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Ask An Expert: 2014's Trends With Staying Power

Style is fickle. It goes in, it goes out; it comes back, it goes in circles. These days, it's hard to tell which trends are still, well, trendy, and which are long gone, perhaps only to return some day in the future (but not for now). Detroit, with its growing base of young people, including the always fashion-conscious hipsters, is becoming a hotbed of fashion activity. To help guide readers as to what works these days (and what doesn't) when it comes to trends, we've enlisted some local expert help.

Plato's Closet in Utica (Credit, Michael Ferro)
Plato's Closet in Utica (Credit, Michael Ferro)

Melissa Harp - Co-Owner
Plato's Closet Utica
13287 Hall Road
Utica, MI 48315
(586) 997-5001
www.platosclosetutica.com

Melissa Harp has co-owned the Plato's Closet in Utica with her husband Vernon Harp since 2007. For both, opening up the retail store was a career change, and they love it! Plato's Closet is a national clothing recycling chain that buys men's and women's gently-used, name-brand clothing and accessories from consumers and re-sells them. What makes Plato's Closet different from typical consignment stores is that walk-in sellers are welcome, and as a bonus the store pays cash on the spot for any goods it buys. Here, she offers some invaluable advice to keep you informed on the trends that happened in 2014 that will see their way into the next season.

Popular shoes at the Utica store (Credit, Michael Ferro)
Popular shoes at the Utica store (Credit, Michael Ferro)

1. Boots, Boots, Boots

Boots are everywhere and are being worn with everything! It doesn't matter the heel height, color or length. We see boots on the street, in the store, in the classroom and out on the town. Over the knee, ankle height, and everything in between. They'll be great for winter but can also do a lot more, too.

2. Leggings

Plain, patterned or textured, we see them all. Pair them with tunics, long sweaters, skirts and, of course, boots. Faux leather, shiny, zippers, studs and "bling" detail will be big for the holidays. These were very popular back in the late 1980s and early 1990s but have made their way back into the modern fashion scene.

3. Chunky Knits in Sweaters, Ponchos, Wraps and Shawls

Fall colors with fringe details are being seen. These pieces go over other basic shirts or t-shirts and look great with jeans or leggings. They can be very comfortable in the long, cold winter days and can come in a number of styles that can really make a whole look stand out.

Related: Best Places To Buy A Hat In Detroit

4. "Athleisure" Wear is Here to Stay

We see it every day all day except for the dressiest occasions. These are items of clothing that can be worn either for a casual workout or a casual day at the home office. There are more styles, colors and details than ever before. Yoga pants and hoodies are the most popular pieces.

5. Denim is Back

Jeans in various washes and a skinny fit are most popular. We are seeing some destroyed detailing. Denim jackets are also a big hit this fall. One big positive when dealing with jeans and denim is its amazing durability, so as well as with being stylish, the material can hold up to a lot of punishment.

Related: Best Salons For Men In Detroit

Michael Ferro is freelance writer and a graduate of Michigan State University where he majored in Creative Writing and received the Jim Cash Creative Writing Award. Born and bred in Detroit, he currently resides in Ypsilanti Township. Additional writing can be found at Examiner.com.

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