There are watershed changes happening in fashion, so we’ll see lots of newness over the next five to ten years. I’m welcoming the change because it’s been years since silhouettes looked fresh. Skinnies and body-con bottoms have reigned supreme for about a decade, and are finally a classic. Pairing them with roomy tops that surrender the waist is equally classic. The combination of “long and roomy on top paired with sleek at the bottom” is no longer on trend. It’s moved over to give way to new silhouettes.

  • Wider silhouettes on the bottom
  • Shorter silhouettes on top (both fluid and tailored)
  • Cropped lengths both on the top and bottom
  • Waist definition

The outfits below illustrate the newer and trendier outfit proportions. For jeans and trousers, you’re looking at higher rises that showcase the waist, and more fabric on the thighs and/or lower leg. Silhouettes can be baggy and very wide throughout the leg, or simply more tailored. Tops are shorter to lengthen the leg line from the thighs upward, and again, to define the waist. Fashion seems to be moving back to celebrating the waist-defining hourglass and pear shape and traditionally flattering proportions.

ELIZABETH AND JAMES Fritz Cropped Checked Crepe Tapered PantsSTELLA MCCARTNEY Eden Cropped Wool-crepe Flared PantsALTUZARRA Serge Stretch-crepe Flared PantsGUCCI Pleated Silk and Wool-blend Skirt

Don’t panic if you prefer to surrender your waist by wearing slouchy and long tops over skinny bottoms because retail will not give up on classic silhouettes. There will simply be less of those outfit proportions represented at retail over the next decade as retail focuses on the new. 

You might rebel against the trendier proportions at first, but grow to like them over time. It’s amazing how well we adapt to new things after an adjustment period. But most importantly, you ALWAYS have the choice to dress in an updated classic or trendier way because both fashion personas are equally stylish.

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