Dear Oligo Editor: 80′s Revisited

Dear Editor:

When it comes to style, I pride myself on being a woman who’s always on trend. But I’ve also heard that if you wore a look the first time around, you’re supposed to take a pass the second time around. As someone who danced to Cyndi Lauper’s “Time after Time” at my senior prom, is it possible to stay on trend during this 80s reemergence without looking like I refuse to grow up?

Sincerely,
Desperately Seeking Style

For: VesnA by KAMILKA featuring Pour La Victoire shoes

Dear Desperate:

As a woman of a certain age, I completely feel your pain. I personally have no wish to revisit any part of my youth that involved Aqua Net, Dippity Do, or electric blue eyeliner. I loved my teens and twenties, but the truth is I’d never want to give up all the hard-won balance I’ve matured into. And that’s the key to being both classic and au courant during this (ongoing) 80s redux—balancing 80s details with contemporary silhouettes. Try a studded bootie or an embellished, sportyish LBD  if you want to revisit your Sid Vicious crush. Or girls can still have fun by punching up a neutral outfit with a kool aid-colored tote or primping in a Pucci-esque A-line. Leave the bulky shoulder pads in syndication heaven with Krystle Carrington, but feel free to order up a season’s worth of embellished-shoulder blouses and sweaters.

Studs by ~Adorable~T featuring Haute Hippie dresses

You may have noticed that I’ve yet to mention the “L” word—leggings. Just say no to anything cropped, at all sheer, or that comes in a package labeled “footless tights.” Just say yes to ankle-length, opaque leggings with a fabric weight approximately equal to that of your favorite pair of skinny jeans. (And really, do I honestly need to even mention how I feel about stirrup pants?) As for toppers, keep the fit body conscious but not too tight, and for goodness sake, cover that derriere!

Lindsay style by poison.kiss featuring Alexander McQueen shoes

As for those other 80s stalwarts—jumpsuits and harem pants—unless you’re uni-monikered (think Beyonce) or ultra-lithe (hello Kate Moss), this humble editor’s opinion is that one should look, sigh longingly, and leave those bad boys on the runway where they belong.

Now that, my friends, is how this woman of a certain age busts a move.

President “Barry” on Image and Style

{Images Courtesy of the New York Times.}

Not only has our new President brought youth, hope, and organically farmed produce to the White House, he’s also brought a sense of style that few—if any—other politicians possess. President Obama (along with the buff and beautiful Michelle) has a casual elegance in everything he wears. From sleek, power-tie accessorized suits at the office to shades and board shorts at the beach, Mr. Obama knows how to present himself. Before his days of political power, President Barack Obama—or Barry as he was called—was a self-aware, image conscious freshman at Southern California’s Occidental College.

Lisa Jack, a classmate of Barry’s and a student of photography, was tipped off that handsome freshman Barry would be an ideal subject to shoot. Barry showed up with a bomber jacket, flared jeans, a pack of ciggs, and a Panama hat. He clearly had put careful, purposeful thought into what he chose to wear and how he wanted to be portrayed. At the tender age of eighteen, Barry knew that “clothes function like identity flashcards.” These photos, first featured in Time magazine are currently on display at the M+B Gallery in Los Angeles.

While I am all for rolling out of bed, throwing on what’s comfortable and not stressing over what to wear, this (apparently) won’t make me the next Commander in Chief.  Image is everything and first impressions do last. Though most professionals won’t acknowledge putting much importance on fashion, looking good matters. Putting deliberate thought into how you present yourself goes a long way. While I’m not advocating transforming into a label-slavin’ Gucci Prada Mama, I am advocating putting careful consideration into how you present yourself to the world by starting with your style. Being naturally good looking, charming, and stylish (like young Barry) doesn’t hurt much either.

Next time you consider heading out in shabby sweats and a faded tee, take a moment and think about the journey of young, self-aware Barry and ask yourself, “is this really how I want to present myself to the world?” I know I will.

LA Street Style: Stylin’ Sailor

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