Different Fashions - Alternative Fashion Styles

Clothing was always, ever since man started wrapping himself in various animal fur, a statement of a certain kind. Fashion, as a style popularized and excepted by many in modern day, just deepened that statement's importance. Choosing one style or another gave people in all cultures a way of expressing themselves, and as there was always a fashion followed by majority of society, there was another, somewhere in the back of it, denying and rejecting it.

Alternative fashion styles are tightly close to music genres of what is also labeled as "alternative", such as rock and roll, punk, gothic, hardcore, and all varieties that rose up from those. Many social and cultural issues are brought up by associating a subculture with a type of music and a way of clothing, such as denying status quo of classes, governmental policies, distribution of power, and identity policy which majority popularized. Identity, in fact, is the most important aspect of alternative fashion and as an embodiment of it, it produced a variety of styles, to show the same variety of opinion, discontent, or rejecting the traditional values which are always transformed in shape but steady in structure in the mainstream fashion.

Reimagining one's own identity is a process that is followed by changes in personal appearance and usually approaching values of a subculture which offers to individual a better view of society. Those values are mirrored in music, clothes and accessories. Influenced by vintage and retro fashion, dress styles, forms of visual and performance art, personal attitudes towards concepts such as individuality, consumerism, social constructs on behavior, and considerations of availability and utilitarianism, rock and roll and punk had a very strong ground to stand on when social criticizm through clothing became unseparable part of the genres.

Since the 50s and 70s which were the turning point years, rock and roll and punk styles got multiplied by many, and brought us gothic, cyber gothic (and other varieties of gothic fashion which is still one of the strongest alternative movements in creation of new gender roles and identities and social boundaries), industrial (strongly influenced by military uniforms), Beatniks, Metal, Heavy Metal, Glam Metal (and many subgenres of metal music which has their own set of clothing styles), Hippie, Riot grrrl, Lolita, Mod, Ero kawaii (and many, many, many Japanese influenced styles with a strong influence on Western fashion, alternative and mainstream, such as Elegant Gothic Aristocrat), and many more. Individuality is an important part of alternative fashion, but there are always patterns (otherwise we would not call it a fashion), and even punk fashion, as an extreme form of rejecting social system through hairstyle, piercings, ripped clothes etc has a certain structure which can except anyone who wants to join it.

As styles change, and we are going further in time from the origins of musical genres which brought us new fashion(s), it is apparent that they are still here, regardless of gender, class, age or culture, transforming and giving people a stronger voice to say "We are different, and we want more".

Discover 2007's New Fashion Style

Every year around this time all the Glam and Style magazines are a buzz as to what the designers unveiled at "fashion week". 2007 seems to be no exception, as women everywhere want to know what fabrics, textures, colors and accessories are hot. Although spring has just begun, this article will discuss the new fashion styles already exploding on the scene.

With so many fashion designers out there, they don't always seem to agree on all the new fashion styles presented on the runway. One thing they do agree on is the "preppy/prissy look". To achieve this look, wear an Oxford shirt with either a tennis skirt (Yes! They are back in style) or a mini skirt (but not too MINI, so where as each step you take reveals what God gave you). If you really want to achieve this look, add a color coordinated tailored blazer. Topping the look off with a pair of strappy or chuncky sandals. For the more athletic look, wear a bright colored tank tee with a fresh pair of cool sneakers.

Another unanimous inclusion to this year's fashion style is embellishment. Done the wrong way and embellished clothing spells DISASTER. The way to avoid this is by finding monochromatic pieces. This meaning clothing with diamond studs, beads, etcetera with a single color. Favorites the designers love are silver, copper and bronze. Most popular are the blouses or dresses adorned with crystals, beads or even edgy studs that move freely and flow fashionably on the body. When you find a blouse or a dress that is simply "to die for", go for the total "glam look" by adding a pair of strappy or chunky high heels and a matching handbag.

Patent leather has resurfaced as another hot material. It's popping up on more than just accessories this season. You can find patent leather coats, skirts, purses and shoes. The "new patent leather" gives a boost of high gloss finish anywhere it presents itself. However, you must keep in mind to make sure to keep it simple when wearing this material, so not to have it clash with other textures that are also on the scene.

Finally, the finishing touch....accessories. Statement jewels are all the rave this season. Showing up on everyone who is anyone, from New York, NY to Milan. Bangles on one or both wrists will make any ensemble you put on, sizzle with pizazz! (Most designers recommend gold, it never goes out of style) If bangles aren't for you, you may feel more comfortable in a big bold necklace with matching earrings (something with spring colors that compliment what you are wearing). Embellished handbags are always a bonus.

These are just SOME of the new fashion styles hitting all major and minor department stores worldwide. With all the different designers, styles, prints, textures and colors, it's enough to have you feeling overwhelmed. With a little time and practice, you be able to pick out the perfect ensemble and accessories in an instant! A guarantee to feel as beautiful as you will look!!