Marissa Elman | Fashion & Photography

Marissa Elman is a lifelong lover of fashion and photography.

5 Trends to Avoid This Winter

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The world of fashion is increasingly fast-paced. Trends seem to change at lightning speed. Last season’s must-haves quickly become this season’s faux pas. Avoid embarrassment this winter season. Don’t be caught dead in any of these out-of-style pieces.

 

  1. Cropped Coats

Cropped coats have been popular in the past, but it’s time for a new queen bee. This season is all about dramatic, full-length coats. They are warmer as well as more mature. A camel colored coat is a classic and timeless piece that fits this trend. A fur or faux-fur choice is a more glamorous and attention-grabbing option that also aids in providing sufficient warmth.

 

  1. Over-the-knee boots

Over-the-knee and thigh-high boots seemed to be everywhere over the last few years, knocking knee-high boots out of their once-popular ranking. Fashion is always cyclical, and knee-high boots have made a comeback. Equestrian boots are among the most popular styles. However, motorcycle boots and heeled animal print boots, such as snakeskin, are bolder choices that can add extra flair to your outfit. Avoid boots that rise above the knee if you want to appear fashion-forward this season.

 

  1. Mini Dresses

Mini dresses were a unique trend for winter in the past. Perhaps they were downright inappropriate since winter is not a time for warm-weather clothing. Mini dresses are being replaced with warmer, more appropriate options such as ankle-length or midi-length dresses.

 

  1. Vinyl

The age of vinyl is gone. Say good riddance to all the clear vinyl skirts and shoes especially. Many could argue that the vinyl trend was a faux pas to begin with, but in any case, it is gone for good. Leather has risen in its place instead. Leather lasts longer and looks better than vinyl. Vegan and vegetarians may choose a faux-leather option to keep in style with this trend.

 

  1. Boxy Silhouettes

Winter doesn’t have to mean being drowned in fabric. Loose, boxy silhouettes are a thing of the past. Far too often, boxy silhouettes translate as sloppy and lazy instead of effortless. The current style is more refined, feminine, and clean-cut. Choose figure-flattering silhouettes in luxurious, quality fabrics to look put together instead of careless in shapeless clothing.

How Do Fashion Trends Become Popular?

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Fashion trends are important to everyone, even people who don’t put a lot of thought into fashion. Ask yourself, how many people do you see out in public who are wearing clothes that are not in style? Fashion trends seep into our minds consciously and unconsciously, and even individuals who are not interested in fashion tend to be influenced by what is mainstream. But why do fashion trends become popular?

 

In the past, fashion trends became popular due to the traditional model of originating in the fashion houses, then off to the magazines, and then bought by the consumers. However, now it is the 21st-century, and the Internet is a significant part of our world.

 

Because of the Internet, the way fashion trends become popular comes from more than just the runway. 

 

The Streets

We watch what people wear on the streets, particularly in popular cities like New York and Los Angeles, where people are known to be more fashion-conscious. As we pass one another on the streets, we consciously or unconsciously take in what people are wearing. For example, if you are a woman and see a large number of women carrying large handbags rather than small purses, chances are you’ll purchase a large bag over a small purse. This desire will be assisted by what will be available in stores because stores tend to reflect what we see on the streets.

 

Celebrities

We watch celebrities that we see on the Internet or that we observe on reality TV shows, and we’re influenced by what they wear. For example, arguably the most famous celebrity TV family is The Kardashians. We watch what Kim, Kendall and Kylie Jenner wear. We probably won’t spend as much as they do on an outfit, but stores make it a point to copy these styles at far more affordable prices because designers know that people are influenced by what they see.

 

Fashion Blogs

Another way we follow fashion trends is with the many fashion blogs that appear on the Internet. Following fashion blogs is more of a habit for a fashionista than your average woman. However, fashion blogs are prevalent in the 21st-century, and the most trafficked ones will influence how individuals perceive the latest styles and compose their own wardrobe.

 

Instagram

Social media is prevalent in the 21st-century, especially with the app Instagram. It has at least one billion users. What makes Instagram so conducive to fashion is because it is primarily a visual medium. Users upload their photos for people to view. There are millions of various fashion photos on Instagram that profoundly influence users.

 

Fashion trends become popular when they are easy to create and easy to afford. They are only popular when everyday people can wear them. Fashions exclusively among the very rich are not popular with everyone.

How to Define Your Style

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Many people experiment with style as they grow up. However, some of us prefer a defined sense of style into adulthood.  The first step to defining your own style might be to find a style icon. Browse magazines to find celebrities whose styles you like. Look for pieces that remind you of that person’s style and envision yourself wearing those articles.

 

Your current wardrobe can provide insight into your style. Look at the styles that you have multiple of, such as polka dots, that already define your style. On the other hand, if your wardrobe contains some outliers, you might not be as comfortable wearing that style, especially if you only wear those items infrequently. However, you may need to branch out from your comfort zone if you want to find your style, especially if your closet is currently full of sweatpants and t-shirts. Although it takes time to become comfortable with new fashion, it may be well worth it to define your style.

