Analyzing Trends

Fashion, like politics or religion, is always controversial. Changes in hemlines, necklines, waistlines, and so on, have been cause for scandal throughout history. Some trends gain widespread acceptance, and others are forgotten by the end of the season. How does one sift through the mire and separate the great looks from the not so great ones. As we all know, the "must have" of one moment is the "I can't believe I wore that" of the next. One must always be on guard for supposedly fabulous fashions that turn out to be faux pas. Opinions on these trends are as numerous as the trends themselves. That, however, will not stop me from sharing mine! You may disagree, but don't take offence. I'm just a guy trying to make the world a more beautiful place...

Before we get started, please note that I am not talking about specific runway trends for fall 2003 (as that would require the reader to have extensive prior knowledge of fall fashion week). Instead, I will discuss more general trends that have persisted through recent years and have become part of most people's fashion vocabulary.

Firstly, let's examine the phenomenon of the chunky shoe. Shoes in this family exhibit exaggerated proportions characterized by bulbous toe regions. The soles of these shoes are extraordinarily large in scale, often featuring a very clunky, massive heel. Boots tend to be the most common form of chunky shoe. The deformed cousin of the boot, the bootie, is also a common form. Never have I understood one's interest in making his or her foot appear like a huge weight at the end of his or her leg. Traditionally, smaller feet are thought to be more appealing while large feet are oafish and clumsy. The chunky shoe ignores these rules and creates an unflattering, bottom-heavy silhouette. Instead of ending gracefully, the leg terminates with something that resembles a tire more than footwear. Therefore, avoid the chunky shoe whenever possible. Do not be swayed by those who call it "cute" or "funky"; they've been deceived by Steve Madden and Sketcher ads from the 90's.

What can I say about low rise jeans? Fashion has a way of going to extremes and low-rise jeans are no exception. While once it may have seemed sexy in that forbidden, subversive way to let one's waistband fall beneath the natural waist, today's versions of the low rise are just gross. I long to see the day when mainstream fashion once again embraces clothing that suggests, rather than garishly displays, sexiness. As we all know, the tease can be more alluring than just letting it all hang out. So, cover up your sheer thongs and nasty boxer briefs, and put on something that actually makes you look good!

We now progress to the subject of athletic wear as everyday wear. Now, I'm all for those colorful bowling shoe/vintage sneaker things everyone is wearing. If you must be comfortable, these shoes are a much better option than white Nikes or Keds. However, the amount of people I see parading around in ridiculously short running shorts, muscle tees, tear-away pants, and sports bras is quite appalling. Leave that at the gym, please. I think I actually saw someone at Dewick in a work-out outfit that so closely resembled underwear that it was almost indecent exposure. There is no excuse for not throwing a sassy pair of jeans and a simple (well-fitting) tee into one's gym bag. If one insists on wearing such things, please restrict yourself to some black or grey yoga pants. Velour leisure suits are not O.K. (I don't care what movie star is wearing them!).

Lastly, let's talk vintage. There was a time when only those who could not afford contemporary clothing wore vintage articles. Now, you may find that a beautiful vintage piece is far more expensive than a shirt at GAP or Banana Republic. The demand for unique vintage items grew from a desire to depart from current mass-produced trends and incorporate classic style into a modern look. Let's face it, when people are wearing pants that barely conceal their butts, the best option is to find clothing from time periods that valued elegance and refinement. A classic A-line skirt from the 50's looks wonderful with a pair of delicate heels and coordinating top. For men, the tailored cut of many vintage shirts is quite flattering. The vintage trend is one of the best fashion ideas out there today, because it draws on the best of past eras to supplement rather bland, and often poorly made, modern clothing. So, run to the Garment District (Kendall T-stop) this weekend and spice things up a bit (just don't trip over those chunky heels on the way!).

So what have we learned? Basically, a lot of people are making bad fashion choices with popular yet quite unattractive trends. There is hope, however. Don't get sucked into looks that won't stand the test of time or show off more than anyone wants to see. Just let good, tasteful design be your guide!