Brian Maynor March 26, 2014
March 25, 2014
March 26, 2014
Wet. Glossy. Reflective. Shiny. These words all describe one of the biggest trends this season, ‘high shine.’
The Spring/Summer 2014 runways were full of ‘high shine’ elements, but in very diverse ways. This trend includes metallic; plastics; reflective materials and treated fabrics in all shape and sizes. Most often trends are narrow and easily incorporated into casual wear, but not so much into career-wear. This trend, however, is very broad and easily incorporated into professional attire. Here are a few tips and inspiration looks on bringing high shine pieces into your work-wear to keep it as relevant and up-to-date as your weekend-wear:
1. Go high tech. The stars of this trend are the treated and unconventional fabrics. One of the best ways to achieve the wet look is with plastic or coated synthetic materials. While several designers actually featured plastic tops, jackets and pants one thing to remember about plastic and coated fabric is that they are not porous, which means they don’t breathe. Unless you want to really embrace the wet look by heavily sweating, save these items for limited wear in climate controlled environments or opt for outerwear pieces that can be removed.
2. Be reflective. Another incarnation of the high shine trend was the use of reflective colors and treatments. The details typically used as safety elements on outdoor athletic wear were extended to lifestyle pieces this season and expanded to entire outfits. Though it can be difficult to pull off a reflective neon green suit in the office, as a layering piece, neon green would brighten up your standard navy suit.
3. Less disco. Metallics are often associated with the age of disco or dismissed as purely sartorial, but this season they are trying to make the leap into real life. Instead of over-the-top styling or flamboyant details, 2014 metallics are all about streamlined minimalism. While you will see bold metallic statement pieces, like silver bomber jackets and gold pants they will be paired with jeans and a basic white t-shirt. This trend also embraces more subtle details and hints of shine, which are perfect for more conservative offices.
4. Jewel tones. Spring is always the season of color, and this year is no different. Green, blue, pink and purple will still feature prominently and they all get the wet treatment. Metallic cobalt blue was a popular color choice for most designers and should dominate the market from shoes to bags; sunglasses and other accessories.
5. Grown-up glitter. Another forefront for the metallic trend is makeup. Eye shadow; nail polish; blush and lipsticks can all be found in a metallic hue or color. The key to pulling this look off during the day is keeping it simple and chic. An enhanced bare, or nude look like the metallic bronze eye shadow used in the DIOR show is one option for work and can easily be replaced with a jewel tone for a bold evening look.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards athttp://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education
and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
