Fashion Trend Prediction
July 1, 2024
The New Americana
Americana is not just about the 60s and 70s anymore! In this edition we will explore later decades and how they blend seamlessly into this fun, fresh aesthetic.
Edition 2
“That’s the promise of tomorrow —
that in the face of impossible odds,
people who love their country can change it.”
“We will always remember,
We will always be proud,
We will always be prepared,
so we will always be free.”
"Cigarettes and tiny liquor bottles
Just what you'd expect In her new Balenciaga
High on legal marijuana
Raised on Biggie and Nirvana
We are the new Americana"
FREEDOM
The New Americana - Summer Fashion Style Guide and Trend Predictions
Welcome to your ultimate guide to Americana with a fresh spin— where 60s vibes blend with the bold statements of decades that followed. This season, it's all about reviving and celebrating the vintage American spirit, perfect for sunny days and leisurely evenings.
Let's walk through the decades to see how iconic styles contribute to today's landscape of American fashion.
Then, we will go over layering and combining aesthetics, for a modern look.
American Aesthetics Throughout the Decades
From the original 'picket-fence American dream' to iconic pop culture moments of the 2000s, Americana fashion has always been deeply tied to freedom and self-expression. Today, this style is being narrated by a generation that values sustainability, diversity, community, and uniqueness.
In this section we will dive into American fashion trends throughout the years, and find out which of these trends are most relevant today.
✮ 60's sweethearts: Think retro housewife! Vintage diners, convertible Chryslers, and Coca-Colas on the beach remain superior. Icon Marilyn Monroe's fashion is an easy example. To illustrate in today's terms, just look up Lana del Rey. 😉 Stylize the 60s for new age Americana by, for instance: integrating floaty dresses, white clothing, and letting your hair and makeup tell the rest of the story!
✮ 70's Revival: Remember Woodstock, peace signs, and the generally free spirited world-outlook of Americans in the 1970s. Crotchet anything, lace bandeaus, vests, and chunky belts all translate incredibly well to this summers' most coveted look.
✮ 80's and 90's Influnce: Stranger Things Core? Leather and denim are the go-to textiles of this era which tie into Americana fashion today. For example, pairing 90s combat boots with 80s oversized jackets- is a whole look.
✮ Y2K and Modern Twists: You, uh, probably know what I'm going to say... because it's low-rise denim paired with crop tops. lol. Of course, don’t forget a tiny handbag and chunky accessories to pull the look together. Accessories will really help lay into the rural America vibe.
Layering Different American Aesthetics and Time Periods
Now, layering isn't just functional for those cool summer evenings. It’s also a style statement. Mixing and matching these decades or trends is the key to acheiving a modern American look. Incorporating elements from the y2k trailer park princess, 70s western wear, and 60s coquette styles, along with the sporty simplicity of the 80s and 90s will bring out a unique twist to traditional Americana.
✮ Coquette and Trailer Park Fashion: Sweet meets sassy with gingham dresses, knotted front shirts, and daring shorts. Remember, it’s all about creating a contrast. That means creating a high variance in either shades of colors, materials, decades, or themes.
✮ Sporty Chic: Athletic aesthetics blend with casual wear, so embrace varsity jackets, and sports bras under loose shirts. These elements will definitely add some of TikTok's 'blokecore' vibes when at their best.
✮ Western Vibes: Infuse some wild west with cowgirl boots and modernize them with soft pieces, like milkmaid dresses and slip skirts. A touch of Texas prairie goes a long way in Americana.
Key Words for Your Americana Wishlist
✮ Tops: spaghetti straps, open front tops, crotchet, lace, and graphic baby tees
✮ Bottoms: low rise, denim, crotchet, lace, layered, ruffles, long skirts with leg splits, flirty miniskirts, and even flouncy high low skirts
✮ Dresses: milkmaid, floral, ditsy, and corseted
✮ Shoes: combat boots, converse, cowgirl boots, and exposed sock trim
How to Accessorize New Americana
✮ Jewelry: Vintage jewelry will tie in beautifully to the new Americana aesthetic, so keep an eye out for chunky, textured bangles and bracelets. Likewise, long lariat necklaces are a stylish way to add a dash of western and humility- without weighing down your free-spirited look.
✮ Headwear: Bows and headbands are a lovely way to accessories and add a dash of 60s charm to your look. Or, dying to show off your expensive Airpod Maxes? Go for it, gurl, because headphones add a fresh y2k element to 80s and 90s trends. Meanwhile, dad hats tone down western pieces for a relaxed, baseball baddie vibe.
✮ Chunky Belts: Belts add structure and depth to delicate bottoms like bloomers. So, if your look feels a little frumpy or bland- you can try a chunky round belt, a rodeo buckle belt, or a chain belt. This will add a cool girl element so you look more like a NYC fashion student than a nursing home patient. (but of course no shade to any of you cutie grans ♡)
Beauty Styling to Pull the Look Together
Achieve that dreamy summer look with the right hair and makeup tips:
✮ Hair: Waves are effortlessly chic; while buns or bows can add a fun twist.
✮ Makeup: Inspired by icons like Edwige Fenech and Marilyn Monroe - think defined eyeliner, faux freckles, and juicy lipstick shades. Meanwhile, complement your complexion with a touch of bronzer and blush.
Where to Shop for New Age Americana
✮ Thrift and Antique Shops: All of the perfect pieces for Americana are inspired by things that have been around for a little while, or a long while. So you just have to find them! Chances are, you already have several items in the back of your closet dying to be restyled!
Remembering to be sustainable is not only important for Americans, but for humanity; so, avoid buying "throw away" items that you will only wear once or twice. My suggestion is to thrift pieces that you will wear with many outfits, and that can cross over into multiple dressing styles that you enjoy.
For those that live in a rural area, Poshmark, Depop, and theRealReal are a great way to shop online while standing for sustainability.
✮ Boutique Shops: If one positive thing is true of America, it's their entrepreneurial spirit. So supporting small, women, and black owned businesses should be a priority when shopping for American fashions.
Etsy, ModCloth, and specialty sites are a great option for online shoppers to find something that inspires them and supports an American.
✮ Mainstream Retailers: Of course, if you are on the hunt for a specific item, thrifting can be a pain.
In that case, retailers such as Asos, Urban Outfitters, Free People, and Pacsun all carry trendy takes on the new Americana trend.
Remembering the Roots / Modern Interpretation
