Life> Trends

Fashion falls back into the '80s

(independentmail.com)
Updated: 2006-08-07 14:38

If you're looking for the newest fashion trends this year, look no further than your parent's attic. Yup, the'80s are back.

As summer eases into fall, add more layers to your summer clothing and, voila, you've hit the most fashionable trend this year.

And don't forget to accessorize. Belts are huge--literally and figuratively--this year and add another affect to the layered look for fall.

Even as you work to be stylish, always keep in mind what looks good on you and your body shape. If it's not flattering, don't wear it, even if it is the new hot style, said Tica Tallent, personal shopper at Belk in Anderson.

And don't forget to adhere to that pesky school dress code.

Girls

Whether you're looking to hook a guy or just make your friends jealous with your fashion knowledge you can do it this season. Always keep in mind your body shape and your personal style and comfort level. Pair your skirt or shorts with a pair of footless leggings while it's still hot out, and as the temperature cools, add leg and ankle warmers, or tights. Add a long-sleeved T-shirt under your baby T-shirt. With shirt lengths getting longer, grab a big belt to throw over your shirt, add a pair of flat shoes and be on your fashionable way out the door to catch the bus.

Though layering seems ridiculous now in the midst of a heat wave, it makes sense as the school buildings will be cooler, Ms. Tallent said.

Keep the long shirt and belt look and add a pair of higher-waisted skinny jeans and a pair of flat shoes for another great look, said Laura McDowell, fashion spokeswoman for TJMaxx.

Also big for girls this year is the menswear look, including a lot of polo shirts and browns and dark greens, anything with a preppy feel to it, Ms. Tallent said.

Boots are still a popular choice for footwear this year, and should be paired with the fall crop pant and dresses, and always with typical pant-wear.

Accessorize with a big handbag and layered jewelry, including multiple necklaces and stacked bracelets.

Guys

Guys might not tend to be as fashion conscious as the ladies are, but it's still important not to walk around looking like a slob who doesn't care.

The baggy, comfortable look is in with guys, but not the pants-hanging-off look many guys wear, Ms. McDowell said.

As always, cargo pants are still popular and camouflage is huge this year in pants, shorts, jackets and even bags, she said.

Shirts and hats and bags with skulls are also flying off the shelves, an homage to the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie that has been a box-office hit this summer, Ms. McDowell said.

Khakis and the basic preppy look are always classic and never go out of style, Ms. Tallent said. Pair a polo with a pair of khakis or jeans, add a belt and, voila, you're in style, ready to catch the eye of some lucky lady.