Photography by - Edward Biamonte Photography, Springfield Missouri
Hair and Make up - A Valeria Boss Salon, Neight Guttierez, Crystal Clark & Rachel Frank
Clothes provided by: Apricot Lane Branson, Dillard’s, Staxx Apparel & White House Black Market
All I want for Christmas is…. the ‘80s back
Break out the disco ball and head to the nightclubs this holiday season because the ‘80s styles are back with a vengeance. A touch of ‘80s nostalgia is the driving force for this year’s winter fashion trends. Structured jackets and miniskirts are being seen on all of the runways along with the neo-grunge look from the early ‘90s. Try watching some classic ‘80s sitcoms if you need some reminder of what was hot during the rock and roll decade…. Otherwise, read on for the latest fashion items that we would love to see under our Christmas tree.
‘80s styles
This season is all about the structure with big shoulder jackets from the ‘80s giving any outfit a strong, controlled look. Bold colors, sequins and leggings are the norm this season, led by designer Marc Jacobs. Also in is metallic shimmer and glitter, especially seen in the Oscar de la Renta fall collection.
Leather
In keeping with the ‘80s theme, leather pants, leather dresses and bomber jackets are back, giving runways a rock star look. It’s not all black leather, either – designers such as Matthew Williamson and Marc Jacobs are showing reds and blues in their leather pants this season.
Fur
Animal lovers, beware! It seems that animal-rights activists are losing the battle because fur is being seen all over the runways, both real and faux, and will be a huge trend this winter. Not only is it beautiful, but it is warm to help you make it through the long winter months. Fur is being used for coats, capes, stoles and vests or as decorative trim on all of the above. Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy and Derek Lam among other designers are showing lots of this classic look for the 2009/2010 winter season.
Rips and see-throughs
Besides leather, sheer pieces, ripped stockings, and ripped denim are creating the grunge and rock star look of the early 90s. There’s a fine balance between pulling off the grunge look and just looking homeless, but designers such as Alexander Wang are making it work with ladder tights paired with fashionable booties. The key to wearing the grunge look is to go all out; pairing torn leggings with a polished corporate pencil skirt will only make you look sloppy. Instead go for dark colors, leather and lots of accessories.
Printed bottoms
Bold-printed pants and leggings are being seen right now, with designers showing off the fearlessness of the ‘80s. Gucci and Betsy Johnson particularly are both showing lots of bold-print plaid.
One-shoulder dresses
This summer we saw a surge of one-shouldered swimsuits and tank tops. This asymmetrical style is continuing into winter dresses with Marc Jacobs again leading this trend. This style accents the feminine elegance of a bare shoulder. Max Azria and Michael Kors also bared plenty of shoulders in their winter collection.
Shoes
Over-the-knee, thigh-high boots are huge. Suede or leather are more popular than shiny patent and are coming in colors such as classic brown, black, maroon or grey. Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Juicy Couture and Antonio Berardi are among designers showing the thigh-high styles. Platform pumps are still in this winter, especially in darker, classic colors.
Makeup trends
Full eyebrows are now the norm, deviating from the thin, penciled look of the 90s. Dark, bold eyes and lips go along with the 80s clothing this year, mainly fearless green, purple and blue eye shadows. The key to pulling off bold colors is to either emphasize the eyes or lips, leaving the opposite clean and neutral. Bright red lips work best with minimal eye makeup, and bold eye shadows work best with natural lip gloss.
Anything goes this winter, so be bold, be brave and try out new accessories that you were too afraid to wear last season. This Christmas is the time to experiment with these hot trends and let the rock-and-roll fashionista in you loose.
