2013 Fashion Trends Recap - Part II

High-waisted 

   The high-waisted pants style started in 1940’s when women were forced to work outside whilst their spouse was away in war in order to support their family and run the town. In order to keep their modesty, women wore their pants up to their belly button so while bending over and working in the field they were able to stay conservative.

   

   This year, the high-waisted trend made a huge comeback so much so that during the summer, it was almost impossible to walk down the streets of the city
 without spotting someone in high-waisted shorts. One of the most popular ways of pulling off the high-waisted trend was through shorts, as seen through the first image. These shorts match with anything and everything, ranging from muscles tanks to crop tops to even long sleeve shirts. Compared to regular shorts, high-waisted shortsgive outfit a bit of attitude and some characteristics – which I love! As autumn approached, many people starting switching their high-waisted shorts for high-waisted pants.  High-waisted pants gave outfits a more put-together look, adding class and simplicity. Like the shorts, these pants were very easy to style. For a classier look, one could add faux leather high-waisted to a long sleeved white top. High-waisted items shorten the chest area, elongating the legs. Overall, the high-waisted trend is one to stay, so keep your eyes open for this versatile trend in 2014. 

Image 1: Here  Image 2: Here

Denim

   In 2013, denim was a growing trend and was expressed through shirts and dresses.

   

  

    This year denim vests/tops made a comeback, as seen through the image on the right. Cara Delevingne sports a denim button-down top with crazy leopard bottoms during fashion week. This flipped look, having simple tops and crazy bottoms, was seen a lot in 2013.

   Another fun way denim was worn was through dresses. Thankfully, these dresses weren’t the clunky and structured dresses you would imagine, but were freer flowing.

   Unfortunately the denim skirts that most of us grew up wearing in 3^rd-5^th grade did not make a comeback, but would you have wanted it to? I’m not so sure if I could pull off the look, it’s definitely harder than denim dresses or shirts.

   Towards the end of the year, the denim trend started dying down and I feel like it won’t be able to make it over to 2014, but who really knows with fashion!

Image 1: Here Image 2: Here

Floral

   As the flowers started blooming during spring, so did the floral trend. It’s seems that every year the floral trend emerges right before the kickoff to summer, but  this year there was a twist to the floral trend.

  Thanks to the help of stores like Brandy Melville, a particular floral surfaced – the sunflower trend. Oh my, has this trend hit the fashion world hard! Especially among teens, the Brandy Melville sunflower design was very popular and was seen through crop tops, like the one shown on the left, and shorts.

   Pairing the two items together wouldn’t look so good, but pairing them with a simple top/bottom would further emphasize the sunflower pattern. Notice how the shorts one the right are also high-waisted, adding two trends to one clothing piece!

   Differing from the Brandy Melville design, short floral dresses were also commonly seen among teens, but I feel as if these show up every year. It like the sign signaling the arrival of spring; although in Singapore it’s just summer all year round. Spring is coming soon and so is the floral trend!

Image 1: Here Image 2: Here

Muscle Tanks

   Unlike other trends, this particular muscle trend was one I have never seen before. Instead of just males pulling off this look, females have learnt how to look best in muscle tanks. Muscle tanks are basically an enlarged version of boxed crop tops, worn baggy and loose. Low-cut arm holes are often paired with bright colored bandeaus, a fun way to spice up the look. Muscle tanks give a cool, laidback vibe – a staple piece for the summer time. 

  

 The model on the left paired her grey graphic muscle tank with simple black leggings, an easy outfit incorporating muscle tanks. Adding boots to this would add edge to the outfit whereas wearing plain flip flops would give a more relaxed look.

   

   By throwing on a denim vest and a brightly colored skater skirt, the model on the right glammed up her outfit, showing how muscles tanks can be dressed up or dressed down.

    

   This muscle tank trend is most probably going to continue during the summer next year for it is light weight and simple but still stylish. You can even make your own muscle tanks by cutting off the sleeves of an old graphic tee! 

Image 1: Here Image 2: Here

Kimono Cardigans

Towards the end of 2013, a sudden storm of kimono cardigans hit the fashion world by surprise. I don’t really know how these kimono cardigans suddenly blew up but it felt as if it happened over night – crazy how the fashion world works!

These cardigans were inspired by the Japanese traditional garments called kimonos, hence the name kimono cardigans. These beautiful garments contain intricate soft patterns of flowers. The attire hold so much detail that awes me with beauty.

Similar to the traditional kimonos, modern kimono cardigans are exquisitely designed with floral prints. Because of the complex pattern, these cardigans are best paired with basic tops, such as a simple white t-shirt.

Since these trend did come in late, I predict that they are going to continue in 2014 for a few more months, perhaps even to the end of summer. I have a feeling they are going to be a staple piece in the spring, especially since they are floral. 

Image 1: Here Image 2: Here

What did you guys think of the 2013 trends? Which one was your favorite?

-SB