly casual and people didn’t seem as posh.
This was the biggest trend – and I’m sure Paris won’t be any different. From jackets, to coats, to shirts, everything was hanging. Literally. I feel like this trend is influenced by the cold. You’re torn between being warm and showing your outfit, so you find a middle-term. I love it, have casually embraced it, and I figure it’s here to stay.
Again, something seen every where and in every piece. Coats, jackets, pants, scarfs, blouses. Plaid and gingham are stars, especially for Spring. I’m personally all for it and have bought a (cheap!) coat and a pair of pants. Let’s not forget about one of the best skirts Zara ever made.
We’ve been seeing this since September last year. Remember these Isabel Marant skirts? Now we’ve seen the trend transported to pants, boots and coats. Whatever you can think of. Vinyl started being used in fashion back in the 1960’s, as a response to social changes of the time. Designers felt like their audience was ready to have some fun with fabrics and started incorporating it in their pieces. It was especially associated with the Mod trend, which surfaced in London along side op and pop art.
Something we’ve also seen in the past year. Fishnets are big, and not only in sock form. Pantyhose fishnets were also big, especially in the London scene. It’s a great statement piece to wear with sandals or pumps. My version of it looks a little bit like this. But I prefer them classy and chic, like the top right picture.