FASHION IS CYCLICAL. TRENDS COME AND GO, AND THEN COME BACK AGAIN. HOWEVER, THERE ARE FEW TRENDS THAT RECENTLY MADE THEIR WAY BACK AROUND THAT HAVE SOME SERIOUS STAYING POWER BECAUSE OF THEIR VERSATILITY.
BY MIRANDA MCDONALD | PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN WATSON
Pretty Pleats, Please: Yes, my style mavens, pleats are making a comeback. However, think of the high-waisted trousers that Katharine Hepburn made uber chic in the ’30s instead of the unflattering silhouettes often associated with school uniforms. Luckily, pleats are being placed on such a variety of style staples that you can either pay homage to the Hollywood starlet’s enviable style by donning a pair of wide leg trousers with a higher waistline, or you can embrace a more feminine approach by trying out a mid-length dress boasting pleats. Just remember to keep the rest of your look simple so that you aren’t adding unnecessary volume to the rest of your silhouette.
Make It a Mule: If you only invest in one piece of footwear this season, make it a mule. Originating in the 17th century as a slipper and heel hybrid, this versatile shoe is still relevant today. The style can be found on loafers, pumps, sandals and even sneakers. However, it is its ability to effortlessly transition from season to season that has kept it relevant for so many years. Choose a heeled, embellished pair for a night out, or a simple black loafer version for lunch with friends. With the mule, the options are really endless when it comes design and how you wear them.
The Constant Companion: If there is one accessory that repeatedly makes its way back into our fashion repertoire, it’s the silk scarf. It is a truly versatile accessory that keeps us style mavens coming back for more. Right now, it is all about printed confections. I suggest investing in a piece that boasts a classic floral print in a mostly neutral color palette so that it will transition effortlessly from season to season. Neutral florals also pair nicely with other prints, such as the classic stripe, and even mix well with other florals. Still not sure how to style it? Tie the scarf into your ponytail for an instantly chic look or use it as a headband for something more playful. You can also add some serious panache to a simple top and jeans by donning it around your neck. Fashion should not only be about self-expression, but also about having fun. The silk scarf is a piece that reminds us of that.
A Not So New Neckline: There are few fashion trends from the nineties that truly have a timeless sense of style appeal. The mock neck – a design that resides somewhere between a turtleneck and the crew style – is a collar that was popularized during the era and has been revisited time and time again. For some, this crossbred neckline seems quite confusing, but I believe it is this middle ground that makes the mock neck such a transitional piece. How so? You don’t have to commit to the full turtleneck in the fall and have an extra inch or two of warmth on those cooler days in the spring. Did I also mention that you can easily layer a mock neck for colder weather and still look oh-so-chic? Sounds like a win-win to me.
