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blogging, bold branding, brand consultant, Cropped out, fashion biz, fashion blog, fashion brand, Fashion Business, fashion consultant, fashion designer, Gingham Gone Wild, Going Military, growing demand for streetwear in 2019, Neutrals, street fashion, street wear trends, Streetwear, Streetwear trend spotting, The hoodies
Now that we’ve put major fashion events behind us, it is time to get back to business as usual!
One common theme that stood out at Fashion Weeks this year is the adaptation of streetwear trends and motifs into what is typically high-end or luxury fashion. For example, Miu Miu experimented with colors that are usually considered outdoor. Around the globe, streetwear is translating into more than just athleisure, and in keeping with that, our November blogs explore how streetwear can be adapted into clothing lines.
Why? Because, from Louis Vuitton to H&M, everyone is going to the streets. Streetwear is highly adaptable, which is what makes its appeal so universal. And, streetwear is a way to make a powerful statement.
Remember, when it comes to influence as strong as streetwear, it is best to choose one or two elements and incorporate them into clothes than to go all out and design something that can only be worn to a Zumba class.
Photos: Phil Oh – Vogue
Without further ado, here are five streetwear trends that we are absolutely digging, both for their aesthetic value and for the business value they bring to the table.
- Neutrals: Let’s start with some color or the lack of it in this case. Traditionally, streetwear has usually been dark, with bright accents in the form of a pocket patch or a bright shoe. However, in a nod to the high-flying millennials who are always on the go, streetwear is manifesting in colors such as whites, off-white, beige and tan. These colors are not just inconspicuous, they’re also easy to carry straight from a walk to a meeting.
In keeping with this trend, explore bomber jackets and loose pants in muted colors. We also recommend giving sweaters in these colors a try for those cities that need protection from all year long.
- Bold Branding: This is the year of prints, and not just any prints. Brands that have a reasonable standing are making the most of fully printed outfits. The essence of streetwear is bold, loud expression which stems from a need for acceptance and a sense of community.
How can new brands leverage this trend? For one, out your logo front and center. Another aspect to explore in design is using your brand’s standard colors in your clothing as well. Be very careful while adapting this trend, as no one likes to be a walking billboard for someone else. However, if the end product looks stylish, people will lap them up this season.
- Going Military: Some prints and styles just keep making a comeback every few years. In a way, these trends and pieces are timeless and add value to everyone’s collection. In streetwear, military prints and colors take the cake. Camouflage is not everyone’s cup of it, but it definitely makes a very bold statement.
A general rule of thumb when adapting trends like these is to remember that such prints usually attract a very niche audience who like, or have experimented with, these trends before. If you want to sell to a larger group, think in terms of fragmenting the trend a bit. Explore tank tops with camo detailing on the side, or a semi-formal shirt with camouflage prints at the collar and cuffs. Likewise, diversify the colors in the collection a bit with olives, muted blues, and even flat whites.
- Gingham Gone Wild: Gingham, in its broadest interpretation, is checks. No one would look at the classic red and white prints and think of them as streetwear, but think of a checked shirt, and you know you’re on the right track.
Checks from the street are getting a fresh new upgrade with full outfits being designed in these patters. Think a formal peplum skirt, but with green and white checks. A dinner jacket with bigger checks ticks all the right boxes for a semi-formal event. In fact, we’re just waiting for the big entertainment events of the year to see some of these trends in action on celebs. After that, becoming mainstream is just a matter of time.
- The Hoodies Are Back: Love them or hate them, there’s just something so comfortable about a hoodie! Summers scream for sleeveless ones thrown over, while winters could definitely use some detailing and bulk. A hoodie is the quintessential hip-hop costume, along with ankle boots. This year, the hoodies are in fashion again. Go bright with the colors, or do even bolder ones in varying lengths and cuts.
Everyone is buying a hoodie, so do you have enough options and colors to please all of them?
- Cropped Out: When ankle pants made a splash a year ago, we knew that cropped ones were just a matter of time. Cropped pants were a huge hit on men at all fashion week street edits, and nude and earthy tones are here to stay. You can design cropped pants that don’t make people look like a hobbit- think clean seams and a slightly relaxed fit.
These are some of the streetwear trends we see being adapted into casual and formalwear for all genders this coming season. How many of these did you anticipate? Which of these surprised you? Tell us in the comments below.
Supriya Ghurye is the founder and owner of Fuel4Fashion. She is a Freelance Fashion Designer and Brand Consultant helping fashion brands to create great products from idea to launch. Fuel4Fashion social links: Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram
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