JOANNE Watkinson
Working in fashion and writing about clothes requires me to stay somewhat “down with the kids” when it comes to what is in vogue.
However, what is in vogue means nothing to the younger generation, who purposely rebuff what grown-ups are wearing.
I have a pre-teen (tweenager?) who is finding her fashion feet faster than I was anticipating, cue a visit to Urban Outfitters, the American chain that seems to have the monopoly on under18s.
Its mix of own brand (iets frans) and bought-in products is what the younger crowd – inspired by trailblazers like Billie
Eilish and Zendaya – wants, and the result is mesmerising.
A walk around their store was like a trip back in time to the 1970s: crochet waistcoats, brown corduroy belt skirts and optic print flares, it’s a “lewk”. I use the urban slang in irony, as I’m aware it’s “cringe” for me to use it.
My dotted line into the younger generation via my family means I’m well aware of the thin ice I am walking on even daring to infiltrate their space.
While style is timeless, trends are not. As I browsed through the teddy fur bucket hats, lace-up front tops and 90s-inspired bustiers I initially felt defiant. I could wear this stuff if I wanted to, adapt it to make it work for me. Then clarity set in. I don’t want to wear it and not only because I would look comical.
Young fashion is about experimenting, pushing boundaries, making a statement about what tribe you belong to, but there is an invisible line in the sand where this stops and personal style takes its place.
I can’t put my finger on at what age this happens, most likely because it’s different for everyone and there are elements that cross over. Among the retro Kickers jumpers and O-ring halter tops, there were New Balance trainers, shearling Birkenstocks, Fjalraven and Carharrt – all brands which us oldies (over-18s) can wear without looking ridiculous.
But the Fiorucci, Fila, Guess and Hi-Tec I’m leaving firmly to those born after 2003,
I don’t want the young ones getting salty*. (*slang for irritated, angry, or resentful.)