A look at the evolution of fashion in 2000-2009: Part 2

The fashion of the noughties (2000-2009) in Toronto was like dating the same person for a year. Everyone was comfortable with each other...maybe a little too comfortable. As mentioned in the previous blog post, the sweats trend was taking over North America. The days of yesteryears, when a lady would not leave the house without a hat, pair of gloves and a fresh layer of lipstick, were over.

Shoe styles of the 00’s were also affected by the sweats trend. Most popular were the Ugg Booties due to their warmth and comfort, which is a little odd since they became a must-have amongst LA celebrities. The absolute worst trend has to be Crocs. Tim Gun said it all here. And the best trend has to be Ballet flats. I first wore a pair of gold sequin ballet flats at the 2005 Fashion Cares ‘Bollywood Cowboy’ event. These shoes are comfortable yet classic and a welcome departure from Stilettos.

Since most fashion trends of the 00's were on their second lap around, some only lasted for a moment but others proved that not all fashion is fleeting. Leather (real, pleather or vegan leather) seems to never wane in demand. As in denim, leather is a material popular with different demographics. Although leather has many different purposes ranging from leather goods, such as handbags, gloves, belts, jackets and footwear, to clothing pieces, such as dresses, skirts and pants. Over the last ten years, the leather trend was popular with musicians in the early 00’s looking to add some edge to their image with leather pants, knee-length heeled boots, bustier, fingerless gloves and Capri pants. One entertainer that wore all of this and more was Jennifer Lopez.



Another J-Lo shout-out? (Watch the video Play and you will see for yourself how many leather trends she dons.) She may not have been the most stylish celebrity at the time, however she made a huge impact in the fashion stratosphere and showcased all the current trends in her videos and public appearance. Let’s not forget that J-Lo use to be at the top of the media heap in the early 00’s for her relationship with Puff Daddy and then garnered unparalleled interest with the “Bennifer” phenomenon. Back to the leather trend, the look has evolved with the popularity of leggings. Leather leggings have become a staple in the fashion conscience wardrobe since 2004 and the trend is still going strong. The cropped motorcycle jacket was a alternative leather must-have made popular by Rihanna in early 2009. The jacket has exploded in retail with most fast-fashion stores carrying a copy and may result in this trend running out of stream for Spring 2010.

Another permanent fixture of the 00’s was the trench coat. The trench was originally designed to accommodate soldiers during wartime and later became a huge fashion staple in the 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and 00's. The Burberry trench coat is one of the most iconic high fashion items in the world and includes their classic check in the lining of the coat. As long as Audrey Hepburn is a fashion idol, trench coats will continue to stay in style.
Image: www.stylebyme.net