| When the temperature drops in January, so does most of our spending. While most fashion retailers try to lure us into their shops with too-good-to-be-true sale signs, we are still nursing the pangs of our December spending sprees. But no matter how much we say we don’t need another piece of clothing, there is nothing more thrilling than finding an amazing deal.
There will always be an item on the sale rack worth investing in, especially if you can work it into your existing wardrobe or, better yet, wear it for the upcoming season. Fashion runs in cycles and most of the trends for Fall and Winter 2003 will transform into a trend for Spring 2004, so why not look for pieces that will make your dollar holler and set you ahead of the pack?
The buzzwords for Spring 2004 are colour, classic and glamour, which also speak of the trends at the moment, so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding pieces that will capture the mood of spring.
Lisa Freno, owner of Primitive Culture, suggests that shoppers look for items that are non-seasonal and usually higher priced, such as leather or denim, because neither really ever goes out of fashion and can be styled into the trends of the moment, as well as of the future.
Freno also notes that the January sale season is the perfect time for girls to get their graduation dresses. "There are lots of great evening dresses that come in for the holidays and New Year’s, that can also be worn for graduation dinners," she says.
Menswear designer Haithem El Kadiki is in favour of the Neo-preppy trend that will be strong for men this spring.
"Guys can’t go wrong if they purchase lightweight cashmere or cotton sweaters," he says. "Designers are showing sweaters with everything, so why not buy them now?"
Key trends for men and women for the upcoming season include The Jazz Age or Art Deco, Midnight Cowboy and Neo-preppy.
ART DECO
The Jazz Age trend came in like a lamb for women’s evening wear this past season and will roar like the MGM lion for spring. We all know the look: drop-waist dresses à la flappers, plunging necklines, jet or crystal beading, diamond patterns and Chanelesque contrast bands of colour or piping. Ladies, now is the best time to raid the evening-wear section for beaded or sequined tops that will look amazing for day or evening when worn under a slim-cut jacket or with cigarette pants.
Contrast piping in pants, jackets, or sweater sets will also make a bold statement for spring, and can be worn right now with a pair of jeans for casual occasions.
Men, what better time to invest in a clean-cut, no-frills black suit than right now? Or opt for the power of a pinstripe to put you in pace for spring. Three- or four-season wool will last you for years to come.
THE MIDNIGHT COWBOY
For his last hurrah with Gucci, Tom Ford turned to his Texan roots and based his menswear collection on Midnight Cowboy. The look is classic, sexy and easy to wear. Guys should raid the sales racks for boot-cut jeans – low and slim is best, no whiskers or dirty wash is even better. Leather or suede blazers, western-inspired shirts, wide cuffs and collars should be in for spring. And, if you can pull them off effortlessly, a pair of cowboy boots. Pointy-toed shoes will also do the trick and made a strong statement this past fall.
NEO-PREPPY
Expect sweaters worn with just about everything for Spring 2004. Pairing up a lightweight sweater or cardigan with dresses for women and shorts for men will be the new styling option – think prep-school chic. For spring, the fit will be loose and V-necks will be the sweater of choice. Right now you should seek out cashmere at reduced prices or designer sweaters that were once out of your budget. And when rummaging through the piles of sweaters, keep in mind that colour is key for spring. |
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