By Candice Thompson
In Motion Staff Writer
Fashion forward or fashion faux pas. Every day trends are falling off the fashion map only to be resurrected decades later. What was “in” yesterday is “out” today, but will be right back “in” tomorrow.
Some old fashions are being paired with new trends to create a whole new look. And some trends, well, they need to disappear into a black hole somewhere—like skinny jeans on guys.
Victoria’s Secret has put their stamp of approval on fanny packs, advertising a free limited edition Victoria’s Secret logo fanny pack in one of their usual giveaways with purchase. And when Victoria says it’s cool, you believe her, despite the fact fanny packs have been universally condemned for many years.
Of course, some of the most iconic fashions never left and probably never will. No one has ever had to look too far to secure a pair of Converse All-Stars. In fact, people all over the world have been sporting the infamous All-Stars for nearly 100 years.
Jeans are another fashion staple that will remain forever. “Not even the more fashion type jeans, with the designs, the holes, the rips. But more of just the classic Levi. You can wear them with pretty much anything, high fashion or around the house. They are really a universal article of clothing,” said area Pac Sun manager Wade Rogers.
Another fashion classic is the little black dress.
“The design may change, but the basics are always the same and are always around,” said Daytona State student Tabitha Shiloh Gregg.
Some styles are part of a lifestyle or culture, such as the biker look, or a Sari, the traditional Indian dress elaborately draped around the length of the body. Others, such as parachute pants from the ‘80s or platform shoes and bellbottoms from the ‘70s define an era or a decade. Leather jackets never left. Gladiator sandals are making their way back, all the way from circa 250 BC.
Shorter shorts for guys are becoming the newest “in” thing. Pair them with a tank top and flannel cover and you’re sporting the newest look among body builders according to Rogers, who is into lifting weights himself. “Short shorts is a way of showing it off, but in a fashionable way,” said Rogers.
Rogers favorite era of clothing would have to be styles from the ‘70s, especially the women’s patterned style pant that’s making a comeback.
Shiloh Gregg doesn’t have a favorite era. “I like to pick and choose from different ones. I really like elements from the twenties to the fifties.”
With the twenties coming back around, there is some question of whether or not the fashions of the era will come back around with it.
“I love a lot of the twenties style, I do love the hats and long necklaces. I love the fringe dress, I would definitely wear those,” said Shiloh Gregg. “Fedoras are timeless.”
Rogers, however, believes the ‘20s are a thing of the past. “I think it would be cool to make a comeback but I don’t think it would ever happen, just because of the new trends and fashions. Kanye West’s brand, Fear of God, is the most fashion forward, along with Obey. They are the hipper brands. That’s what all the kids want, where the suits and the dresses are just too much.”
Crocs don’t seem to be going away anytime soon, much to the dismay and protest of fashionistas. Crocs have made a noble attempt to become a little more fashion friendly emerging with new designer styles. But let’s be honest. At the end of the day they’re still Crocs.