 

Once you’ve identified styles that you like, do a little research to find a name for it. Perhaps you prefer bohemian or modern fashion. Determining the right label can help you find more items that you’ll like that match your style when searching for ideas in magazines or online.

 

Whether it might be a certain style of handbags or sunglasses, matching jewelry, or some other aspect of your outfit, pick a signature item. Of course, you don’t need to wear the same signature piece. It’s okay if you have multiple black booties. They all create the same effect. The people who know you and your style will think of you whenever they see a similar piece!

 

Don’t get too caught up in fads. Something that looks great one season might seem incredibly dated the next year, not to mention a decade later. Furthermore, sometimes trends may not be flattering on you or make you feel comfortable when you wear them. Instead, look for pieces that won’t go out of style and that suit your tastes.

 

Once you’ve nailed down the overall look that will become your style, you can look at accessories, jewelry, and shoes that complete the look. Purses, belts, scarves, hats, or hairpieces can also be the finishing touch on the perfect outfit!

Fashion Trends of the 2010s

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Just like any other decade, the 2010s were full of many different fashions that make it unique to all others. To many of us, the 2010s seemed to have flown by. Here are some fashions from the 2010s.

 

Hipster Fashions

Hipster fashions took this decade by storm. “Vintage” clothing became all the rage as trendy, thrift-style stores popped up in urban areas. Mismatched clothing articles became a trend, and there were retro themes where people dressed in the fashions of previous time periods. In some places, it wasn’t completely unusual to see a guy dressed like someone in the 1920s. The 1980s, especially, was glorified in fashion. Music and clothing from that time period made a huge come back. The idea that clothing had to be stylish or hip was challenged, and more people felt comfortable sporting awkward, unique outfits.

 

Spike Heels

Spike heels were all the rage as teenagers and young women wore them to all kinds of special events. Whether it was a graduation or a night out, you would see people break out the six-inch heels.

 

Leggings

Leggings were especially big in the 2010s. They came in many different colors and prints, though the most common types of leggings worn were back. Wherever you went, you would see girls and women of all ages sport the skin-tight bottoms. People would dress their baby daughters, as well as themselves, in leggings. Even in the winter, people would commonly wear them even though a majority of leggings were relatively thin. Fortunately, “thermal” leggings were produced to provide people with more warmth in the winter.

 

Beards and Mustaches

Of course, in the 2010s, beards and mustaches still had bad stigmas among large swathes of people. However, they became popular among a certain subset of the population—particularly among people thrown into the “hipster” category. People grew long, thick beards and mustaches. There were even some men who styled their mustaches in eccentric ways.

 

These are just a few of the fashions that were unique to the 2010s. Beards and mustaches became popular among a certain subset of the population, despite retaining their negative stigmas among others. Females of all ages wore leggings, even in the cold. Young women wore tall heels to special events. Hipster fashions took the world by storm. Other trends like high-top sneakers and athleisure clothing also emerged and gained popularity among the general population.

The 90s Fashion Revival Today

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One quick scroll on Instagram and it’s clear that the 90’s are back in a big way. While most would cringe at the reemergence of 90s trends and perhaps flashbacks of their own fashion snafus; its safe to say that there are trends worth rocking. Crop tops and mini skirts once made popular by Cher and her gang of friends in “Clueless” are making their rounds on the scene again. Track suits have also made their way back into the fashion circuit, with both men and women sporting them. Vintage graphic t-shirts and basketball jerseys from the 90s are also in heavy rotation on the streets and on social media.

 

Cosmetic brands, such as Kim Kardashian’s KKW Beauty, are also flashing back to the past with the release of 90s inspired makeup collections. Makeup trends that are popping up again are clear glass lip glosses, matte eyeshadows, thicker eyebrows, glitter, and lip liner. Accessories like tiny hand bags, charm earrings and necklaces, bucket hats and the ever popular Kangol hat are also making their comeback. The uber cool skater look has also been making a comeback these days. Chokers which were once very popular in the 90s are made new again. Whether a diamond, velvet or plastic choker, this accessory has become a favorite amongst teens and millennials alike.

 

Vans and Converse shoes are classic staples favored by many skaters and skate fans alike. Other 90s trends seen in footwear are platform shoes and combat boots. Doc Martens, which were very popular in the 90s have regained popularity with the rise of the 90s grunge look. Denim inspired by the 90s has also made a big comeback, with vintage retailers stocking classic Levis 501s. Mom jeans, which are characteristic of a higher waist and straight silhouette, are very popular and can be dressed up or down.

 

Overalls have come back in a big way and show no signs of disappearing anytime soon. Whether shorts or full overalls, these tried and true blues are unisex and can be styled a number of ways. Denim jackets are also on the scene again. Whether cropped, studded, patched up or plain, a denim jacket is 90s accessory that seems to be more of a staple than a trend. The grunge look is also making its rounds again with the help of flannel shirts, loose jeans and mini skirts.