Now that the path is cleared in the new year, will you be straying the side streets or the strutting the catwalk into 2011?  Before you take that first step, let’s sort through the trends that 2010 hung on the rack.

In the absence of tight-laced dress codes, style sharing and a newfound fashion freedom are shaping how we decorate ourselves. Social fashion sites and blogs—namely lookbook.nu, chictopia.com, and weardrobe.com— are rapidly gaining a strong global following by providing an outlet for users to showcase their latest ensemble.  Though the digital age has inspired limited futuristic garb off-the-runway, it has created a way to search and cherry-pick from the endless images of trends past and present. As a result, today’s look is structured upon vintage vogues with a dash of modern edginess and plenty of room for personalization.

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Ladies:

In 2010, womenswear was defined with a throwback to a classic look roughly modeled around the 1960’s a-line silhouette.  The result? A style that’s modest and unmistakably feminine, with youthful flair and downright adorable accessories.

The Cream of the Tops:

Obey High Dive Dress: http://www.punk.com/1398552.html

Gentle Fawn Elevate Crop Top: http://www.punk.com/1494597.html

Lip Service Steampunk Lace Shirt : http://www.punk.com/1412182.html

Texture, texture texture! Lacy or silken sheer tops accented the ladylike look. The ever-versatile striped shirt was the star of summer and complemented outfits with ease.  Dresses were simple, sweet, and often cinched with a belt at the waist to mirror the silhouette.c

Rock In Bottoms:

Fables by Barrie Dinghy Ruby Shorts-Red– http://www.punk.com/1392536.html

Bb Dakota Bellina Skirt – black tulle: http://www.punk.com/1458512.html

High-waisted skirts and shorts were on the rise, and layering the legs with over-the-knee socks and tights finished the look. A fling with the dramatic maxi skirt could possibly see more attention in the coming year.

Tripp Super Stretch Denim Legging – Black: http://www.punk.com/1350583.html

Skinny jeans still reign supreme, as does the spandex legging, which—love it or hate it—has become an accepted alternative to pants.  Then along came their stretchy lovechild, the “jegging,” perhaps the most buzzed about article of clothing in 2010.  While it may be a godsend to women and their ongoing dilemma of ill-fitting jeans, the jegging still faces mixed reviews.

Paws and Prints:

Creature couture and tribal-inspired designs prowled their way into our hearts and closets, sampling everything from feathers to tails. And oh, FAUX! Spirit Hoods, the crown of the animal hat kingdom, was spotted on some fierce famous figures like Ke$ha and Fergie.

Shoe Gazing:

Wanted Babel Over The Knee Riding Boot – http://www.punk.com/1458125.html

Iron Fist Muerte Punk Platform Heels: http://www.punk.com/1489774.html

Chunky wedges, booties, and riding boots stomped onto center stage and became the new must-have kicks. Distinctive designs have made footwear the focus piece, such as the vivid Iron Fist platforms that simply stand on their own.

Necessary Accessories:

Obey 25HR double knuckle stud ring: http://www.punk.com/1398727.html

Obey Eye of the tiger II ring: http://www.punk.com/1450044.html

This review would not be complete without a tip of the hat to Lady Gaga. Though her outlandish and bizarre costumes embody the extremes of contemporary dress, bits of her style have trickled down to everyday wear. Girlishly garish accessories such as oversized ribbons, faux-hair bows, and bunny ears topped heads and surpassed silliness.  2010 also gave a hand to finger fashion with multiple rings and manicured nails.

Gentlemen:

Ben Sherman Melton Military Coat: http://www.punk.com/1402007.html

It’s no surprise that menswear saw little variation. However, as men’s fashion consciousness is readily embraced, a well-assembled outfit makes for a proper presentation without compromising masculinity.

This year, powerful military-inspired pieces made the ranks, complementing the gender with its broad shapes and tough hardware.

Chest Pieces:

Ben Sherman Men’s Donnegal Blazer: http://www.punk.com/1401644.html

AntiDesigns Men’s Slayers Shirt: http://www.punk.com/1502124.html

A graphic tee may say it all, though sprucing it up with a cardigan or blazer adds to the conversation. Jeans made the blazer and buttondown combo more informal and undeniably cool. (see above)

Taking Up the Slacks:

Levi’s 514 in Raw Grey: http://www.punk.com/1419089.html

You can’t go wrong with straight and slim leg jeans. Skinny jeans remained in question, worn mostly by celebrities and fringe groups. A cuffed bottom hem spotlighted sneaks.

Recurring Patterns:

RVCA Men’s Short-Sleeved Plaid Shirt: http://www.punk.com/1294014.html

A standout against solids, plaid print made its mark in menswear this year, taking the grunge out of flannel.

Though we’ve closed the book on 2010, make sure you save your notes! Remember, there’s no better study guide than stranger-gazing on the streets. Presentation IS everything. Sample, experiment, and find what suits you. The concrete runway awaits.

Happy new year! (-Christina)