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 It
can be embarrassing if you go to a party dressed in
something that is not in vogue and the ironical part
is, you are not even aware of it. Fashion keeps changing
and is always evolving. What was fashionable two months
back might become outdated today and something more
chic will be in vogue. Therefore it is very necessary
that you always keep yourself updated about the latest
trends and styles.
To
understand the fashion cycle you have to understand
the fashion cycle. A trend comes into being and is labeled
as a fashion item once it is sashayed down the ramp
by models, or worn by celebrities at some function or
award ceremonies and appreciated by the fashion pundits.
Next you will see the trend everywhere, in fashion magazines,
newspapers, internet, movies, and on TV. Finally, the
trend becomes saturated in the market, usually at very
low prices. This is the time when most of us will buy
it and get the opportunity to flaunt the trend. But
then its too late coz the trend now loses its appeal.
So
how do you know how long a trend will last? A few general
guidelines:
Generally
speaking, most fashion trends stick around for at least
a year. Some trends, usually the most understandable
ones, last longer. One school of thought says that fashion
cycles about every 20 years. Thus, the minis of the
'80s have come back into favour now.
A
big part of deciding on how long a trend is viable depends
on where in the fashion cycle you bought the trend.
If you bought it as a knock-off or at a discount store,
then you should count on it being in for just one or
two seasons.
Although
there is no hard-and-fast rule about how long a fashion
trend will stick around, you can bet that the more-difficult-to-pull-off
looks (baggy styles, large cuff jeans) are just fads
that will fade.
Buying
power can keep a trend on life support. Sometimes consumers
love a look so much they just won't let it die. Capris,
crops and tank tops are all examples of former trends
which actually became wardrobe staples.
The
more radical the cut, color or print -- microminis,
army jackets, mod graphics -- the more certain that
the trend will be long over by the same time next year.
The
best defense against quickly changing trends is to have
a wardrobe stocked with mostly classic looks: jeans,
T-shirts, blazers, little black dresses. Use trendy
items as an addition to a core wardrobe to give it some
kick.
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