Trend forecasters observe cultural, economic, and social factors affecting society to determine the “next big thing”. Since fashion often reflects the mindset of a society, these factors are excellent cues to what will be in demand at your local department store. For example, the popularity of California based shows like The OC and the influence of Hollywood celebrities like Paris Hilton and Pamela Anderson has made elements of west coast style like the mini-skirt and Ugg boots, must have items. Another example is the recent nasty weather in the east coast popularizing rubber rain boots (a.k.a Wellies).
Follow these tips to becoming your own trend forecaster:
Turn to the Streets.Fashion Designer often turns to the streets to find inspiration for their collections. Marc Jacobs hit big in Spring 2001 with his Steven Sprouse graffiti designed bags by Louis Vuitton. Juicy Couture sweat suits, bear an eerie resemblance to the terry cloth sweat suits worn by early hip-hop artists like LL Cool J. Watch music videos, particularly hip-hop music videos, to get a feel for how to be Ghetto Fabulous. Head to your nearest urban center and observe what the young and hip are wearing, and don your own version of the trend.
Watch T.V.The popularity of shows like Fox’s The OC, led to the biggest national increase in California style, since Brenda dumped Dylan on the other hit Fox show “90210”.
Put on Your Traveling Shoes. When traveling observe the local styles and pick-up items that are indigenous to that place and/or culture. I’ve purchased some of my most fashion forward pieces on trips to places like India, Jamaica, and Iowa.
Observe Social and Economic Cues. Fashionable leather tote bags became popular as more women entered the work place and needed bags to transition from work to play. On that same note, “murses”, designers like Coach and Jack Spade to give men a stylish, masculine bag to carry their pdas, cell phones, wallets, and other items introduced male purses.
Do the Exact Opposite of What’s in Style.Another way to start your own trend is to observe the current trends and do the exact opposite. If pointed toed shoes are all the rage, then wear round toed shoes. If mini-skirts are in, wear floor length skirts. At some point the trend you’re wearing will come back in style and you will be perceived as being fashion forward.
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“At some point the trend you’re wearing will come back in style and you will be perceived as being fashion forward.”
So funny, so true!
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I believe that I am a big trend setter in my own way. This was great advice!
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trend setting can be tough, mostly reserved for the braver portion of our society. its especially hard to try to set a trend in a midwestern city (Des Moines, IA) i noticed you wrote that you’ve “purchased some of my most fashion forward pieces on trips to places like India, Jamaica, and Iowa.” I live in Iowa. care to to tell me what kinda of pieces you purchased and where at in Iowa?
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Minny-
1. I’m from Minnesota and have been to Iowa several times, so don’t try to bring any “How can you know about the Midwest” vibe to me. Sweetie, I’ve shopped Fargo. I’ve shopped Albert Lea. I’ve shopped Des Moines. I may live on the East Coast
2. I’ve purchased vintage accessories, circa 1960/70s, like the big beaded bubble gum necklaces that were really hot about two seasons ago, that I purchased over 10 years ago at a thrift shop, on a particularly grueling family trip to Salina, KS (where I got the coolest pair of cross-color jean knock offs for 25% off thanks to my great aunt who worked at the local SEARS). The best items in Iowa are at the thrift stores, especially the local church thrift stores.
3. Finally, it is not hard to start a trend in the midwest- Ask anyone who went to school with me at Washburn Senior High School in Minneapolis, MN. Yep, it’s hard to be different and like you said it’s tough, but the end of my senior year, lots of people were rocking what I was wearing.
It is not my place, nor yours, to tell people who can and can not start a trend. I had a friend name Siri (beat that for a midwestern name), who you might have ben considered a “nerd”, who wore pastel cordoroy pants in high school. Fast forwward 10 years, and the Gap, Old Navy, even Marc Jacobs have featured pastel colored cords…
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In a city like LA, where the trends change overnight and celebrities and secretaries alike have “stylists”, it’s hard to predict what the next IT trend will be. I work for E! on a show that works directly with fashion and trust me, going to work some days is like being mid fashion week. That said, I find that the current fashion trends directly impact what’s going to be hot tomorrow. Fashion naturally evolves, so take something trendy, like the boho look of last summer and fall and make it edgier, tone down the colors, toughen up the look with boots, add something unexpected or bold, like white or black in place of a neutral color, or vice versa. Less is often more and makes a much larger impact. The key to fashion is being able to change it, mix it up, and recycle old ideas as new. My key to looking fashion forward? It’s all in the accessories…
