Photo by Steve Wood/MCT

Micro minis, dresses, new prints take over 2007

New Year, new trends, new writer.

Kristen Morgan

Fourth Estate

Happy New Year! With the new semester comes a new fashion writer. Melissa Tuomi leaves big shoes to fill, but I will do my best. The new year brings all sorts of new fashion dos and don’ts, and many of the same trends that have already been seen.

Unfortunately for us who are not a size zero, this season we cannot escape the micro-mini skirt. In fact, the mini is probably the strongest player for spring. Mini dresses also fall in this category. They range anywhere from girlish innocence to sleek and sexy.

The dresses come in different shapes such as baby-doll or fitted, but pay close attention to the waistline. One of the things to be aware of with the minis is whether you feel comfortable enough to wear it and are ready to rock it. Wear the mini, don’t let the mini wear you. You can dress the look down by adding some leggings to the skirt or layer a blazer on top.

Photo by MCT

Let your inner animal come out this season through your clothes. Say goodbye to the dark fall colors and hello to ‘70s styles like animal print and floral. The great thing about these styles is that they work for any age.

Afraid of walking out of the house looking like a zebra? Start small with a great pair of zebra or leopard flats which add lots of character to any outfit. Scarves can also be a good first step. Once you start getting more comfortable wearing prints, climb your way up the boldness ladder by carrying a print handbag or blouse.

Next, let’s talk color. This season has some pretty bold ideas that are sure to make anyone stand out: metallic and neon. Metallic colors are being seen all over the runways, whether it’s a harder mix of silver, white and black, or a more romantic and soft feel with golden tones. Most of the metallics have an ‘80s punk feel to them, but they don’t have to present that look. The goal of wearing metallics right now is to feel more futuristic, not like you’re stuck in the ‘80s.

Moving on to the scary topic of neon finds us taking a look back to the ‘80s again. Before busting out your mom’s old off-the-shoulder neon pink T-shirt and matching scrunchie, keep in mind that the idea is to wear neon subtly and sparingly. Browns, khaki and navy can really diminish the intense colors of neon.

If you are too scared to participate in either the animal print or neon trends going on, not to worry. You never have to participate in a trend just because it’s the style at the moment. If you still want to participate without having to wear large items, accessories are the way to go. Neon works the same way as the animal prints. A bright metallic shoe would go great with jeans, and an oversized metallic bag can brighten up any outfit.

Cosmetics for 2007 haven’t changed much. Bright voluptuous lips are in full fledge. One thing to remember is that if you use lip liner and lipstick, make sure they are the same color. Even though you are wearing lip liner, the goal is for it to look like you’re not. Green and purple are great colors for eyes, although smoky eyes are still in full force. Highlighting and reflecting are the keywords for cheeks, and as far as hair goes, soft updos, ponytails and free-falling hair is easy and trendy for anyone to pull off.