How not to look so last year

By Ed Biado

What are the year?s essentials? What have gone from in to out? With a little review of last year?s trends and the current state of fashion (with an emphasis on the street subculture), we have a sizeable ballpark as to how the rest of the year will play out. Here?s what we think:

1. Gladiator sandals have lost their heat. It was good while it lasted. But don?t let them overstay their welcome. And admit it; looking back, they really weren?t as flattering as we hoped they would be.

2. Peep-toe slingbacks are the new pumps. Go crazy with this one. Bold colors, uber-skinny heels, florals, matte, glittery. There are only two rules with shoes?one: the higher, the better; and two: no to wedges.

3. Customized sneakers are an outlet to express individuality. Many artists in the city are offering to transform your plain Chucks, Vans and Golas into wearable masterpieces for a nominal price. Heck, if your notebook PC has a custom skin, why shouldn?t your footwear?

4. The denim jacket is back. This time, it?s lightweight. This time, it?s either black or dyed. This time, it?s slim, more tailored and more biker-looking. It?s gonna be almost like leather?but climate-appropriate.

5. Shorts are a trou-alternative. It?s becoming more acceptable now to wear tailored shorts with suit-jackets. And street culture is pushing the envelope further. In recent fashion events, we see designers, stylists and aficionados mix and match their shorts with different formal to informal pieces?creating an outfit that remotely resembles formality but pumped up with a lot of personality.

6. Being patriotic is local fashion?s hot new trend. Those T-shirt dresses with the map of the Philippines on them, the ?Manila?-emblazoned bags, localized statement tops (but not the spoof ones) are so friggin? hip. Get your Pinoy on with anything patriotic and you?re right on the money!

7. Geek couture is now for the prom queen. Year after year, we see the rise of the geek look with black plastic-framed glasses, suspenders and other accessories. 2009 will take that into beyond by incorporating other styles like emo, corporate, glam and street into the total effect.

8. Wristband watches will be Boracay summer?s must-have. Male or female, those cute little thangs that retail for like a hundred pesos will be very fashionable come bikini season. They tell time and because they?re cheap, you can get a dozen to match your swimsuits. Fetch!

9. Hip-hop glam is flying mainstream. Hoodie tops, racer-back dresses and all things shiny, shimmering, splendid are fierce! Think Rihanna, Lil Kim and a touch of Gwen Stefani. Gents, learn a little somethin?-somethin? from Ne-Yo, JT and Diddy.

10. The decade to derive inspiration from is the ?60s. That?s the throwback decade of the year. You should brush up on that era?s pop culture and incorporate the feel into your wardrobe and even hairstyle. Watch Mad Men to get some ideas and get creative with making the looks current.