New Trends In Urban Style - Brief Article

Ebony, April, 1999

URBAN America has always been the birthplace of cutting-edge fashion. The clothes parading down the runway tomorrow are often inspired by what fashionable trendsetters are wearing today. For young professionals, urban fashion is less about copying a designer's look and more about developing their own personal sense of style. In many instances, they have the freedom to express themselves in the work environment.

Regardless of age or occupation, making urban style work in the workplace can be a challenge. Unless you're employed in entertainment or another creative industry, "head-to-toe hip-hop gear is a hard look to pull off," says fashion stylist Ira Staples. Employees in a more traditional workplace, he says, need to flaunt their fashion sense without going overboard.

Telecommunications analyst Grace Evans works in a business-casual environment. She rarely wears a suit, preferring instead to wear pants or short skirts paired with a blouse. For spring, Evans adds lightweight, silky shirts that accentuate her collarbone. "I like boatnecks and scoopnecks," says the 26-year-old. True to urban she prefers to wear high-heeled shoes. "I don't do flats," she asserts, favoring boots and square-toe styles with a three- to four-inch heel.

Evans' eclectic color palette mixes neutral beiges, blacks and browns with bright greens and soft pastels. When it comes to accessories, she likes the clean, polished look of silver-studded earrings, hoops and chokers with an ethnic feel.

For men, urban style takes on a smooth, relaxed vibe. Jonathan Allen, a 26-year-old regional account manager, wears "casual, stylish gear" on an almost daily basis. "Occasionally when I have to impress a more formal client, I'll wear a business suit with suspenders or a sportscoat and tie," he says. Allen wears an earring to work almost every day. For spring, he trades in his long-sleeved shirts for shorter styles, worn without a jacket. Allen's wardrobe consists primarily of neutral colors, such as beige and black, that mix-and-match effortlessly to maximize his clothing options.

According to Staples, sticking with neutrals is a smart move for young professional Black men. "Bright colors look dated this season, especially at the workplace," says Staples. "Women can get away with a lot of color, but that doesn't work for men. It's much more modern and edgy for men to go monochromatic or work within a neutral palette." Also out this season is the "preppie" look, long a staple of many urban designers. "Spring is all about a relaxed look," says Staples, pointing to the "casual cool" of many of today's hip-hop artists. "Men's pants are looser without the excessive bagginess we've seen in the past. Women's tops are form-fitting, but in comfortable knits. Young professionals want to look urban and of the moment, but they don't want to look like they're trying too hard. Urban style is more about taking the trends and making them your own instead of copying soil]cone else's look."

New Trends In Urban Style For Spring

WOMEN:

PASTELS WITH AN EDGE. Flirty, feminine colors (pale blue, lilac, yellow)liven up last season's gray and black suits. Look for boatneck, squareneck or V-neck knit tops with three-quarter-length sleeves.

THE RETURN OF THE MULE. Comfortable yet chic, mules for spring are available in high-heeled styles for the true urban diva, as well as rubber-soled canvas options for a more sporty look.

CAPRI PANTS. Ranging from just below the knee to mid-shin, capris are casual in cotton or khaki and workplace chic in lightweight wool or rayon blend.

MEN:

NEO-NEUTRALS. Beige and khaki are everywhere this season; look for utilitarian workshirts, businesslike pleated pants and relaxed suits.

THE CLASSIC T-SHIRT. Now a fashion staple, T-shirts work well under sportscoats in a casual workplace. Ribbed designs, whether wide or variegated, look fresh this season.

MINIMAL ACCESSORIES. Less is more when it comes to men's jewelry, especially on the job. Keep it simple with a basic chain and, if appropriate, a small, classic earring.