Blog: Crossroads Style

The debate over comfort and style have recently come to a head. The two do not have to be mutually exclusive. Is it perhaps that our definition of style and the traditional aesthetic are gradually changing over time? Fashion used to be used as a way to speak to one’s social and economic status, and in some ways it still is. Not everyone can afford designer clothing and accessories and all it takes is a simple Google search to confirm the price of something, therein by being able to pigeonhole one in a category.
Maybe as time has passed and humanity has evolved, we no longer feel the need to separate ourselves by social and economic classes, thereby making us feel more comfortable with being, well (physically) more comfortable. Whatever the reason is that comfort is seeming prevailing over (traditional) style aesthetic, check out 5 trends that are more comfortable than classically stylish.

“Dad” Shoes

From trainers to “mandals”, or man sandals, the “Dad” shoe trend has been steadily gaining traction since the popularity of the chunky trainer last year. This season, the trend continues with the dad sandal, or “mandal”. While some brands are producing these sandals with more feminine touches and prints, the basic man sandal is trending on style bloggers, fashion influencers, and the runway. The rise of dad shoes, as with flat shoes in general, prove that comfort is trending over style in footwear.

Fanny Packs

Fanny packs, or belt bags as the modern updated style has been coined, have seeming begun replacing larger bulky bags, designer bags, and trend-ridden bags. The smaller, more compact style of a belt bag is more comfortable to wear, convenient on the go, and forces us to de-clutter our lives. And let’s face it, when our purse is clean and organized, our life begins to feel more clean and organized.

The Demise of Skinny Jeans

We will always love our skinny jeans; there is no question about that. But we have seen a rise in a more relaxed fitting denim and pant style, in general, the last few fashion seasons. I, for one, am all for this trend, of course, still loving my skinnies and wearing them with pride, but as a mom of a busy toddler, I must say that I am enjoying bottoms with a bit more room to breathe lately.

Bike & Bermuda Shorts

While neither are my cup of style tea, I appreciate the sentiment of longer, more comfortable shorts, whether it is because they are spandex or a looser fitting knee length short, over a more traditional style of denim shorts that are cut too short and will inevitably ride up.

Athleisure

Athleisure has long been the uniform of many stay-at-home moms, the quick option when needing to run all the errands on a weekend, and the look of the gym rat. But athleisure has since expanded its repertoire to anyone who needs just a bit more comfort in their life.

Summer drawing near means the start of the summer concert season. The Jonas Brothers, the Backstreet Boys, Luke Bryan, Ariana Grande, J.Lo, Kacey Musgraves; these are just a few of the big names touring this summer. With the strategic planning of what concerts you’re going to attend, the budget and possible travel, who needs the added stress of what to wear?

An outfit that will keep you looking cool and feeling comfortable enough to dance, jump, and sing your heart out all night is most likely right inside your closet!  Take a peek below for all the summer concert outfit inspiration you need to put together a cool and comfortable outfit for all shows from stadiums to bars!

Festival Chic

A flowy dress and a pair of statement boots are all you need to create a boho-chic look for your favorite festivals this season.

A Little Bit Rock & Roll

Combine dark florals and lace to create a rock & roll outfit with a feminine edge.

Mix It Up

A concert is a perfect excuse to mix prints and create a spunky outfit a bit out of your typical style.

Summer Chic

An outdoor concert calls for comfort, like denim cut-offs, a printed blouse, and sneakers.

Statement Jumpsuit

Rock a one piece for easy and comfortable dressing.

Simple Summer Dress

Throw on your lightest weight summer dress with a pair of trainers and a crossbody bag and you’ll be ready to dance all night.

Keep It Classic

If all else fails, throw on your favorite jeans, tee or cami, and you’re out the door in just minutes!

Don’t Forget the Accessories

The newest accessory trend is a clear bag to hold all your essentials.

Vibrant, bold colors may be a trend this season but let’s not forget about the gorgeous muted pastel colors that spring is typically known for. A spring staple, much in the vein of florals, pastels may not be a groundbreaking trend for the season but the soft, muted colors continue to stand the test of the trend cycle year after year. Take a look at some of the easiest ways to incorporate pastel colors into your spring wardrobe.

