If you’ve had the feeling that fashion shows this year have looked like everything “old” is new again – you’re absolutely right! Designer clothing has turned to the decade of the 1980s for this season’s inspiration.
Fashion mavens say these are the top trends for this year’s designer clothing:
It’s The ’80s Again!
Designers have chosen to look back almost 30 years for this year’s clothing influences. Expect to see lots of neon colors in both women’s and men’s shirts, along with velvet bustiers for evening wear and dresses with poufy skirts and sleeves.
The Cocoon Coat Is Back
Look for women to appear like giant butterflies as the cocoon coat with its wing-shaped design makes its cyclical reappearance. This style is not for every woman; those with a long, lean shape carry it off best.
Gray and Black Dominate the Scene…
However, anyone can wear another very sophisticated trend of the season: lots and lots of layers of gray and black. One of the great advantages to a wardrobe of designer clothing built around this trend is that you’ll never have to worry that everything coordinates!
& So Do Pink and Chartreuse
Two bold colors are this season’s fashion focus: pink and chartreuse, but not together, thankfully. Neon pink – shocking pink, fuschia, coral pink, you name – was seen on runways in dresses, shirts, skirts and accessories. Chartreuse likewise lit up catwalks from Milan to New York, especially in silk dinner suits and blouses. While chartreuse can be a tricky color for some women because of their complexions, there’s usually a shade of bold pink that works for anyone. Shop until you find it.
Controversial Fur- Should you or Shouldn’t you?
Another designer clothing trend this year appears chic, but it’s also quite controversial. Designers are using lots of fur – real fur – both for decoration and for entire outfits. Animal-rights activists are sure to protest, so you might want to opt for fake fur on your outfits, especially if you’re on a budget.
Let the Shoulders Dominate
Designers also seem to think that the shoulder is the sexiest body part for this season. Some tops and dresses looked as if they were unfinished because of the number of slits, slashes and cutouts seen on fashion models. Expect cold shoulders if opting for this design.
If shoulders aren’t exposed this year, they’re likely to be padded or extended well enough to look like an American football linebacker. Yes, the big-shoulder look is back, and we mean big, bigger, biggest. Some of these broad-shoulder designer clothing styles also have pointy ends, so be careful not to pierce any passers-by.
Go Metallic
Metallics have been popular over several seasons recently, and this year they’ll be seen more in the daytime. Many designer outfits paired shiny shirts with gray pants, or sequined dresses or skirts with gray coats. The neutral gray color seems to give metallics even more shine and sparkle. Handbags and shoes also retain recently popular metallic finishes.
Get out those Thigh High Boots
There’s another echo from the ’80s that might cause some women to dig their old Thighmasters out of the closet: thigh-high boots! Naturally paired with short skirts, this designer clothing trend was seen most often in warm tan or caramel-colored leather.
Top it All Up in Style!
Finally, the accessory of the season: Hats, hats, and more hats. They range from demure cloches to wide brims and tall pillars that resemble a science-fiction alien’s costume. Hats also reflect many of the season’s other style trends: bold neon colors, animal prints, a touch of real fur and sophisticated gray and black combinations.