’90s style anger is back and so is the plaid, sSneakers are ballin,’ and high-waisted denim is where it’s at … just don’t call them ‘mom jeans’
PlaidThis classic pattern evokes Scottish clans and the tacky-classy game of golf. Plaid means 1950s doo-wop groups and nouveau/wannabe riche 1980s preppies. It’s Christmas bows, used car salesman pants, schoolgirl skirts and 1970s British punks. It’s a pattern fraught with style references and excellent to continue working into your wardrobe. In the ’90s plaid went post-preppie and ruled the earth in flannel form. Grunge loved plaid and appropriated it back from the tacky ’70s and the snooty ’80s to become a symbolic pattern of 1990s-style anger and outrage. Oh, and look, a very similar anger and outrage are back for our enjoyment in 2017 (wait, did they even leave?), a perfect time to re-embrace plaid.
Sneakers
Athletic footwear is timeless, comfy and can be worn with almost any outfit or style. What’s happening for 2017 is the sneakers are getting fancier: they have all-over logo prints or are made of thicker, textured fabrics like metallic woven wool or quilted leather. Fresh sneaks for spring have a platform sole, hidden wedge, or sling back, some unexpected trims like animal print or satin and look killer chic with a fancy dress. Heeled sneakers are on-trend now and also were kind of a funk-soul thing in the ’60s – the song “Hi-heel Sneakers” (written by Tommy Tucker but recorded by many) is from 1963. Tucker recommends they be worn with a red dress, something called a “wig-hat” (more on wig-hats in another column) and be accessorized with a cocked, .45 pistol. Good style advice for then and now.
DenimI think the word “denim” is one of my most-used words in this column. Most of the denim-specific trends that Style Fetish has covered throughout 2016 are still applying into Spring 2017. The silhouette is becoming less dark, less skinny and more vintage-looking. 1980s and 1990s high-rise jeans are ruling now. I’m sick of the “Mom jeans” moniker unfairly given to this cut – it is flattering and fashion-forward, so shut up about it already. High-waists, pale blue colors, embellishment with patches and embroidery, wider legs and bell bottoms are the current silhouettes doing a 180 from dark indigo low-rise jeggings. Denim jumpers, duster coats, vests and long, acid-washed midi skirts are hot now, too.
Heather Narwid owns and operates Sideshow Emporium, a vintage and modern clothing store for men and women. Sideshow is located in Durango at 208 County Road 250 (west of Bread and north of Rocky Mountain Pawn at 32nd Street, in with the Vault and Core Value Fitness)and is normally open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. but will be closed Jan. 2 -9. Find them on Facebook as Sideshow Emporium and on Instagram @Sideshow411Vintage.She thinks the best trend ever is simply wearing a beautifully-fitting garment that you feel marvelous in.
