Style Bites: Watch out for the 'Spy Look' -- the upcoming unisex trend

Sun, 12/21/2008 10:50 AM  |  Arts & Design

The new year is fast approaching and the new trends are shifting bolder than ever to mark the beginning of your upcoming year. Say goodbye to your ultra glamorous feminine frocks and the overdose of cargo men's attire that have been dragging on for the past half decade.

The new carved structured suit, shirt, jacket and trousers have finally made a come back. And no, don't be scared by the chance to return to 80's power dressing misdemeanors. Get ready to jump into heroic action with the new season cool *Spy Look'.

Trend forecasting might sometimes make the right prediction about what's going to happen, but often they just hint at the direction in terms of fabrics, colors, prints, silhouettes and details for next year's fashion.

We've seen enough elegance for men and women these past few years. As designers always work around reinventing old trends, now the unisex look has finally reappeared, fresh and ready to blend the opposite male and female characters harmoniously.

The look is layered, the long paired with the even longer. From mid-calf to floor-grazing, the lean and mean silhouette is definitely a view to kill!

Men's-inspired women's wear all benefit from the soft construction which embodies natural womanly curves with new masculinity and sleek streamlines. And men's wear is adorned with monochrome colors without necessarily being boring black and white, twisting from suits to casual adventurous jackets, crispy plain shirts to very bold accessories such as Cyclops sunglasses, leather detailed bags and gloves. Only this time, the attitude is the key to carry this androgynous look.

The attitude seems to have been borne following the release of the James Bond's movie Quantum of Solace in theaters. The fashion not only serves the secret agent's Casanova-esque flair, but also goes too for most of the Bond girls, whom appear less sexy but more tough and *seductively sharp' in the last few films.

So goodbye Denise Richards, welcome back Grace Jones!

Tailoring is more an option than drapery for wrapping women's bodies this time around. You may call this style quirky, eccentric, androgynous, or even ironic, but the clash between 'the office' look with a bit of a space-age futuristic touch gives women a totally fresh look.

Just a very useful economic tip: You can wear your boyfriend's clothes this time and twist them to fit you better. Items like shirts and jackets are recommended to be worn with your own outfits. For example, spice up your boyfriend's shirt with a bold metallic necklace, replace your decorative bangle with a hi-tech watch or wear his jacket paired with your simple mini dress.

Remove the old and heavy make up and go for more natural shades complete with straight, silky, darker toned hair styles. Match up this clean look with interesting constructed high heel pumps or boots, then girls you're ready to be the spy who dazzled me.

For guys, you should no longer doubt carrying bigger, chunkier accessories to complete your look. A scarf, sunglasses, gloves, and multifunctional leather bags (for work and leisure) are the hot items this coming season.

However, with our weather here, we need to make a few adjustments. Choose cotton, knit, drill, twill, or even denim for most of your outfits. This will cost less than buying wool suits, and also won't kill you from perspiration when you're not in an air conditioned room. No tie required, opt for one or two unbuttoned shirts showing a firm chest.

Don't overdo your spiky hair, neither the use of over sticky hair gel. And side parting is definitely better than mid parting. Keep facial hair not too long, just let it go in moderation.

Walk with your chest out, one hand in your pants pocket and... try not to smile too much. Keep yourself 'mysterious'. And keep in mind, always make your entrance to every venue with a dashingly sultry companion.

What could be better than celebrating your new year with a rather strong and positive outlook? Perhaps this will give you some ideas for your New Year's party theme as well? Doctor Wow? Rock-on Pussy? Gold Digger? From Russia with Vodka? Living Day and Night? Or Domino Royale?

With a bit more attention towards creativity and inspiration, I can assure you that your new year will be totally shaken with action instead of stirred by wardrobe malfunctions.

-- Diaz

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