Fashion 411: Steal these trends!

In 2017, similar to almost every other year, we have a great, almost morbid, fascination with the ‘80s – we’re seeing the decade’s iconic influence in tv, music, and most of all, fashion. Summer is bringing us off-the-shoulder styles, a la 1983, stripes aplenty, trench coats with a twist, and YELLOW – lots and lots of yellow. Read on to get to know these trends, and see how you can adapt them to your own personal style.

Trend:

Stripes

Whether you choose a two-color stripe pattern or go all-out to encompass much more of the rainbow, you can’t do stripes wrong this season. Thick or thin, muted or eye-popping, the key is to adjust to your own comfort level (but don’t be afraid to push the envelope!). Keep it conservative by sticking to a color + black or a color + white palette, and keep accessories simple and monochromatic. Feeling adventurous? Go for it! Mix your colors and/or stripe directions, even add a pattern to shake things up a bit more. Horizontal, vertical, diagonal – take your pick; you’ll be the trendiest fashionista on the block!

Trend:

Khaki

Steve Irwin’s go-to garb is back! It seems nothing is off-limits when it comes to adapting to trend. Designers this season are using khaki to accommodate wearers along the spectrum from evening wear to ultra-casual, doing things you’d never think was possible with such a … drab color. From Carolina Herrera to Yeezy and every label in between, 2017’s khaki is anything but boring.

Trend:

Yellow

It’s impossible to be in a bad mood when you’re sporting such a happy color! This summer, we’re rocking 50+ shades of yellow – from buttercup to goldenrod, sheer or layered, muted or eye-poppingly bright. There’s surely a version of this cheery shade for every style, skin tone, and hair color.

Trend:

One bare shoulder

This year’s own take on an ‘80s favorite features pieces with one shoulder cut out. Hoodies, blouses, gowns…cut out one shoulder and you’re trendy. Another option is the “Flashdance shoulder,” which is exactly what you’d think: one shoulder sexily, “accidentally” exposed by a draped neckline. What is our obsession with shoulders? We may never know, but in the meantime, we’re embracing our military presses for the sake of sexy shoulders.

Trend:

White shirt dress

An oversized, Oxford-style dress shirt with any number of unexpected twists: a surprising waistline, interesting hem, flounces, colored piping trim…the idea is to make this traditionally male-oriented garment feminine and flirty. Add gold + sparkly jewelry for a glammed-up look, or go funky fresh with brightly colored accessories. Belt it, brooch it…this is a blank slate on which you can express yourself!

Trend:

Trench coats

An updated version of a classic oldie-but-goodie, this summer’s trench coats are sporting oversized buckles, interesting fabrics, and pretty cutouts – definitely more feminine than its ages-old counterpart. Layer it over a colorful ensemble, or – if you dare – wear it alone as a dress. Accessorize with bright lipstick and huge sunglasses for a sexy spy look.

We’ve got our hands full this season, with all of the styles we’re resurrecting. Other (questionable) trends seen on the runway: bathrobes (seriously), sashes (a la boy scouts or Miss America), folded-over waists, waist-trainers (over your clothes!), and slit shirtsleeves. Of course, style is personal and therefore subjective, so feel free to do your own thing – it’s not like you can go wrong; this is 2017! – Bobbilynn Hollifield

Sources consulted:

Elle.com
Vogue.com
lilicons.com
Glamour.com