Not all of us are quick on the uptake when it comes to lifestyle trends. With this overview of trend predictions for the coming year, you can mull over those you want to embrace and those you'd prefer to watch pass on by.
Fashion
Fashion trends change as quickly as the seasons, so if you're joining the party, you've got to move quickly. Many of the upcoming trends named by Vogue magazine look back to earlier times - perhaps some are still in your (or your grandmother's closet). This season, look for anything in suede, gingham and floral prints, fringe, Bohemian styling, white lace and gladiator sandals.
Color
Color trends are most often associated with clothing, but they affect cosmetics, home and commercial interiors - even the everyday products we buy. Pantone names colors trends each spring and fall, along with a color of the year (2015 celebrates the wine-toned Marsala). Their website states that the season's colors are cooler and softer, and "follow a minimalistic, plein air theme, taking a cue from nature." The colors are online at pantone.com, and include cooler tones like Classic Blue and Lucite Green, neutrals like Toasted Almond and Glacier Gray and subdued "brights" like Tangerine and Strawberry Ice.
Food
- Ugly root vegetables: Kale is passe. Celery root, parsnips and kohlrabi are ready to take its place, whether fried, mashed or baked.
- Savory ice cream and yogurt: Greek yogurt is now standard at grocery stores, but up until now flavors have been sweet and fruity. Watch for savory varieties to pop up. Beet yogurt or carrot ice cream, anyone?
- Hummus: Hummus is going the way of greek yogurt, which means you'll see more options at the grocery store, find it on menus as an appetizer and maybe even as a spread at Subway.
- Flavored water: Standard soda pop is out and coconut water, cucumber water and other lightly flavored waters are in. Added energy-boosting ingredients are a bonus.
- Locally crafted whiskey: Now that local wines and crafted beers have become big, there's a growing grain-to-bottle movement for American booze.
Fitness
Maintaining physical shape in the modern world takes a bit of creativity, which means it's as subject to trends as the rest of our lives. The American College of Sports Medicine releases an annual fitness trend forecast, which has charted the rise and fall of fads like Zumba and Pilates. This year's top trend is body-weight training (think push-ups and pull-ups) that relies on minimal equipment.
High-Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, is next on the trend list, which includes programs such as Crossfit. The use of fitness professionals and personal trainers is also on the rise.
A trip or two to the hardware store may be in your future if you're following home design trends. Zillow Digs announced 2015 trends based on popular photo analysis and surveys with interior design experts. This year gold fixtures are in, along with cowhide, wallpaper, blue accents and modern or mid-century design elements.
But just as important is what's out. According to the article, if you've decorated with chevrons, bright colors, solid-color painted accent walls or matching furniture, it's time to do a little shopping and get to work.
