For the past few weeks, I've been compelled to wear my off-the-shoulder shirts, ripped jeans, and any clothing that looks slightly mismatched (think navy with black or sweatshirts and heels). And as if the movie fashion gods were smiling on me, Flashdance was on tv last weekend. I had to watch it. I mean, it was Flashdance after all. That's when I realized all my quirky wardrobe choices in recent weeks could be directly linked to the 1983 character that Jennifer Beals so eloquently played.
We've seen a lot of trends that can be traced back to this, dare I say, 80s cult classic. Ripped jeans, leggings, legwarmers. All of these fashionable (and sometimes questionable) pieces are currently taking up space in retail stores. But how do you do adopt the trends without looking like you borrowed your look from two decades ago? The answer is proceed with simplicity.
This top channels Flashdance without the legwarmers or auditioning for a prestigious dance school. The obvious way to wear this pretty blue top is to pair it with jeans. But I think it would work well with a dressy pair of cargo pants too.
Not into the slouchy sweatshirt or sweater look? Consider grabbing some torn jeans. I like the options at Gap because they offer many different styles and washes. And thankfully, they have petite and tall sizes too.
Image: James Perse top on sale for $38.99 at Saks.com.
Here are my current Flashdance faves:
- 2 pairs of ripped jeans. I've owned the ones with the really big holes since 2001/2002. The other pair I got from Old Navy last summer.
- 2 off-the-shoulder tops. The pink one is from the 2008 Patrick Robinson collection for Target. And the gray sweatshirt underneath it is an old Nike shirt that I decided to cut the neck off of for a different look.
- And at the bottom are my green legwarmers. I haven't warn these in a few years but I keep them because I'll likely revisit the trend at some point. Or maybe I'll pass them on to my 16 year-old niece.
Legwarmers?:-) I am still on the fence, I saw a girl who paired them with some (suede) booties for a quasi-knee high boot look, but otherwise I might have to leave em alone. I was thinking to try my off the shoulder sweatshirt with some boyfriend jeans, but still not sure how to rock them with a booty and thighs...any clues?
Posted by: Mo | March 18, 2010 at 11:22 AM
Mo, I haven't been feeling like legwarmers much these days but a few years ago, I rocked them with regularly. Now as for the off the shoulder sweater with a pair of boyfriend jeans, I love that idea. I think if you wear straight leg jeans (not bootcut since your shirt is a baggy style) and heels, you'll be able to balance the look with curvy booty and thicker thighs.
Posted by: STYLEnosh | March 18, 2010 at 07:48 PM
Lovely innovation and creation.. Cant wait to give it a try..
http://www.vivamagonline.com/CoverStories_Cynthia.php
Posted by: FlashDance | July 13, 2010 at 04:45 AM