College Fashion Trend: Exposed Zippers
This semester I have definitely noticed a lot of exposed zippers, and at first, I felt uneasy about the trend. On the embarrassment scale, the idea of an exposed fly is right up there with parsley stuck in your teeth, right?
However, zippers have become an accessory- exposed and no longer hidden behind a flap of fabric. The zip-front style is one that I have noticed the most; however, asymmetrical zippers are also becoming widely popular!
Here are different examples of this evolving trend:
Dresses:
At first I thought this trend was a little trashy. I mean, when I think of exposed zippers I think of spandex stripper outfits…yikes! However, there are a variety of zipper dresses that range from cocktail attire to daytime sundresses.
Product Information (left-to-right): Black Zip Dress- Brown’s Fashion, Lace Zip Dress- TopShop, Light Denim Dress- missselfridge
Tops:
Zipper tops are also very diverse. The most prevalent zipper style that I’ve seen is a fitted tank (such as the center tank below) tucked under a high-waisted skirt. See my example outfits below for some more ideas!
Product Information (left-to-right): Pink Zip Vest, Abstract Top, Floral Blouse- All TopShop
Skirts:
I recently bought a full zipped skirt from Urban Outfitters, and I love it! I’ve mostly seen full zip-front skirts, but if you spot any other varieties, post links in the comments!
Product Information (left-to-right): Denim Skirt- TopShop, Abstract Skirt- Lipsy, Ruffle Skirt- Maruione (Japan)
How to Wear Exposed Zippers:
Avoid flashy belts! Exposed zippers should be the focal point of the dress, skirt, etc.
Don’t go overboard on the grunge effect. If you add leather, studded cuffs, or other hardcore elements, proceed with caution! I would go for a leather strap bracelet, or something that has a hardcore, but quirky look.
Take the time to find your zipper niche! Exposed zippers are also featured on ballet flats, leggings, and even on clutch bags!
Example Ensembles:
On a Date:
Product Information (clockwise from upper left): Gold Clutch- eBags, Black Dress- Brown’s Fashion, Coin Necklace- Banana Republic, Red Shoes- Windsor, Lip Gloss- Sephora
For a Long Day of Classes:
Product Information (clockwise from upper left): Floral Blouse- TopShop, Black Skinny Jeans- Kohl’s, Jacket- Debenhams, Nude Flats- Macy’s, Leather Cuff- Fossil
While You’re Out Shopping:
Product Information (clockwise from upper left): Tan Bag- Fred Flare, Black Tank- Forever 21, Headband- Kitson, Sandals- Old Navy, Ruffle Skirt- Maruione
Your Thoughts?
What do you think about this trend? Which style do you prefer, the asymmetrical or the zip-front?
Posted on on September 16, 2009 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: Dresses, Fall 2009, Outfits, skirts, Trends, Zippers
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Tara from My Little Fashion Finds
I love the exposed zipper trend! In fact, I’m actually wearing my shorts with exposed zippers on the sides right now. I wrote about this trend back in February.
Ahaja
i’m in love with the exposed zippers. I especially like the abstract skirt you have presented from lipsy.
Alex
Do not like exposed zippers, I think it looks tooo metallic… nahhh
Claire
Love exposed zips. And the blue jacket from Debenhams is FAB. But I have too many blue coats.
Amy
I think they can look effective but only when paired with something quite feminine like ruffles, and only for an evening occasion and definately not for class. As for wearability, I don’t think I’ll be rushing out to buy anything with an exposed zipper anytime soon.
:D
http://anotherlovenote.blogspot.com/
Lena Michelle
im not a big fan of this trend, but i love the outfits you put together!
amazing :)
Rachel
oh wow i absolutely love the first outfit.. i never thought I like this trend until i saw that dress!
Marlena
I love this style! Coincidentally, I wore jean shorts with leggings with zippers on the side today. (:
Camilla
I have just bought a gorgeous bodycon dress with a big zipper down the back. I got in in the sale real cheap too! Plus I bought my sister a skirt that zips diagonally down the front instead of buttons. The style rules!
Alana @ The Comm Ave Strut
I love exposed zippers, especially when they’re not overpowering, like in the back of this FCUK dress. It’s one of my favorites :)
Luinae
I don’t like metallic zippers
Leira
I really don’t like this trend, at least not on the pieces in this post. The zippers are just too random; the clothes would be cuter without them. However, I do like the idea of a zipper on black (leggings, maybe?) like on one of the dresses you posted (but I don’t like that one because of its placement).
