OK, so fashion week is over, but there’s no need to cry. All the best moments, designers, skirts, blouses and old-lady shorts are etched into our minds forever. Or at least until the next fashion week.
Now, you may be wondering why I mentioned old-lady shorts (or OLS as we will refer to them from this point forward). First, let’s define OLS. Think of a wholesome 60 year old woman. She’s a great mother and neighbor, who bakes delightful cupcakes and casseroles. She volunteers at church functions, she loves Halloween and she just can’t wait to be a grandmother. Her name might be Margie or Irene or Gail. Now imagine this woman is getting ready for big 4th of July picnic. While she may fret over what patriotic accessory to wear, she will always, always depend on the OLS to provide casual but refined comfort.
These shorts sit high on the waist, usually include belt loops and always have pleats at the waist. OLS generally observe an a-line cut with ample room in the thigh region and a 1 to 2 inch hem. They will usually fall slightly above the knee and sport extra deep pockets for storing things like candies for neighborhood kids or used tissues.
Now, if you are like so many out there who have a hard time predicting trends, don’t worry about it. That’s why I’m here. Let’s take it back to July 2006. It is a balmy summer day in the Logan Park district of Chicago. My best pal and I decide to leave her cutey-pie neighborhood in pursuit of second-hand clothes sold by the pound- a dream come true for any fashionista. As we are paying for our goody bags, Sera notices my pile of OLS. I had found a cream pair with red stripes (my fav), several floral prints and a nice navy pair perfect for combining with any one of my many nautical themed tops and rope belts. What I found so appealing about them was the way they combined the comfort of my 90′s era baggy skate shorts with the more feminine A-line silhouette of a mid-length skirt. Sera is incredulous but I assure her they will be the next big trend within a few years.
This fall’s New York Fashion Week did nothing if not reinforce my trend-picking abilities. Designers from Isaac Mizrahi to Project Runway’s Christian Siriano were showing variations on the OLS. Lengths varied and bowed belts were added but the basic characteristics stayed true to the OLS spirit.
This blog entry is for you Sera!!!! OLS are taking over!!!
P.S. – The above photos are from the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week website featuring looks from Lacoste, Doo.ri, Milly by Michelle Smith and Derek Lam.