How stylish is Fort Lauderdale…according to fashion forecasters? Fashion Articles

How stylish is Fort Lauderdale…according to fashion forecasters?

Posted by Jack Ley on February 2, 2011 Leave a comment (0) Go to comments

Okay, we’re far enough into the year 2011 to start some serious fashion forecasting.

We’re not talking about lofty, high-style seen on designer runways, but reality – y’know, like at the mall or on the street.

And by “we” I mean of course New York-based experts at JWT (a mega-marketing communications brand with offices in 90 countries) and the Tobe Report (an international fashion and retail forecasting consulting service).

Here’s what the soothsayers and oracles say will be all the rage this year:

No More Rules: You can wear white whenever you want to; you can sport shorts in the winter, you can sashay in leather in the spring. It’s your world girl, do your thing.

Nail It: Yeah, we know that lipstick is the traditional treat-of-choice for women during economically uncertain times, but this year nail polish will become a serious “it” accessory. Look for the unusual from leather nails to on-purpose chipped nails. Volvo is offering polishes that match the color options for the new S60…no joke.

70s Nostalgia: The disco duds are poised for a comeback. We’ve already got the haircuts, now look for groovy scarves, chevron stripes and flared trousers.

Sensible Shoes: Hard to imagine this trend gaining ground in sexy-or-die SoFla, but nose-bleed-high-heels are allegedly giving way to Oxfords, loafers, wedges and hidden platforms.

Temp Tattoos: You can thank Beyonce Knowles and her partnership with Temptu for this one. Now Chanel is into temporary skin art (limited edition, so hurry). In Dubai the temp tats are done in real gold.

Get Mobile: Smart phones make a breeze of price comparison, accessing product reviews and purchasing. You can save big bucks with just a few inexpensive apps. Also F-Commerce – buying directly through Facebook – will take off this year (so far it’s only Victoria’s Secret, Flowers.com and Delta Airlines).

Earn Your Stripes: Nautical stripes will continue to be popular from last year, but in 2011 look for unexpected color combinations.

Crayola Colors: Bold, happy hues in shoes and handbags will pack a powerful punch this spring.

Costly Cotton: Drought in China, floods in Pakistan, trade restrictions in India – it all adds up to price increases in cotton. We’ll all start to feel the effect this year.

Fast Fashion: Already looks seen on the red carpet or on designer catwalks are showing up – seemingly overnight – in mass retailer stores (interpreted in less-expensive fabrics and with fewer details). This will obliterate the seasons-based model fashion has been using throughout its history. Adding to the speed will be luxury labels expanding into developing markets with different yearly weather patterns that the Western world.

Virtual Mirrors: A camera displays the customer’s image on a screen, when then overlays different types of makeup which allows the shopper to preview products and play with options. You can then share the look through Facebook, smart phones or email with your friends to get their opinions. Walmart is testing this technology with EZface.

Slim Shiny Suits: Forget about skinny jeans, the skinny suit with a bit of sheen has moved from high fashion to men’s wear mainstream.

Flared trousers spotted in the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. Photo by Amy Beth Bennett