once upon a time, Coco Chanel said that fashion comes and goes, but style lasts forever. The motto is more relevant than ever today. Fashion, like the modern world we live in, has become a little bit of everything. What makes a trend fashionable is the way you put it together plus the elusive X factor – that individual flair which makes you unique.The fashionistas of 2007, like British starlets Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, know how to mix things up, getting away with merging different eras of fashion all in one outfit. By simply throwing on a pair of faded skinny jeans, a black vest over a T-shirt with a sparkly vintage bag, they look great, feel comfortable and ooze confidence. The 70s will be remembered for their flared pants and peace signs, big hair is the signature of the 80s, and the boy look for girls is so 90s. But what will we be remembered for? The millennium generation cannot be defined as easily, because today diversity is what sets us apart from the past. Different races, different fabrics, different styles, fast availability and vast choice. What is remarkable about today’s trends is that you can pretty much wear the same thing during the day and at night; convenient for us working girls who don’t have the extra time to go home and change between meetings and social calls. A great move in 2007 is that fashion steered away from the trashy look, and took a turn back to glamor and class. Thankfully, we’re seeing a lot less g-strings sticking out of too low low-rise jeans. Despite the variety of trends, 2007 is the year of the dress. Women around the world have rediscovered femininity, donning either classic or casual dresses. But unlike the 50s, time around femininity is bolder with a stronger edge; no more damsels in distress. The spring and summer saw splashes of color and romantic cuts that carry the aura of maternity clothes (think long, flowing tops). The best part is how comfortable it is, the worst is being congratulated on your pregnancy over and over again. For better or worse, this look is fading as the silhouette – clinched waste, defined shoulders; think 40s – is becoming more the rage.Tunic dresses that were so much fun in the summer made it to the fall and winter. The fabrics are thicker and the colors more bland, but they still look great with a pair of thick stockings and boots which have become the dominant look these days. The invention of “sweater dresses must be noted too which is kind of like wearing an over grown pullover on its own. The colors of late 2007 are mostly black and grey, deep purple and a murky yellow mustard color is hip too, contrary to the beginning of the year when bright colors were the order of the day. Red has been very popular on the lips this year, which when worn right with barely any other make up and a simple outfit, gives a touch of elegance. An outfit is not complete without the right handbag and this year was shock full of huge totes, either sequenced or leather, especially classic croc or more modern block colors. The first of the two top hairstyles of 2007 is the bob, made popular by Mrs Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes. Whether curly and fun or straight and sleek the bob is back with a vengeance. Bangs, which have been on the periphery of fashion for a few years now, are also back. Both the wispy side fringe and the dominant front one (as in Heidi Klum) look great on most people.
Fashion files: The year of eclectic glam
