'Tis The Season For Sparkly, Ridiculous Attire

Like most things that involve Fashion with a capital "F", today's New York Times piece can't seem to make up its mind: does the tough economic climate mean everyone is dressing more outrageously...

Last year, as gas prices skyrocketed and home values declined, it was actually short and skin-tight dresses that were selling. As the economy worsened, fashion moved in still stranger and less expected directions, toward bondage references, for example, but also harem pants, jumpsuits, prep school and polish, all at the same time. The result, coming out at night this holiday season, is evening wear that looks like a mash-up of "Mad Men" and "Gossip Girl."

or is everyone dressing more somberly?

Robert Burke, a former fashion director of Bergdorf Goodman who is now a luxury consultant, reported that women are buying "nothing too loud, nothing that screams fashion." Elie Tahari said that taffeta gowns and extravagant looks are going to be less popular than something that can be worn beyond the season, like skirts and jackets that can be layered and gussied up with a piece of jewelry.

What do you think?

Quick Poll

Are people dressing more outrageously in response to the recession?

Yes.

No.

Who gives a sh*t.

But if you're in the mood to buy something sparkly, may we recommend these?

Comments

[jewelbug]

Isn't it better to wear an old dress and pair it with some great costume jewelry? You get so much more mileage from a gorgeous pin -- the old ones have a bail at the back and you can wear it as a pendant too. I got this idea from Brooches: Timeless Adornment by Lori Ettlinger Gross. A great read, and the images are inspirational.

[LMPE]

I never pay attention to anything fashion-related. If I had my way, I'd just keep wearing the same clothes over and over again until they fall apart.

[rbryanh]

Every year on December 15, I replace my cat's litter with glitter. The resultant gifts are festive, frugal, and the perfect expression of the holiday spirit. SInce I change the litter box daily, it's possible to use a wide variety of complementary colors before it's time to wrap everything, and everyone receives a unique gift. This year I'm adding to the fun by including jewelry hardware, so that each member of my family can make their own SparkleStool® necklace, ring, or brooch.

[something81]

oh my god thats a funny picture! i think its great some fashions come back, but didn't anyone else have a sigh of relief when some of the stuff from the 80's went out of style...i don't recall skinny jeans being flattering on anyone. so that bow, is she a present, did she walk into a christmas tree, or what? oh i get! its her halloween costume!!! she's a sparkly mini mouse!

[MidtownGuy]

skinny jeans are all over the place in New York right now.

[char982]

and almost everywhere else, too

[ConcernedAboutRFuture]

"skinny" jeans are the satan of fashion. And now boys are wearing them, with the back sagging off their a$$. It's horrible...and I really can't believe they came back in style.

No one...NO ONE that I have seen wear them looks good.

[uppergeorgetowner]

skinny jeans look good on skinny young people.

[char982]

aren't thing always a little sparklier during the holiday season? i dont think it has anything to do with a recession.

[gevan]

Is "fashion" in fashion anymore?