God, in his infinite wisdom, has woven certain rhythms into the fabric of our world. One of them is the seven year cycle. Who can forget in the Laura Ingalls Wilder classic The Long Winter (Little House)
Does that affect what you wear? I think it does. Recently I took another analytic look at Suzie Woodward’s fashion cycles (which we last discussed in June of 2009). If I assume a seven year trend cycle, rather than the five years Suzie suggests, the three silhouettes fall right in place with what I’ve experienced, say, in the last forty years.
- we are now solidly in a sophisticate cycle (in 2007, we were debating whether we would wear baby doll tops, jeans tucked into boots, or leggings).
- prior to this, we were in a separates cycle (think Clinton and Stacy)
- most of the ’90s was characterized by the “saucy” cycle. And puffed sleeves.
- following the seven year cycle back, puts the sophisticate cycle back in the days of Michael Jackson’s Thriller and the TV show Dynasty. Right where it belongs.
- Prior to that was another separates cycle, from the mid-1970’s to the early ’80s.
I don’t remember much prior to that. 😉
So what should we expect next ?
I bought that book after the first time you discussed it. I really like it. I’m finding
the Sophisticates cycle really a depressing prospect, though. I’m busy doing
informal and some kind of ladylike sporty. Went to the thrift store with my friend and came back with various sweaters and tops, most in shades of pink from pale
strawberry to muted coral. In defiance. 🙂 I’ve gotten rid of 2/3 to 3/4 of my black clothes.
I feel like doing pink and taupe or cocoa. And coppery leopard print.
Happy New Year!
Ev – a couple of specifics I’ve been thinking about: one) I think heels will be looking a little bit tired for awhile; and two) this would predict a trend toward gold-based, muted or toasted colors. But you will have to let us know, too, ’cause don’t you think Europe is always a little bit ahead? 😉
Vildy – love those colors!
My nod to the sophisticate cycle: I bought two pairs of black jeans, one “skinny” and one “fat” (aka trouser), also the black boots. I have been wearing almost exclusively skinny jeans tucked into boots, because my two pairs of boots are the shoes I can really walk around in this time of year, and I have picked up a couple of longer cardigan sweaters to throw on over, effectively changing the silhouette for a very small investment.