Story by Briana Thornton
Photos by Mia Navarro
Every fashion trend has a story. As it sits at the intersection of time, place and subject, there are countless ways to interpret each and every one of them. Take the mini skirt for example; at the turn of the 20th century, it was inconceivable for women to show even her ankle, much less her knee. Now however, walking down the streets of Richmond, men and women alike are wearing skirts of varying lengths.
To the untrained eye, fashion may seem straightforward — in actuality, it’s a world of contradictions. In fashion, the imperfect is coveted, then rejected, and then celebrated once again. The current moment escapes its timeline and what is in one day is out the next, just as it becomes popular among the masses.
Modern fashion is an endless array of styles that seem to oppose one another: women wearing menswear, men wearing womenswear, the mixing of punk, hipster, or gothic with activewear, or tomboy with glam. Sound confusing? It is. Marc Jacobs, for example, described the women he dresses as “womanly and young at the same time”. Angela Missoni defined her look as being “very, very feminine, very romantic, but very tough”. The singer Florence Welch enjoys a line that’s “panthers and pansies, the aggressive and the fragile”. Interpret it as you may but essentially it means dress the way that makes you feel most like yourself and ignore the idea of “fashion rules”. Need some inspiration? Take a look at some awesome looks our stylists have put together:
Tomboy & Glam
Styled by Zshavoni
Modeled by Asya
The athleisure trend has been around for a while now and understandably so; you can be fashionable and cool while still being comfortable. Asya is rocking a baseball jersey, but instead of the typical jeans or shorts try a glam midi-length pencil skirt and edgy Perspex-heeled, patent leather booties.
From Night to Day
Styled by Daniela
Modeled by Marley
Learning how to transition from “desks to drinks” is an imperative skill, taking your business casual wear and it appropriate for nighttime. But, what about the other way around? Style your top that would typically be left in the bedroom, featuring yet another recently made-popular-again trend : wearing lingerie on the on the outside. Paired with black skinny jeans and booties, the outfit has just the right amount of edge for your daytime activities.
Preppy & Urban
Styled by Zshavoni
Modeled by Asya
Preppy and urban are two styles that you might never think to pair together. Preppy is a style that’s been around for decades and is usually defined by pastel colors, embroidered emblems and brands like Ralph Lauren and Lily Pulitzer. When unexpectedly paired with urban style essentials like bamboo hoops and worn Converse, and a cute gray circle skirt, the look is much more approachable and versatile for any occasion.
Women Wearing Menswear
Styled by Daniela
Modeled by Marley
An oversized button-up is such a classic piece and a menswear staple, but it’s also become an essential in any woman’s business casual wardrobe, and for good reason. Its versatility allows you to dress it up or down. Play it down by pairing it with a ripped denim skirt. When paired with a black lace bodysuit, the white blouse is given a more feminine touch.