I see London, I see France

The wheel that cycles us through the rotation of fashion trends gone by keeps moving and as we move deeper into '90s trends, we hit another old stand-by: lingerie-influenced clothing. And yes, I know attention starved starlets never let this one go, but I'm talking about real designers, editors, and buyers marketing this to real people - for real! Honestly, that old adage of not wearing a trend that you wore in a previous cycle has become impossible, I believe!! (So ignore it!!)

If you're like me, the idea of lingerie as outerwear is not immediately appealing and it's pretty downright impractical right now in the dead of winter. Actually, I don't care how hot it gets, but I can't imagine running around the city or meeting up with friends in a bar wearing a just a slip.. And it's not a cheap trend either - if all of your layers are showing, you can't get away with old, granny underwear.. (not that you or I have any.. of course!!)

On further thought though, I realized that a lot of things that I already wear are lingerie inspired. What is a bustier, for example, or over-the-knee socks? And, while the first images that come to my mind about lingerie-inspired fashion are either some ethereal fairy-like floaty thing or scary dominatrix leather, there are many interpretations that are much more creative and forgiving than that and possibly even appropriate for work (let me clarify.. I mean office work at a desk).

So, I took some photos of outfits I really like that I think are lingerie-inspired and one that is actually technically lingerie (the camisole with metal fringe on it, worn with tux jacket and black pants).

I mentioned to my friend Judy that lingerie-inspired fashion was going to be my next post and she observed that we don't have to follow that trend just because it's come around again. People should feel free to let a trend pass them by and just to pick and choose which ones appeal to them. I agree completely. But I also think it's fun to interpret a new trend in your own way as an opportunity to shake up your wardrobe. Trends can bring up a new shape or nuance that affects your eye and, if you choose to do something with it, it may look nothing like what you see in magazines or on runways. But that's where your personal style comes in - including, of course, the choice to opt out!