Bright colors, funky patterns, oversized coats and grays reminiscent of the era of Ronald Reagan and Molly Ringwald are splashed across the Fall trend pages in fashion magazines across the globe. However, Islam Elsedoudi, an almunus in graphic design, believes in adopting a contemporary interpretation of the time period.
“The appreciation of color and pattern is wonderful, but the actual physical cut of the fabric needs to die,” Elsedoudi said. “There needs to be a marriage between past and present.” For Caitlin Cauley, a sophomore in textiles and apparel management, the 80s are a great source of trends as long as they are not overwhelming.
“In moderation, it’s not a bad thing,” Cauley said. “But I do think that the 80s burned out for a reason.” While men and women in more fashion forward cities may be sporting bright neck scarves and bold prints, these trends are a scarce find in the closets of men and shops in Raleigh.
“I’ve always felt ‘jipped’ when it comes to the options I have in clothing stores, especially in conservative Raleigh,” Elsedoudi said. However, the lack of brightly colored options for men is not a large problem for Daniel Pisciottano, a junior in electrical engineering.
“Bright is good and bad,” Pisciottano said. ” As long as the clothing steers clear of being completely gaudy, I don’t have a problem with it.”
Along with looks that are inspired by the past, many new fashion trends are lumped into a unisex category. But Pisciottano is not so enthusiastic about this gender-free trend dominating the runway.
“I personally am not too crazy about the idea,” Pisciottano said. “I’m not big into wearing clothing made for females, because we know girls and boys aren’t built the same.”
While it might seem like a risk to adopt an entirely foreign look, new trends can act as an inspiration for part of a look, to create a completely different look. Cauley combines trends into a unique look that she has labeled as an “expatriate look.”
“For this [look], I like straight jeans, sweaters, sailor shirts, army jackets and so forth,” Cauley said. “I find that when embellished with whatever strikes my fancy, the overall look is mature and unique.”
Elsedoudi enjoys reconstructing clothing and creating an entirely different look.
“My new trend is online shopping and sewing up some of my own creations,” Elsedoudi said. Cauley suggests local thrift stores as a great source for unique items of clothing.
“The Bargain Box in Cameron Village has excellent quality clothing, if you look hard enough,” Cauley said. ” Of course, I’m always going there with my sewing machine and seam ripper in mind, and not so much to find high-fashion items.”
Shoes can also provide a distinguished twist to an outfit. Cauley has absolute faith in the versatility of her Converse All-Star high tops.
“They’re comfortable and go with anything,” Cauley said. “[They] are perfect for DIY customization.” A pair of brightly colored shoes may be the final step in completing the perfect outfit.
“I love bright shoes as they tend to complete whatever I’m wearing,” Elsedoudi said. “Almost like that bright cherry on top of some vanilla or chocolate ice cream.”
