Asta la Vista 2010
The end of a decade, a decade filled with the defining fashion of…. other decades. The 80’s made a comeback brighter and bolder than ever, 70’s headbands and flowy tops are still in full swing, and the power suit movement of the 90’s is coming full circle… let alone the 50’s prints and cardigans and flapper hints of sequins and feminine lace from the roaring 20’s.
I’m not sure how the 10’s are going to be remembered, its not like 40 years from now fashion will be easily identifiable from this period; unless its the acknowledgement of the recycle of the best. I mean it is all about going green these days…
*These of course should have stayed in the 80’s with Mc Hammer… History will hopefully be kind on this subject. (and silent on crop tops and rocket dog sandals, thankfully left in the murky days of the early 10’s when no one knew where the hell this was all going, fashion wise that is.)
In honor of the ending of a decade of mishmash fashion this teaching moment post is all about avoiding New Years faux paus ie. sequin body suits:
…and all about smart looks in honor of each of the main decades we’ve leaned on the past 10 years for you to rock out in this New Years, no matter how fancy pants its going to be.
1. 1920’s – Flapperesque
Printed/patterned tights: check. Lace/Fringe: check. Defining Accessory/Hair Piece: check. Signature Shoes: check.
These hodpodged little outfits are a great way to make a splash on New Years if sequins and signature New Years “looks” aren’t your thing. These dresses are flattering, and scream Holiday without having a flashing, boring, neon sign. Weather its a high class invite only party or a good old fashioned neighborhood get down, this look not only gets you in the door… but keeps you from blending in.
They also have a clear nod to the Roaring 20’s without being over the top costume-y, which is critical when going with they style to be taken seriously.
2. 1950’s – I Love Lucy
It’s all about the glam. Bold colors, bold prints, and red lipstick. 40’s/50’s era like dresses are going to be shorter and characterized by their flirty fun. Great for grils of all sizes, you can use the poofy ness to cover trouble areas and rely on the structure to hilite your best features. This strong look is a great way to stand out at a black tie affair and certainly keeps you from being overdone and tired.
Word of caution, these looks are all about the dress so don’t over do it with heavy over accessorization or make up. Red lips speak volumes on their own and often strong black pumps are all you need in the shoe department to ring in the New Year. (Gloves excluded from this warning)
3. 1960’s/70’s – Woodstock with Style
It is not with a little irony that describing a 70’s look for New Years is a bit, elusive. This decade was all about free spirits, loose fitting forms, and the classic mix and match. It is no different with a modern twist on hippie for the countdown til the ball drops. Loose hair is pretty much a must, and this is more a look for standing out at the fancy flat party you scored an invite to uptown vs. formal date necessary affairs.
Tall heels are the all important accessory with this type of look, and the more distinction the better. This outfit is the most in danger of running too casual, and statement shoes can keep it from looking like the you are hunting around the flea market on a lazy Sunday realm. But if you like pilling on the accessories, this is the look for you; headbands, rings, bangles, and clunky necklaces are all fair game.
4. 1980’s – Pretty in Pink
This isn’t your Girls Just Want to Have fun 80’s… this is the trimmed down, sexified 10’s version. Leather dress, poofy taffeta, bold shoulder decoration, and mesh respectively are all New Year’s looks clearly born in the 1980’s but cleaned up for today. This look has the potential for the most skanky if not monitored. Most people live in a cold enough area this time of year so don’t ignore both the practicality of tights and the slut turn down factor.
Be careful of your shape when going for this tight of look, but the asymmetrical options form this era offer hiding options after the filling holiday season. This look can be fancy enough for a cocktail party, but might be more applicable for the club scene if you don’t want to be the clone of every girl in her tight, satin, sparkly “new years dress”.
Again do not get lost in the accessories here, triangle earrings have not made a comeback except at themed parties for a reason. A good part of the 80’s was down right unflattering and ugly, don’t ruin all the hard work of the 10’s by trying to be too authentic.
5. 1990’s – Eat your heart out Cher Horowitz
Ahhhh, the 1990’s. So many bad ideas that its currently the least re-used decade. Which is fantastic, if you are a risk taker. This decade is for you on New Years. These are pretty tame looks, and you could easily use these from a swanky cocktail party to the hotel party. However, take for example velour. Shudder. So many fashion flops easily lie in that direction… so major caution is stressed when attempting to embody the true 90’s for the ringing in of 2011.
As with anything not for the feint of heart, the will be a strong tendency to overkill this outfit or hide its true nature under big time accessories. Shy away from this route, and for goodness sakes avoid an over worked updo or you wont be the only one drawing ‘You are a virgin who can’t drive ” parallels all night.
Side note: More simple than its 80’s counterparts, the 1990’s New Years approach has major potential but you have to make sure it fits or the whole effect will be ruined.
Should Old Acquaintance be forgot…
a.teaching.moment 
