The Fashionista's Guide To The Latest Fashion Trends Do you abhor the thought of being even slightly behind the times on fashion? Do you dote on fashion and find yourself the unofficial local expert on the latest fashion trends? Well, this is a tough position to maintain, as fashion trends can change by the week, not the season as many believe. If you live in L.A., you know what I mean. Sure, New York, Milan and Paris lead the world in fashion, but many of these creations aren't wearable by the common woman walking down Main Street. However, this doesn't preclude your being in the know. Understanding what's driving haute couture today helps you to predict what tomorrow's Next Big Thing will be. The latest fashion trends follow haute couture. Experienced fashionistas know also that fashion has only so many faces and that history repeats itself. The 1960s look is currently making a second appearance. In order to survive this curtain call, this latest fashion trend needs to develop along a more focused line, with a feel for the authentic flavor of that decade. There's a certain romantic note missing from this current crop. Handmade clothing and accessories were part of the charm at the time. When economic times change for the worse, hemlines come down. During war time, ditto. Prosperous times breed short skirts. Rebellious attitudes often herald radical clothing. If you study costumes in modern history, the latest fashion trends of the last 150 years reflect the events in the common man's life. For example, in the years before the Civil War, times were good and ladies like Scarlett O'Hara (Gone with the Wind) wore dresses made of untold yards of fabric of the finest silks, with an abundance of lace and ruffles. At the time, this was the latest fashion trend, particularly in the South. As the war progressed, the ladies could no longer afford or procure such clothing material. As Scarlett lamented over a coarse, rough wool, the old latest fashion trend gave way to the new, despite her desires, with less fabric of a more practical weave. When you conduct a review of costume design over time, you'll come to see the cycles and patterns of all fashion trends. When you also correlate the period of history with dress, you can predict what's coming down the line. If you'd like to be a trendsetter, here's a secret. Given a thorough study of costume and history, along with careful observations of the New York, Paris and Milan shows, you, the avid fashionista, should be able to let your friends know what the next latest fashion trends will be. How? There's a marketing term which refers to the strategy of gaining an early foothold in a market, with the intent of approaching mainstream markets through a back door strategy. This term is 'early market'. The early market of the trendsetter is haute couture. Simple as that. See if you can't author the latest fashion trends! Summary The latest fashion trends seem to change with breezes. It is easy to keep up if you open your eyes and look at what is currently hot in styles. Then add history of fashion trends over the years to see what syles are going to be coming back into play. You'll always be a step ahead. Related Articles Ten Hottest Clothing Trends European Clothing Trends Related Sites