Acorn

Issue date: 2/29/08 Section: Arts and Leisure

Media Credit: Merion Read

If there is one thing that I predict will creep up in fashion, it is the comeback of shoulder pads. No one agrees with me on this.

One might wonder why on earth a fashionista like me would even predict the comeback of shoulder pads when they are one of the worst fashion trends of all time.  However, there is a method to my madness, so let me explain.

Let's look at some recent fashion trends that have been followed over the past few years. I do believe that it all started with jelly shoes. If anyone doesn't know what jelly shoes are, they are shoes that were popularized in the 1980s and worn into the early 1990s.

These shoes were somewhat transparent and had a jelly-like sheen. They were also very cheap. These babies had a brief comeback in 2005, but they did not seem to really survive a long comeback unfortunately.

Not long after, leggings started making their way back into existence. Many women began pairing these skintight trousers with mini skirts and dresses. They still seem to be popular, especially among the women here on campus.

Now, there are more varieties of leggings, and thanks to stores like American Apparel, we are supplied with fun metallic-colored leggings.

After the leggings came the thick high waist belt, which I cannot stress how much I love. These thick babies can take a boring outfit and make it much more interesting and fun.

High waist belts were popular in the late 1980s, with many other trends that are currently worn by many. They are fun, chunky and fierce.

It doesn't just end at the thick waist belts-thankfully, we've also had the return of skinny jeans.

This trend has made its presence known even in menswear, and will eventually become a thing of the past. Unfortunately, the pants department recently took a turn for the worse because high waist pants made their comeback. Nothing says, "I'm sexy," more than a pair of pants pulled up to your chest.

Currently, we are experiencing the return of slouch boots, which were often worn by Dorothy in the hit 1980's sitcom "The Golden Girls." I am rather torn on the subject of slouch boots. I have seen some really cool ones, and then I have seen others that were ugly. Choose your slouch boots wisely, ladies.

So what is next?  We went through it all. Belts, leggings, slouch boots, skinny jeans, jelly shoes and so on. It only makes sense that shoulder pad central is our next stop.

Trust me on this ladies and gentlemen-those lumpy devils are just itching to sit on everyone's shoulders.

It is evident that this look is coming back because many fashion designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Gareth Pugh and my personal favorite, Balenciaga, have all featured shoulder pads in some of their latest collections.

As silly as this may sound, shoulder pads are coming, and they are coming soon.

Raid your mother's closet! Do you remember that awful outfit your mother wore to your kindergarten graduation? Better pray she still has it, because that boxy silhouette is in. As of right now, the hottest, hippest gals on television are none other than Dorothy, Rose, Blanch and Sophia from "The Golden Girls." With their thick waist belts, slouch boots and chunky jewelry, they have never looked so hip and sexy as they do now.

So remember, if you don't know what to wear, just tune into an episode of "The Golden Girls," and you're set for this season.

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