If you’ve been keeping an eye on the top trends for 2010 on the runways, you’ll already know that short shorts are still going strong for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere S/S10 season, that your denim should be ripped or patched (and not quite so skinny this year please – unless you’re going for that original punk, skinhead or hair metal look), and that mixing tailored masculine pieces (like the so-called ‘boyfriend blazer’) with something a little frou-frou is perfectly acceptable. This is all well and good if you have the desire and cash to keep up with the attention-deficit fashion world, but if you wish to indulge your sense of style whilst maintaining a sense of individuality, read on to discover some of the impending indie fashion trends for Winter 2010 so far that you can embrace or avoid.
The grunge revival that began late-2008 is still enjoying a touch of influence. In 2010, the look has been toned down with ‘90s florals and flannels making an exit in favour of solid colour, nautical-style stripes or the occasional polka dot detail. Grunge-influenced denim hot pants with frayed seams and ripped jeans are teamed with softer, feminine pieces. Leather and lace are recurring themes, both separately and combined. Lace in pale colours appears in either ‘60s-style full-lace dresses, or in details on plainer pieces such as t-shirts and blouses. Wear leather in skirts, boots and bomber jackets. Layering an open cardigan in a dark colour beneath an over-sized blazer or bomber seems to be the most fashionable means of keeping warm this year.
Colours for Winter 2010 are subdued and based around black, brown and white. Touches of slate gray, cream, cappuccino, and soft flesh tones are common recurrences, but the main flash of colour is the blue of a pair of denim shorts.
Accessories this season aren’t quite as attention-seeking in comparison to previous trends. Belts are thin, and are either plain or plaited, mostly in black or brown leather. For the top of the head, the popular options are porkpie hats and fedoras, or a large slouched beanie. Keffiyehs are finally gone, with the only scarves making appearances absolutely plain black, and pashmina-esque. Oversized spectacles (with or without corrective lenses) will still be making everyone look like geeks or grandmas well into the year. Jewellery is either very simple and understated or very obvious, with necklaces hanging large charms to the navel, or not at all.
Hosiery is a key part of defining a look this year - seams are short and bare legs are oh-so boring. Thankfully, leggings and the infamous ‘footless tight’ have all but disappeared from the indie fashion radar, only making an occasionally appearance beneath a dress, or an oversized man’s shirt worn as a dress.
Tights are mostly black, either in the traditional 50-dernier matte look, or a wealth of patterns. Lace, floral patterns and particularly sheer polka-dot tights seem to exist in every conceivable size and arrangement. Ripped tights are still making an appearance, but rather than laddering the shit out of a pair of your Mum’s Razzamattaz, one or two holes that have come from natural wear seem to be the go.
Socks are making a comeback in a range of soft pastel colours and the stalwart of innocent white. Knee-high or over-the-knee is the main choice but with the trend for brogues and oxfords still continuing in shoes this year, ankle socks are still definitely an option. Keep an eye out for interesting textures such as knits and ribs, or cute detailing such as bows, ruching and seams.
Shoe-wise, I’ve already mentioned the staying power of brogues and oxfords, but this season you’ll also see staggeringly high, chunky heels in black leather, suede or velvet, but a good pair of flat ankle boots is the going trend. The good ol’ Doc Marten is still doing the rounds in the eight-hole size, and anything akin to a pair of Docs will complete any of the looks for winter this year.
Hair is mostly long and fairly natural, with sleek, straight hair disappearing in favour of a natural wave, without being too curly. Fringes appear to be optional, but soft and natural, rather than straight and blunt. On the opposite end of the hair spectrum, Agyness Deyn is still influencing follicles with her platinum blonde geometric pixie cut making numerous appearances. If you’re feeling bored with your hair, ditch the braided hippie headband (please!) and replace it with an oversized bow in a bright colour.
If you’re a little confused about how exactly all of these elements work together, these pictures should help you out in planning your winter wardrobe (or predicting which pieces you’ll be able to find for cheap at Sportsgirl and Cotton On).
Written by Jess Fogarty
Photo taken from LookBook - An amazing fashion blog.
