Trending Fashion Terms And What They Mean

As we’ve drawn a chaotic close to the 2022s fashion calendar, it’s appropriate to look back on what surfaced on our feeds most. Influencing our sartorial picks, fashion voices made a strong case for trends each season (like they should). But what is more stimulating are the old and new terms that ensued with it. While designers, models, and influencers do talk the talk, Gen Z too has been monumental in shaping a whole lot of fashion vocabulary. We compiled a list of these terms and their meaning, so you don’t have to play catch. Let’s take a look.

Image Credit: Pinterest/ShantanuandNikhil

Androgyny

At the heart of it all, androgyny, simply put is gender-neutral clothing or as some would call it - unisex. It cannot be defined as feminine or masculine and covers accessories, hairstyles, and makeup too. In this age of realism, androgyny has taken a beautiful shape and stands to be embraced for its fine sense of style by the masses. One such conscious androgynous label that must be on your list is, Prakhar.

Arm Candy

Holding different meanings in various slang languages, arm candy in fashion refers to (yes you guessed it right), BAGS! And don’t we love it? Every It-Girl and the Girl-Next-Door was spotted with one of these arm candies. Aditi Khorana of Adisee has got you covered with chic alternatives of the luxe wishlist.

Barbiecore

Maximalists rejoice as Barbiecore was titled ‘Trend Of The Year’. And fairly so, after years of styling low-key athleisure. The trend stems from the world of Barbie which oozes playful pop of colours, essentially in brighter hues of pink. Post the FW 22-23 Valentino show, the infectious feminine energy was quick to catch on as Anne Hathaway served major OOTD goals in sharp and exaggerated silhouettes. Head-to-toe. In Pink.

Bustier

Billions, yes billions jumped onto the bustier aka corset wagon this year. And let me tell you, the trend is here to stay. The garment, (once an undergarment) has been redefined as a fashion essential. This time without the painful repercussions of organ damage. It is more of a bustier top, unlike your traditional corset. Shop Bodements for refreshing upcycled pieces, exclusively designed to be loved for generations.

Clogs

With baggy jeans and boot cuts making a comeback, clogs fit the bill just right. Think comfortable, lightweight slip-on with open backs and covered toes. They come in varieties with a unique take on the archaic styles as seen on the runways of Dries Van Noten, Hermès, and more. Although, its styling is not limited to ‘with baggy jeans only’. There is much to explore from brands like Birkenstock.

Cutouts

How we balanced androgynous clothing and cutouts all in the same year, is fashion wizardry. Nevertheless, cutouts made their mark. The risqué trend was birthed as a design detail to reveal certain parts of the body, much like the 90s but with added glamour. The trend evolved with bolder cuts however the basics include shaped cuts around the waist, necklines, or lower belly. Meko Studio just introduced a beautiful waist-cut winter dress, if you’re looking to go soft on experimenting with this trend.

Dopamine Dressing

As the name suggests, it is dressing as a way to please yourself. Experts weigh in that wearing certain colours or textures can aid in a dopamine boost aka release of the feel-good chemical. And that is it, you make all the rules. For instance, donning a cozy knit sweater during the winter keeps you warm and fuzzy. That’s dopamine dressing for you.

Logomania

Out with flashy logos and in with quiet luxury, the 2010s identified with timeless quality more than brand identity. However, with the onset of a new chapter in fashion, we see logos subtly making a comeback on catwalks this year. Logomania is nothing but the presence of the brand or designer's classic icon (logo) on their respective pieces. This time with intent and minimalism.

Sheer Dressing

The glitzy glam trend of 2022 was seen on numerous red carpet galas and Instagram feeds. Right from floor-sweeping gowns to midi dresses, the sparkly sheer fabric was loved by designers. Mostly crafted from tulle, mesh, or organza fabrics, into a plethora of silhouettes leaving little to the imagination. It’s 2023, what’s not to love?

Y2K

Peak pop culture. Y2K. The best of 90s-00s fashion comes back for round two. Everything you loved from the Britney era (well, not everything) has been a trending bible of sorts for the younger generation. Gracefully accepted by others and has now been termed as Y2K revival. Pleated skirts, cropped Ed Hardy t-shirts, flared hems, co-ords, baguette bags, scarf tops - you name it! The best way to shop this style is to go thrifting.

Image Credits: Pinterest