Raise your hand if you’ve ever been a fashion victim, an unglamorous “don’t.” Anyone? Everyone? (If you lived through the ’80s and you don’t have your hand up — you’re lying.) But who knows, maybe you never wore acid wash or put a scrunchie in your hair. Maybe you lived the last couple of decades in a cave. A very stylish cave. If not, odds are your life and wardrobe have been nudged more than once by the same fashion forces that caused the rest of us to go out in public wearing football-grade shoulder pads and Birkenstocks, or, heaven help us, to rock the Flashdance look.
Every new season is a potential fashion minefield. Remember the half-shirt? But so far, the 2008 trends we’re seeing in magazines and shop windows are beautiful, downright wearable, and — dare we? — even figure-flattering. After last season’s impossibly unflattering skinny jean, can it be so? The short answer is yes.
Here’s a fast tour of what’s hip, hot, and happening on the fashion front, with color commentary from some of the top trendsetters and style gurus in Memphis.
Trends Spotted: Color. Prints. Vivid lips.
Spring is all about dresses and prints. Bright colors — yellow is a must. Trench coats are a great option. Exotic skin bags are all the rage. Patent leather is really in for spring, and vivid lip color is totally “right now.”
— Alicia George, stylist
Trends Spotted: Retro. Chiffon. Boho chic.
The colors for spring are bright and fun—think citrus colors such as lime, lemon, and orange. Anything in yellow from accessories to dresses, jackets, or tops is perfect for spring. The styling of clothes for spring run from retro and structured to bohemian and flowy. You can’t go wrong with a great mix-and-match skirt suit or a beautifully tailored jacket. We love the ’60s-inspired shift dresses that can be embellished or come in a fun geometric print. Last but not least — boho chic tops in soft feminine chiffon paired with a super-cool wide-leg jean.
— Cara Fromin, Eve, Ella, Isabella
Trends Spotted: Yellow.
It’s all about colored denim, and yellow is the hottest color this spring. — Divine Mafa, Divine Rags
Trends Spotted: Wide-leg jean. Cool T’s. Skull graphic.
Bright colors and prints are a strong trend for women. Yellow and green are emerging as the colors for spring. The latest trend in denim is the wide-leg jean. We suggest the Candace jean by True Religion. The wide-leg style looks great on women of all shapes. Retro sports-team logos are great for any sports fan. Edgy, skull- and tattoo-inspired shirts by Affliction and Ed Hardy continue to work for the contemporary man. For the guy who doesn’t want a graphic but likes a comfortable, fitted basic or V-neck, Diesel is the way to go. Men are really enjoying new fits and washes by Diesel, 7 For All Mankind, and True Religion. After a long absence, lighter shades of denim in lighter weights are back, and Southern men can’t wait to wear them! — Julie Lansky, Lansky 126
Trends Spotted: Denim. Truth.
For men, jeans are always on-trend. This season, Baer’s Den is seeing comfort and true fit move to the forefront. Your jeans should match your individual style and body, and this season’s trends allow that to happen. Unique Japanese denim is definitely a hot new trend. — Jeremy Baer, Baer’s Den
Trends Spotted: Sheaths. Shiny leather.
What’s hot for spring? Knit jackets, sheaths, color, and patent leather.
— Jonathon Christian, Ann Taylor Loft, Oak Court
Trends Spotted: Heavy metals.
Yellow gold is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. White metals such as platinum, white gold, and silver have been hot since the early 1990s, but we’re selling more yellow gold right now than ever before. David Yurman’s signature cable designs in silver and gold with multicolored gemstones are perennial favorites.
— Jay Mednikow, Mednikow Jewelers
Trends Spotted: Brights. Geometrics. Florals and flappers.
The little white dress paired with bold, bright accessories will make the biggest statement for spring. Go ahead, pick the style that suits you best. Geometric designs, retro florals, abstract, pop-art designs. Brights are back — technicolor blue, grass green, juicy shades of orange. In accessories and shoes — medium- to wide-belted waistlines to all-the-way flapper style.
For the home, mirroring, pale colors, and silver are the rage. Think touches of silk, accents of brightly colored, patterned pillows, eco-friendly baskets, wood surfaces and bowls, natural fiber rugs, and throws.
— Lindy Young, marketing manager,
Avenue Carriage Crossing