Jess
I love this trend as well. But you forgot shoes( well if it counts lol) I have some black booties with a gold zippers in the front.
Love the on a date outfit as well its way too cute
Julie
mmm i agree with jess, i love the zipper trend on shoes.
I love some of the picks, but they are not so much in my price range.
I’ve noticed a bunch of the writers have been using more expensive choices lately, which is fine for classic pieces like jeans or a good blazer, but i’d love to see more poor college kid friendly choices for all of the outfits.
Sarah
I’m over this trend, except on shoes. A lot of these pieces seem like the zipper is just slapped on, which doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. However, I love the contrast of girly, pale ruffles with a heavy-duty zipper on that Maruione skirt.
For the most part, though….eh.
Cara
I like most of the zippers, actually. They have an understated funky vibe, especially if treated with otherwise conventional or ladylike pieces. I have a great 60′s style sheath in Black Watch plaid with little angled zipper pockets in the front and a long distressed silver zipper down the back and I love it. On the other hand, I tried on a skirt at Forever21 the other day that was super-shiny and super-clingy with a somewhat cheap looking zipper – did not love that one. I also have a pair of skinny jeans with ankle zips, which are very cute and versatile. So it depends on quality, but mostly I find my zipper items very wearable and unique.
Cara
Love the lace zip dress and the blue jacket in the pictures, btw. Would totally wear them together with black tights and pumps, and maybe a black silk headband!
N + S
Definitely prefer the asymmetrical zippers – though not the kind with 4 on a shirt. On a nice bomber jacket though – super cute!
SupaWaifu
I’m not a fan of any exposed zipper. The only piece here I might like is the Denim Skirt- TopShop, but I just think how uncomfortable that zipper would be while sitting down
jojo
I LOVE exposed zippers! I bought a pair of dark denim skinny’s with zippers on the bottom back, and they look awesome! I was totally surprised by all the compliments I got on them too, I didn’t realize people would notice them …
shirley
i dont really like this trend but i bought a black mini skirt with an exposed zipper in the back halfway down the middle of the skirt. it’s cute i guess, but i think i like how the zipper’s in the back so it doesnt show in front.
haha, my friend saw the middle floral zipper top and called it an “easy access” top.
kate
personally, i think the look is too unclassy. however, i also believe any trend/style can be worn and worked ;] depending on the person, outfit, etc. one thing that’s tricky is the color of the zipper — silver, gold, copper … you’d have to match your outfit accessories around that. i strongly feel that mixed metals isn’t a great idea in an outfit.
Annie
I don’t really like this trend. It looks pretty nice on shoes (as someone mentioned before), but from the outfits presented above, the only one acceptable for me is the black dress. I especially hate the asimmetrical ones (third dress ans first top). Also, the black zipper on colorful fabric looks kinda trashy as well – but that’s just my opinion. And kate is right for sure – this trend can be worn and worked, it’s just i don’t think it would work for me.
amber
Yeah, i agree: zippers only look nice on shoes. It’s really a bit in-your-face for the outfits, imo. That black dress just looks weird.
Kalpesh
This is my first visit to this site
I LOVE exposed zippers!
I love this trend
oh wow i absolutely love the outfits….
la petite fashionista
i love me a good exposed zipper! so cheeky ;) i love the asymmetrical look best like the red top pictured above!
Callie
I really love the Day of Classes and Out Shopping outfits!
Deanna
Not a fan, exposed zippers look unfinished and not too classy. I like the idea of zippers anywhere below the knee – leggings, skinnys, booties – only. Cute outfits though
Claire
I love the exposed zipper style too… I’ve been looking everywhere for this shirt! I’ve only seen it in this picture though, does anyone know who makes it or where I can buy it??
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=322966566&albumID=1057260&imageID=12597236
marlee
http://www.gypsy05.com has the cutest dresses and tops with zippers. seriously an amazing find.. be careful though i warned you if you were looking for pieces with zippers youll find those and sooooo many other things you want to buy!
Tiffani
Hey do you guys think the exposed zipper is still in style? I bought some black booties with small exposed zippers on the side but now I’m wondering if it’s a faded trend.