Current S/S Fashions

The word fashion is used so loosely. "I love fashion!", "What's in fashion?", "I work/study in fashion." Sometimes interchangeably with the word style. In class, it was defined as - A style that is accepted and used by the majority of a group at any one time. Style is defined as the characteristic or distinctive appearance of a garment. A neckline, sleeve length, stitching etc. Two different things. Simply put, if you see an article of clothing featured in a fashion magazine, it doesn't necessarily mean it's in fashion. It has to be accepted by people at a given time. A celebrity wearing a certain dress doesn't automatically make it in "fashion" either. It can be the start of a fashion trend though - a general direction or movement of fashion.

Anyways, commuting in NY has its perks. I get to see good and bad fashions on people going about their business. People in their natural unpretentious state. Here's what I've been seeing. I guess it's safe to say that these are "in fashion".

Maxi Dresses - Didn't really go away but merely hibernated.

(dvf, neal, aqua)

Tank Dresses - Named as such because of the tank top look. Just tuck a tank top into your skirt and voila.

(minkpink, theory)

Rompers / Playsuits / Jumpsuits - I'm seeing these in all lengths and prints on students at FIT. As soon as the weather rose, it was all out. I'm in on the bandwagon.

(cynthia steffe, 3.1 phillip lim, DVF, helmut lang)

Boyfriend Blazers - Still on the raid-your-boy's-closet trend. Think boyfriend cardigans, boyfriend jeans and now women are after their tailored clothing! Let's see about guys borrowing from women's closets. That will be the day. Are we not the stronger sex or are we not the stronger sex? Haha!

(theory, aqua)

Harem / Pleated Front Bottoms - Really a variation of MC Hammer pants to me.

(forever 21, silence and noise, asos)

Leggings - Can this now be classified as a classic? Hasn't gone away the past three years but has now been updated with side zips, patterns and material. Topshop was said to have coined "jeggings" for leggings made of or have a denim look to it. Also, stirrup / open toe tights abound. It does kind of give you a leggier look than ordinary leggings which cut your line. See Marni f/w 07 runway look.

(silence and noise, bdg, express, magicfashioncloset, marni)

Cage / Gladiator Sandals - Another trend that didn't really go away. Updated with studs and more straps.

(margiela, kenneth cole reaction, steven by steve madden)

Bib Necklaces - the one jewelry item that stood out to me in my commute. A statement in itself, keep your top simple please.

(topshop, banana republic)

(photo credits: bloomingdales, urbanoutfitters, bananarepublic, asos, forever21, topshop, theory, barneys, stevemadden, express, netaporter, kennethcole.com)