Now that 2014 is in the rear-view mirror and 2015 is straight ahead, styles are quickly changing. Jill Gott-Gleason from the blog “goodLIFE” said that 2014 was all about getting “back to the basics,” and by that she meant bringing back simplicity. While the Pantone color of the year was a violet-like radiant orchid, neutral colors took clothing stores by storm.
Oversized sweaters paired with skinny jeans and riding boots became the norm in 2014 as well as infinity scarves, combat boots, high-waisted shorts and denim shirts.
As for jewelry, knuckle rings and statement necklaces of all colors filled Pinterest, Tumblr and magazines everywhere.
Bailey DeBree, a freshmen nursing student and resident of Trinity Third North, had a few things to say about last year’s trends. She quickly noted that man-buns showed up everywhere in 2014, and she saw quite a few females boldly take on the pastel hair look.
For men’s fashion, GQ Magazine said that the hottest trends of 2014 had to do with suits. Men began wearing cropped suit pants that either show a little bit of ankle or showcase a vibrant pair of socks. Later on in the year, it became very common to see these fashionably “high-water” suit pants paired with ankle boots.
As 2014 began to wrap up, trends began to evolve. Pantone ditched radiant orchid and declared marsala, a deep wine-red, the color of 2015. Executive Director Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman explained that marsala was chosen because it’s “time for something that spoke to people’s needs, … something that had a life force intrinsic to it.”
Eiseman wanted to give people a color that was warm and comforting. Marsala is very versatile and can be used for both men’s and women’s clothing as well as home decor. GQ Magazine added that army green is expected to be very trendy for men in 2015, mainly in outerwear.
Simple sneakers such as Vans and Converse have walked their way into 2015 without a problem for either men or women, but the classic skinny jeans they are often paired with have been traded for distressed and “boyfriend”-style jeans.
“I feel like everyone is turning into a bohemian hobo,” DeBree said.
This “bohemian” style includes wide-brimmed hats and large kimonos paired with a simple dress or a crop top and high-waisted shorts. The hobo part of the equation, well, that speaks for itself. It is not uncommon to see oversized flannels tied around the waist in a 1990s grunge style.
Hairstyles have been evolving as well. DeBree, sporting ombré hair herself, made sure to state that “ombré is definitely still in style.”
She also noted that both men and women are blinging out their noses. “Everyone is getting their septum pierced, and it’s terrifying,” DeBree said.
Those who used to sport tall riding boots left them at home over winter break and returned to campus with ankle “booties.” These ankle boots are typically found with a small heel and are mainly dark, neutral colors.
As everyone knows, trends don’t stay for long and they aren’t supposed to. New styles will emerge, and the old ones will gently fade into the back of closets the way they always do. In a few years, today’s students will look back at old pictures and say, “Why did I ever wear that?”
Freshmen Bailey DeBree models at trendy 2015 outfit. Photo credit: Faith Vander Voort
(pictured is Bailey DeBree)