In this rushing society, it seems that fashion trends are expiring and burgeoning every other day. The stream of clothes to try, buy, and style feels endless, and honestly, it’s quite easy to get lost in the mix rather than keep up.
The thing is, the trends of today are not as “new” as they appear. Often, they are reiterations of the past, and it goes beyond making “outdated” fits look cool. The renaissance of past fashion trends is in the spirit of striving for distinctive pieces that are more comfortable for the current society to wear.
If you are feeling pressured to keep up with the trends, focusing on what works for you as a fashion-forward consumer goes a long way in finding your flair in the piles of trendy clothes and accessories. Here are five Filipina celebrities who prove that, sometimes, all you need to stand out is a visit to the old closet:
Peplum Tops
The controversial peplum top of the 2010s is back and more understated than ever. Peplum—or “peplos,” meaning “tunic” in Greek—is less associated with the tunic itself than with the 19th century, a time when dress styles accentuated a full hip silhouette. This is because peplum refers to a broad range of tops that hug the waist and then flare out to drape gently over the hips like an overskirt.
This season, peplum tops are all about sleekness. Instead of stiff fabrics, you’ll find the 2024 peplums made from soft, breathable materials like satin, cotton, and linen. As a result, the peplum now gives the upper body a naturally softer silhouette, just like the one seen on Andrea Brillantes.
Jorts
Y2K fashion continues to prove that it’s not going anywhere, now reappearing as long jean shorts that were once associated with skater and hip-hop boys. A blend of jeans and shorts, “jorts” originally emerged as a form of counterculture protest against the ban on shorts, which were considered highly improper. People started cutting the legs off their jeans to create shorts. Fast forward a few years, and jorts were everywhere—and getting shorter.
Jorts are in the middle of full-length jeans and short shorts. With the classic knee-to-calf length but with a baggier finish, stylish women like Angelique Manto have found a way to turn them into an It Girl’s wear. Like it or not, these throwback denims are back in style.
Bubble Hems
Another early-noughties trend making a 2024 comeback is the bubble hem. Now, it is more chic than ever.
Bubble hems are known for their cinched hemlines that create a “bubble” around the waist and hips. From soft balloon-like skirts to billowing mini dresses, bubble hems satisfy Gen Z’s sartorial leaning towards a pop of personality. Even more so now that these bubble hems are fashioned in asymmetrical cuts, exaggerated shapes, and quirky color blocking. You can take inspiration for your bubble look from P-Pop BINI idol Maloi, who embraces this whimsical blast from the past with a puffy mini skirt.
Baguette Bags
The late ‘90s and early ‘00 styles are once more revived, and they now take the shape of a small handbag, with a short shoulder strap, a narrow shape, and a clever nod to the French loaf.
Between the pastel residues of previous years and the current vibrancy of funky patterns, baguette bags have become even cuter. The comeback of baguette bags in 2024 signals a new way to blend nostalgia with modern flair, resulting in a range of options from neutral colors and bold prints to understated flaps and luxurious embellishments. For actress Maris Racal, a brown baguette bag perfectly complements a mocha-colored suit vest and trousers.
Claw Clips
The hair accessory that once exited the fashion scene as a mere drugstore item is clawing its way back—and what better season for its return than the humid summer weather?
Claw clips are marked by their pair of pronged teeth that clamp securely into the wearer’s hair, resembling a claw. They are readily available in a wide variety of sizes and colors and are straightforward enough to open up a myriad of opportunities to be stylish. They can be worn with either a half-up, half-down look or a full updo. Combined with the contemporary touch, a plain black chunky claw clip is just as effortlessly elegant as its more decorative version, such as those shaped like ribbons or flowers! This 2024, Gen Z has been buzzing about orchid claw clips, which add a fresh twist to their summer looks. Kyline Alcantara is among those embracing this return, proving that you can take simplicity to new heights effortlessly even with just a chunky claw clip.
Unlike earlier generations, today’s fashion trends come and go from closets faster than you can exhaust the different ways to style them. One influential person is enough to set a new trend for tomorrow, and what’s trendy today might soon be relegated as a memento of the past. If you feel out of sync with this rapid cycle, don’t fret too much! This only means that fashion will always find a way to satiate its thirst for ingenuity, and that includes bringing out pieces from the past. Who knows, perhaps for tomorrow, the next trend is just hiding in your mom’s closet.
