Ask An Expert: 2014's Trends With Staying Power
Mall of America Trend Specialist
Style Expert/Wardrobe Consultant
www.sararogers.com
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Trend One: Culottes "Culottes are a wide-leg cropped trouser. The original design was offered as an alternative option for women horse riders. It gave them the comfort of a trouser while they were straddling and riding a horse, plus they were able to maintain the feminine look of a skirt. It's kind of cool how culottes can give you the look of a skirt, and the ease of a pant. Designer Stella McCartney showed culottes in her spring 2015 collection in denim, however even though denim seems to be the fabric of our lives, it's not the only game in town. Retailers are making this roomy pant style available in soft textiles, like rayon, as well more structured fabrics like cotton and vegan leather. I'm a huge fan of street style photos as they generally speak to the pulse of a trend. I'm noticing numerous photos of fashion lovers from the Atlantic to the Pacific, to across the pond rocking the culottes."
Trend Two: Sneakers
"Karl Lagerfield's spring 2014 show for Chanel featured the entire collection (even the long dresses) with models wearing his luxury running shoes. Style mavens are not pumping the brakes on this trend. This is where the rubber meets the road because this trend is all about comfort and style. Traditionally it's a fitness shoe, however it's not limited to working out or to casual clothing like jeans and leggings. Street chic sneakers are being worn with tailored skirts, dresses and pants. The street sneaker trend has truly hit its stride. If you're looking for a timeless style, classic sneakers such as Converse, Adidas, New Balance and Vans are perennial favorites."
Trend Three: Wide Leg/Flared Leg Pants "The slim leg pant is showing no signs of slowing down yet there seems to be a resurgence of popularity with the flared and/or wide leg pant. I'm a huge fan of the wide leg pant. It harkens back to the days when Katharine Hepburn wore them with button-down shirts. Plus it speaks beautifully to the menswear look (one of my favorite trends). They're also flattering and forgiving for girls like me with fuller thighs. I knew it in my heart when I saw style icon Kate Moss back in 2013 wearing a beautiful pair of wide leg pants in a gorgeous shade of green that this style was on its way to making a comeback. I mean come on, if you're in the fashion industry, you know this girl sets trends. The general guidelines for wearing this style is, if you wear something loose on the bottom, wear it with a fitted top."Related: Ask A Minnesota Expert: How To Distress Your Jeans
Trend Four: Fringes
"There's nothing static about the fringe trend, it's a movement that's having more than a moment. It's fun and playful as it swooshes from side to side making sure your exit is just as dramatic as your entrance. I'm seeing western influences, bohemian vibes as well as 1920s flapper-style inspiration. Accessories are always a great way to work a trend back to your existing wardrobe. You can go with a small dose or a full-on expression of this trend as I'm seeing it on shoes, bags, jackets, skirts and dresses. This trend is fun and playful as it sways for day as well as evening wear."
Trend Five: Exposed Skin "Throughout history, women have often looked to pop culture and celebrities for inspiration on how to dress. Songbirds like Taylor Swift, cover girls like Cameron Diaz and red carpet actresses like Kate Hudson have all been spotted wearing the exposed skin trend. The crop top came on strong in 2014 with a huge focus on the waist and it's not going anywhere. If you thought you couldn't wear the crop top, perhaps this next generation will work for you because designers and manufacturers have taken the exposed skin trend to other areas. If you dare to bare, you'll find the exposed skin trend is still about revealing the abdominal region (aka the crop top). However, strategically placed laser panels and tiny cut-outs around the shoulder area and on the arms are going to make it easier for more women to get in on the action."Related: Best Minnesota Fashion Blogs
