Would your past 12 year-old self be gratified or mortified by the resurgence of rag doll winter?
Of fingerless gloves, cigarettes as a metaphor, Alexa Chung low-rise denim, Sky Ferreira smudged eyeliner? That depends on if you grew up with lackadaisical internet access and no parent over your shoulder.
Being online in the peak age of up-and-coming social media apps, Tumblr (the most influential of the bunch) taught an entire generation that nothing is new under the sun and all that the world has ever loved is still here. Chewed up, spit out, reassembled, called something new. There is damage in the process and even the damage is art. Ouroboros.
We’ve seen the ‘90s revert back to ‘70s fashion with the return of bell bottoms and paisley prints. Two decades later like clockwork, the ‘90s made a comeback of its own, influencing boys and girls alike to buy their first pair of baggy cargo pants and dad sneakers in the late 2010s.
Flash forward to today: the wax and wane of trends in 2024 is happening at breakneck speed.
The rise of TikTok (Tumblr's unofficial replacement) has provided a centralized platform for all fashion lovers to stake their claims…in rapid and unsuccessful succession. But are these trends really new?
Fashion is always cyclical, and the re-obsession with 2002's denim and diamonds has already begun to swing back around to 2012's peplum and pastels. Except flower crowns have been traded for satin hair bows and skinny, beaded headbands for wide, seamless ones.
Which pegs the question, what's next? Our answer is the inevitable...the manic, pixie, Tumblr, party girl next door. Are you prepared to dig up those Alex Turner records from middle school and even get a little heavy handed with the mascara? Now all grown up and with a twist, here is your official style guide to the 2024-2025 season’s "Cool Girl Winter."
Textures are the new graphics, the ultimate form of self-expression. The more, the better. Cobain-esque mohair sweaters, full lace skirts, crochet cardigans; keep it whimsical and versatile. Fur is the most elegant and eye-catching, as well as the warmest (opt for faux imitation fur or ethically sourced vintage!) Aim for eccentric but girlish, almost gyaru like. Be sure to pick quality fabrics for the best results.
Animal print, feline in particular, always seems to find its way into most fashion medians. From the likes of Elizabeth Taylor to Snooki Polizzi, it's a nearly timeless staple for the true femme fatale. Cheetah print, tiger stripes, leopard spots: it in itself is a statement.
Long socks or just long boots. To be paired with a skirt (or shorts), of course! Don’t be afraid to mix and match the textures down there too! Try leather boots and lace socks, or suede boots and knit socks. Bonus points if you throw on leg warmers.
Layering. Not just your feet. Scarves around the neck and over the head, flannel button-up under the cargo jacket, stockings under the micro shorts, layering is everything! Not just for warmth, but for peak dramatic effect.
Color contrast is the key component to pulling your outfit together. The scene influence of the late 2000s still lingers as we reach grungier times. Black and white the best shades to pair with a pop of brightness, preferably a pattern. Monochrome is dead and gone! Brown could also work as a good base color! (Never pair brown and blue together, general fashion rule.)
No matter what you choose to wear, the most important part of being a “cool girl” this season is being fearless and being yourself. Cliché? Maybe! But trends are fleeting, they come and go (and come again) and as the snake dines on its tail once more, where else will we have to look for fashion inspiration but within? Don’t be afraid to experiment and find joy in designing your wardrobe, because wearing whatever you want IS eternally chic.
Linked below are some pieces from our shop that will assure you have your warmest cool winter yet!
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Channeling my inner Olsen twin.....