The Adaptation of Fashion Trends

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Fashion is more or less synonymous with females. Most women have this undying craving of dressing up according to the on going fashion trends, no matter whether it suits them well or not. Fashion trends which change almost every fortnight, are endearingly followed by the female segment of our society. However, a million dollar question remains unanswered that, where does these "Fashion Trends" exactly start from? Since most ladies pick up the trends by watching their friends and peers, the exact source of the fashion trends gets lost somewhere down the line.

The fashion trends actually start from the runways of London, Paris and New York. It is the ramp of these renowned fashion events that head starts the so called "Latest Fashion Trend" fever throughout the world. Designers persistently keep renovating the fashion styles and come up with varied designs every now and then and so does the trends in fashion markets too.

Since most of the people are unable to buy the exuberantly expensive brands showcased on the ramps, people tend to pick the reasonably priced imitations of the same. Most departmental stores copy the runway dress designs which are later sold like hot cakes in the market.

Its not just the runway shows which influence the public in general, but the celebrities too, who are considered as the style icons by youth. Youngsters imitate their favorite stars and try to dress like them in order to prove themselves fashionable enough among their friend circle. On one hand where the younger lot follow the dressing sense of celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Jamie Lynn Spears, the older lot on the other, dress as per the various popular television shows like Desperate Housewives.

There is nothing wrong in following the latest trends or styles but the trick is to copy the trends sensibly. The most important thing to remember while dressing is to maintain your own individuality within the fashionable drapes. One is not suppose to look like a carbon cut out of a runway model but the thing is to express the same style through your own self and as they say when you will be comfortable within your own skin you would indeed be making the biggest fashion statement around.

Fashion Trends - The Latest and the Best

The only constant factor in the world of fashion is change. As we all know fashion keeps changing practically every minute and people strive to keep up with the new trends all the time. Now fashion does not involve just clothes and its accessories alone, whether it is for man, woman or child. New trends in urban fashion permeate into all the different aspects of a person's life, be it in the home, the office or places of entertainment.

Keeping up with the trends in fashion are an on going process, and those who are keen on being in the most fashionable list definitely have to be on the alert all the time.

When it comes to the question of clothes, nobody likes to compromise. Some of the latest trends in the women's fashion; leggings are ones in trend now and worn with matching tops look good on peoples of all sizes. Colors also play a significant role in fashion, with certain colors being the fashion of certain seasons.

The accessories that go along with clothes are also very important to give you that in-fashion look. A simple dress set off with stunning accessories like ornaments for the neck, hands and ears can turn heads your way.

The best means for those in the fashion industry to keep track of the trends is to conduct regular surveys and consult specialists when buying new stock for their stores. Keep your eyes and ears wide open observing and imbibing the fashion trends in the celebrity and fashion magazines.

The power of the consumer is greatly prejudiced by the media, but restricted by the economy, so learn the customer needs as they will be helpful pointers for giving you an idea of what is currently being purchased. Magazines like the Vogue, Elle, InStyle, etc also have active forums for the consumers.

These days with every change in the trends one will see new versions of existing standard fashion. When you think of it, fashions of the earlier decades are now back in fashion, taking the form of spandex and leggings by giving it a new fresh look. Fashions of the early 80's and 90's are now enjoying a revival with the top fashion companies using them in their advertisements. The ideal way to foresee trend is to look for it in vintage shops, and particularly on the streets and on online displays that discuss what is being worn in major towns and cities.

But for the wearer, remember that giving up one's comforts to be fashionable may help to make you look glamorous and wonderful; it may be harmful to health. So beware of back aches from constant high heels and heavy handbags, or stretched ear lobes due to fashionable heavy earrings. And last but not least wear, decorate, or utilize what suits you best.

Fashion Trends

Successful retailers need to forecast the fashions that their consumers will be seeking. Even top designers routinely perform surveys prior to designing their seasonal lines and the large retailers consult forecasting specialists prior to purchasing stock for their stores. So how does the independent boutique retailer gain access to valuable industry information and trend predictors?

Above all observing what's going on in the weekly celebrity glossy's and monthly fashion magazines, will give you an upfront view of the new names in design, what consumers will be shopping for and where the trends are headed.

Consumer spending is powerfully influenced by the media but tempered by the economy so to find out what consumers are actually buying it is advisable to make frequent visits to busy similar retailers and local shopping malls. Take time wherever possible to chat with sales assistants. They are in the frontline and this gives them a unique perspective of consumer's needs and what the customer is seeking. Other extremely rich sources of information will be found online in the magazine fashion forums, Elle, Vogue, InStyle etc have very active fashion consumer forums. These are useful indicators for finding out what is being purchased and the buzz on upcoming styles.

In the past, US retailers looked to European retailers for market trends. Today, more US retailers are finding inspiration closer to home. There is a wealth of undiscovered local designers in our own back yard who are acquiring a dedicated following. With little detective work you can find these rising stars and establish a relationship that will be mutually beneficial.

Other important ways to anticipate the trends is to subscribe to industry trade publications like Accessories magazine, Apparel News and WWD. These publications are essential especially if you are a boutique in a small town and do not plan to attend industry trade shows. These magazines also now have websites which give up-to-date trend reports.

Today, between each marked fashion trend, we experience new adaptations on the fashion standards and especially routine-retro-revivals. Currently this is taking the form of spandex, leggings, 80's fashion and the neo-preppie look. Wayfarer sunglasses as popularized by movies such as "The Blues Brothers" and "Risky Business" have returned (but in larger sizes and bolder colors) and even some of biggest names of the 80's and 90's fashion modeling scene are enjoying a career revival with major fashion and cosmetic companies featuring them in ad campaigns.

The best way to anticipate new fashion trends is to seek relevant visual input wherever you can - in vintage stores, flea markets and in the street. There are also an abundance of fashion blogs and online showcases discussing what the locals in major cities are wearing, thse are an invaluable resources. Chief amongst these are The Satorialist, Streetfashion.net, London Street Fashion (ftp2.dns-systems.net) and styleandthecity.com.

Whether you are an established retailer or a current boutique owner, ongoing research and trend watching is a vital function of your business if you are to evolve and succeed. Spotting trends or even setting trends will be achieved by keenly observing the market, paying attention to street trends and knowing your industry. As ever 'knowledge is power' in this case it is the power you can leverage into strong sales!