21 Nothing Goes Out of Style

Nothing ever goes out of Style By: Paula Garcia Layout Designer

As we all know, 2021 is about to end and that only means one thing in the fashion world: we are closer to a new fashion season. A new season is a time for advancements in the industry, but it might also be an open door for an old trending piece of clothing or accessory to make a comeback.

My favorite part about fashion is how fluid it is. In each fashion era, trends evolve based on what the new generation chooses as ‘cool’ or ‘trendy.’

Personally, I'm thankful that COVID-19 fashion is in the past. I remember last year when people were wearing comfy clothing and it was considered "fashionable." But, what is fashionable about hoodies and sweatpants? Absolutely nothing, but the fact that the pandemic forced us to stay at home made this trend a rather successful one.

All fast fashion stores, such as Zara and H&M, started to produce nude, oversized and ‘couch-styled’ clothing to fit the "work-from-home" vibe.

This year, there has been a transition from "staying-at-home" style to "back-in-action." Due to this, 2021 has had many fashion trends

At the beginning of the year, we could see fashion returning with bold colors and fresh pieces. Everyone wanted to be seen and neutrality was over. The world of fashion returned stronger than ever.

Although we have seen some new fashion trends, there are many trends returning. From statement accessories, to specific styles and color palettes, there are many possibilities to choose from.

One style that I love, but I don't personally take part in, is, "Dark Academia." According to www.goodonyou.eco, "Dark academia is a romantic combination of muted earthy tones, tweed pants, and an armful of books. Think preppy cross gothic, and you'll land somewhere close!" This style takes inspiration from the Greek arts and the 1930s and 1940s fashion, typically worn by students at Oxbridge and Ivy League schools.

What I love so much about this style is that it looks classy, but it can also be worn as an everyday look. Whether you're headed to the library to study, or are out to dinner with your friends, you never look over or underdressed.

Another style I have seen a lot this year is the ‘Y2K Style.’ I personally think this style is cute, but it can come across as too much. However, it does bring back good memories when I see girls wearing these pink, baby tops and lowrise jeans. After all, I am apart of Generation Z and I do miss the times when Britney Spears was the pop-princess and Juicy Couture was everything. I remember collecting magazines tracking Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie’s outfits; they were simply iconic.

Silk scarves were also very popular this year. My Instagram recommendations page was always showing me videos and photos of people styling scarves in different ways. Some chose to wear their scarf as a top while others chose to use theirs as a hair accessory (this option was very popular in the hotter months).

Oh my gosh, have you seen the new shackets? I haven’t found one for me yet, but I do plan on adding one to my wardrobe. Shackets, a mix between a sweater and a jacket, go well with everything: jeans, skirts, even leather pants. I believe this trending piece will transcend into 2022. Keep your fingers crossed!

Another trending piece is knee-high boots. One of my favorite stores to shop at is Nordstrom, and I always see these in so many different styles. There really is something out there for everyone.

I'm also a big fan of wide-leg pants. This season, a pair in bown is a must-have. I feel free and stylish while wearing them. Pairing them with long socks during the winter months is a plus.

I have always loved the 90’s style, especially leather jackets and chunky, platform shoes. How lucky for me that all these signature 90s staples are returning. In fact, when women wore leather jackets in the 90s, they bought jackets intended for men, resulting in an oversized fit. However, women are lucky enough today to have jackets and other pieces of clothing, such as cargo pants, made directly for women.

Scrunchies are so 90s! I recently got my first scrunchie in years, and I love how it looks. An important aspect of 2021’s fashion trends is that everything got bigger; there’s oversized versions of almost all clothing items, even scrunchies.

Although it seems like everything got bigger, handbags seem to have shrunk. The mini handbag trend skyrocketed in 2021 with celebrities rocking handbags that couldn't even fit a phone. The "Truth Hurts" singer, Lizzo, went to the extreme, wearing a tiny Valentino handbag for the American Music Awards red carpet. It looked like something that was made for Barbie!

Mom jeans are also a great 90s trend. They're been trending for almost 3 years now and, although some people hate them, they are so versatile that they remain with power. According to www.thelist.com, "'mom jeans' are defined as high waisted, straight legged denim, typically with a looser fit." Similar to wide-leg pants, mom jeans offer the comfort that you cannot get from regular skinny jeans.

University of St. Francis junior, Sarah Vandermolen, shares, "I love mom jeans! They're so comfortable, and they hug your waist which gives you that nice defined, hourglass look."

Last, but certainly not least, are flare jeans. They are really not for everybody, but if you like them they are a good ally. I personally love them because they give some shape to my legs.

Overall, fashion trends are here for a reason. Trends are just a jumping off point for creativity. Although you may not be a fan of a certain trend, you have a chance to twist it into your own style. We've seen so many trends and pieces come and go but we must remember one thing: nothing ever really goes out of style.