News You Can Use

Ethnic fashion springs to forefront

University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Pam McTeer
April 14, 2005

STARKVILLE, Miss.—The bright, geometrical prints of Africa are on the forefront of fashion this spring.

Ethnic and tribal colors and fabrics, such as deep browns and African-style prints, are especially popular this season, says Phyllis B. Miller, an associate professor in apparel, merchandising and interior design at Mississippi State University. “Prints are bigger than they’ve been in the past, even for men.”

Mixing prints is also in style, but Miller says that it must be done carefully; keep a few colors in common between prints and do not mix muted or pastel patterns with bright shades.

For the fashion-conscious on a budget, Miller recommends purchasing solid colors first to create a variety of looks. Prints or other patterns may be added later, along with brightly colored jewelry, scarves, handbags, and shoes to complete the look.

For any outfit, each color should appear at least twice. “That pulls the look together more than anything else,” she observes.

Other hot 2005 fashion “do’s” include:

—Pleated fabrics;

—Red, white and blue color combinations, especially with patterns or stripes;

—The white and blue “sailor look” of sailor collars, gold buttons and braided trims;

—Short suits, or shorts with a suit-type jacket;

—Empire or high-waist dresses with delicate or sheer, flowing fabrics;

—Tie-dye and batik (wax dying);

—The “East Indian” look of jewel-toned clothing and embroidery with mirrors;

—Crochet, embroidery, hand-painted fabrics, and other hand-made elements; and

—Jewelry of natural elements—coconut shells, beads, seeds, and wood, among others.