This person was wearing a silver, metallic button down top with a subtle floral print and a simple black tie. He paired it with a white belt, black straight legged jeans, and black and white dress shoes.
History on neckties: Neckties have been around for thousands of years. In 221 B.C., China's first emperor and his army were buried, their life-size militia replicas wore neckties. In 1864, the first mass-produced ready-made tie was patented and became very popular in Germany and the United States. The styles of neckties have also changed. In the 1940's, they were very decorative with unique patterns which was used as a freedom of expression. 10 years later they were thinner and less decorative. In 1983, skinny leather ties were very popular. Today, neckties are more colorful than before with a variety of patterns such as stripes, polka dots, and solids. http://www.abcneckties.com/necktiehistory.html
In the trend cycle chart, neckties are in the peak, or, early majority stage. Neckties have always been popular. They have been used for different occasions and worn either casually or formally. Today, not only are men wearing ties, but women are also including them in their own wardrobes. Women of all styles are wearing neckties. An example is the "prep" style. Ties have been used by pairing it with a long sleeve button down shirt. Women have also used ties during formal occasions. Rihanna, a famous female R&B singer, wears neckties down the red carpet. This has become a growing trend among women.
Neckties belong in the third theory of fashion leadership, the "trickle across" theory. Neckties are not only worn by the wealthy. This piece of clothing accessory is spread across homogenous groups. It is available to everyone.
Typically when people think neckties, they think formal occasions with a white shirt and black suit. However, if I were a fashion stylist, I would use the necktie for more casual, everyday use. Men wearing a solid colored polo and dark jeans can wear a necktie for a little more class yet it will still appear casual. I would also use neckties for women, but tied looser than on men. This gives a more feminine look. A fitted blazer and dark pants with a necktie can easily give off a confident and fierce vibe from a female.
This girl was wearing a leopard print dress under a simple, black pull over sweater that ties at the waist. She completed her look with matching sandals and a black purse.
History on dresses: In the 1800's, women wore floor length dresses everyday during formal and non-formal occasions. In 1926, cocktail dresses were starting to become a very big hit. In 1972, Diane Von Furstenburg created the iconic wrap dress which women were raving about. Millions bought this dress because it symbolized female power. Today, dresses come in many varieties. Dresses are worn to give an immediate feminine statement.
Dresses are in the early majority stage of the trend cycle chart. Like neckties, dresses have been used for many different occasions such as prom, banquets, dates, and weddings. Today, the cocktail dress is very popular among teenagers and young adult women. Designers like Betsey Johnson and stores like Forever 21 have big selections on cocktail dresses that can be worn for many occasions. On the less formal side, dresses are very popular during the summer season because of it's light weight feel during the hot heat.
Within the theories of fashion leadership, dresses are included in the "trickle across" theory because this piece of clothing is available to anyone, wealthy to the non-wealthy.
By taking the dress that this girl was wearing, it is easy to transform it into a nighttime outfit. The leopard print is a statement within itself. It communicates fierceness to its viewers. I would eliminate the sweater and add a pair of black tights with black heels or red heels to give it more of a nighttime look. Accessories such as earrings and a bracelet would work well, too.
By: Jireh De Jose and Malu Heinicke
