By: Daniel True-Omaits and Kanika Talwar
Media dictates culture; magazines feature clothing, shoes, food, and what everyone is and should be “doing.”
In light of that tradition: welcome to Trend Tuesdays.
What are our credentials for being a cultural attache?
DT: I’m glad you ask!
My credentials include a 4-year degree in Media & Culture, crippling envy for people who can afford to fully express their tastes, reading magazines and watching fashion police from ages 6 - 21 instead of playing sports.
You could say I’m an expert. You could also say I’m a rocket scientist, doesn’t make it true though.
KT: I have been reading the pages of fashion magazines since I was 6 and I’ve watched Project Runway, Gossip Girl, What Not to Wear, and America’s Next Top Model religiously.
I’m a self-proclaimed expert and my rule to live by is “Fashion is fleeting, but style is forever.”
DT: From my mouth to your ears, here are this Tuesday’s trends tried by True.
Looks We Can’t Get Enough Of
Shirt Dresses
KT: Whenever I think of shirt dresses, the classic Carolina Herrera always come to mind; worn since the 50’s, they are perfect for this unbearable NY heat.
Create a chic look with a pair of heels that can go from the office to drinks with friends. To avoid looking like you just rolled out of bed, wear delicate jewelry like a necklace and bangles to offset the more masculine aspects of the dress, or add a belt to give a more accentuated waist.
For a more casual day of running around, wear them with sneakers that give off a more tomboyish vibe.
DT: I am OBSESSED with shirt dresses.
It's a look that can be styled for whatever occasion you attend, not to mention it's so effortlessly beautiful.
Throw on some shades, a pair of thigh highs and your Dad's old concert tee and you have a chic, edgy look that is dying to be photographed outside of the clubs.
God, I love this look. If only I could find my thigh highs...
Polka Dots
DT: As I write this I am, in fact, wearing a white button-up with polka dots. Polka dots a fun and fashion-forward way to add some personality to your wardrobe.
I would personally pair a boring navy suit (the one you wear to work every day) with the shirt I'm wearing for a look that says: I do something with finance, but I also have a will to live.
If you want a casual look, I suggest wearing polka dots in “a short-sleeved button-up with a French tuck?”
-Tan in EVERY episode of Queer Eye
KT: Polka Dot have been on America’s radar since the 1920’s when Ms. America was photographed wearing a polka dot swimsuit, and since then, the trend has been a staple of American culture.
Christian Dior made the pattern high fashion when he put them on his dresses, Hollywood followed suit, and it the designs were worn by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor.
Recently, polka dots in all shapes, sizes, and colors have re-emerged across the runways. It’s a great pop piece to keep in the closet, endless versatility to experiment with since this trend isn’t going anywhere soon.
Updated Classic: Shoulder Statement
DT: Everything “old” is “new” when you were a fetus in ‘97. Having easy access to any idea or part of history in the palm of your hand has allowed the current generation to explore and experience fashion moments we weren't around for. One of these blasts from the past is the 80’s shoulder.
I do not have an A in history, but one thing I do know the 80’s were a flash or color, scrunchies, and pantsuits with padded shoulders.
The androgynous looks we loved in the 80’s have cycled back, and I am here for it. Being blessed with shoulders wider than the Sahara, I feel as though this look couldn't have come around at a better time.
KT: Exaggerated shoulders are a sign that the runways are flashing back in time, but don’t break out those shoulder pads yet.
The 2018 update is a shoulder that’s subtle, but still in your face and show people “I mean business.” They are especially cute on dainty light dresses that give a contrasting element to make the dress less 12-year-old girl and more sophisticated woman.
Matching Separates
KT: Matching separates are the best thing to happen since sliced bread.
Think about it, you don’t have to worry about finding a top and bottom that match, throw on a pair of shoes and you’re done.
While for years it was considered a faux pas to be too matchy-matchy, we are excited for both the ease and wearability of this look.
DT: The voices in my head truly appreciate this look.
It's cohesive; you don't have to think when you throw it on and the morning and the arduous task of matching clothes suddenly gets a little easier.
A matching skirt and crop top combo with a denim jacket is always a welcome blessing on anyone's profile.
Mini Bags
KT: These tiny bags are to die for, you may be wondering what exactly you can fit in these miniscule bags, who cares!
From the Hadid’s to the Kardashian’s, what better way to give off the vibe that you’re living the carefree life.
They’re the perfect size and only need the essentials: lipgloss, a credit card, and phone!
Face your fears, and declutter your oversized tote; we all know we don’t need 17 chapsticks, but for some reason we still keep them thrown at the bottom of our bags.
DT: For YEARS I have heard my friends complain and about not having pockets or that their favorite purse doesn't match their outfit. Now the fashion gods have the AUDACITY to usher in purses with LESS SPACE to carry everything. Well, I have just one thing to say about that!
Fine.
I mean, they are cute and sleek, but good luck deciding what goes in and what goes out.
As stereotype dictates, I pack everything including the kitchen sink so a small bag would def not be an option for me. While it's cuter than a purse dog in a tracksuit, the likes of which you can't fit into that mini bag anymore, this is one trend I will not suffer to style in.
Stuff Your Face and Your Soul
Meatless Meat
There's nothing quite like the taste of meat in your mouth. Is it possible that a burger tastes better when it comes cruelty-free?
From the Impossible Burger to the Impossible Meats science and a taste for sustainable diets have emerged with a flavor that could fool even the bloodthirstiest of carnivores.
Try the nonmeat for yourself at Momofuku Nishi, Next Level Burger, or a plethora of other eateries in the city.
Artists on 🔁
KT: After Ben Simmons “allegedly” cheated on Tinashe with Kendall Jenner and getting mixed up with relationship drama and lies, Tinashe’s had enough. After releasing a song that possibly hints at her break up with Simmons, Tinashe took a complete 180° and doesn’t care about anything anyone has to say.
Newly released and with a new alter ego, “Nashe”, Tinashe is living her best life. According to Tinashe’s Instagram, Nashe doesn’t care, thrives after 6 PM and drinks champagne exclusively, instead of water preferably with a straw. Stream “Throw a Fit” because there’s surely more to come, and I for one cannot wait to hear more from Nashe.
DT: 3 days ago, Charli XCX gave us the newest track to pregame to. Girls Night Out serves young Britney Spears with an EDM flair.
Although the song says “no boys allowed” I'm hoping she'll make an exception for me! The audio is out everywhere now with visuals to be dropping soon (hopefully).