Printed Dress

A printed pastel spring dress is a refreshing way to update your seasonal wardrobe.

Pair With Neutrals

Pair your pastels with neutrals to downplay the sweetness of the soft colors.

Add Edgy Trends

Pair your pastel pieces with edgier trends, like the sheer trend or even leather, to create contrast.

Mix Printed Pieces

Find pieces in pastels in unexpected prints and go a step further by mixing printed pieces in the same color family.

Try a Pastel Suit

Combine two trends into one and pair pastel suit separates together.

Mint and Lilac

Mint and lilac are the breakout pastel colors this season. Pair them together with simple pieces, completing your outfit with effortless accessories.

Add Accessories

Eager to incorporate pastels but have a tendency to gravitate towards neutrals and dark colors? Add pastels to your accessories or even your hair color for a playful pop of spring color.

The fashion of the early aughts is an enigma that most would like to forgive and forget. I spent my formative teenage years following the trends of Britney, Christina, Gwen, and Paris and while I don’t regret it, there wasn’t much else I could do at the time with what was available, I would rather not revisit any of my fashion choices during those years.

However, as we know, fashion trends are cyclical in nature and every 20 years or so, come back into the mainstream. Perhaps it’s because those that are bringing the trends back weren’t old enough to remember and the thought of “vintage” fashion is reason enough for them to bring the trends back around. Or, it’s also because these trends typically are modernized for the times and it’s only the inspiration and idea that is being recycled.  Whatever the reason, the early aughts are coming in strong this season, whether we understand it or not. Take a look at some of the biggest trends from the early aughts and how to style them.

Low Rise Denim

If you’re like me, the higher the waistband on your jeans, the better. Even in my high school years, 2000-2004, the very definition of the early aughts, I was not a fan of low rise denim, even though that’s all that was really available at the time. There has recently an uptick in low rise jeans in street style, Instagram #OOTDs, and in stores lately, so there must be something about them that caters to part of the population. This is one early aughts trend that I am vehemently against, but if it works for your comfort and body proportions, you do you boo!

Cargo Pants

Ah, cargo pants; style and functionality at its best. For now, it seems that we are no longer adamant about tucking cargo pants into calf-high boots and topping the outfit off with a crop top, the modern cargo pant has a more streamlined silhouette for a flattering fit.

Camo

Camo print has never really gone away, though it’s had its ebbs and flows in the fashion world. The print gives an edgy flair to a street style look, whether it’s in the form of pants, a jacket, or head-to-toe. Wear it in an unexpected way by mixing prints or pairing it with more feminine pieces.

Hair Accessories

Butterfly clips were amazing, I’m not going to lie, but unfortunately, those aren’t coming back into style (yet). Hair clips, barrettes, and feminine headbands have made their way back onto the trend scene, and this is one recycled trend that I am definitely not mad about. Go bold or keep it simple, hair accessories are something you can have fun with!

Strappy Sandal Heels

Delicate strappy sandals, think Carrie on ‘Sex and the City’ have made an appearance in the fashion world. A cross between a stiletto, a kitten heel, and a strappy flat, the shoe style is a way to dress up an outfit without being too brazen.

Bermuda shorts, or longer length shorts that are an inch or so above the knee, have been popping up all over my Instagram and blogroll lately and after doing a bit of research, I realized that it was a trend that went completely unnoticed by me this season. The controversial length of the shorts is not flattering on every body type, but the refreshing novelty of the style piqued my interest. Take a look at six ways to style Bermuda shorts for the spring season.

Transitional Spring

Pair longer length trouser shorts with a lightweight sweater and booties for the perfect transitional spring look.

Go Chic

Pair the longer length shorts with a structured top and blazer for a twist on a classic look.

Stay Classic

Style these shorts the same you would a pair of typical denim: tuck in your favorite blouse and add some slides for an effortless street style look.

Sporty Details

The long shorts lend themselves perfectly to an athleisure look. Pair them with a lightweight sweatshirt, belt bag, and sneakers for a simple weekend look.

Summer Getaway

Throw on a longer pair of shorts over your swimsuit or crop top during a summer getaway this year, whether poolside or oceanside, for maximum comfort.

Denim Daze

The denim on denim look is a classic and can be used as a go-to when you’re lacking inspiration.