So as I continued reading this article, I noticed it kept bashing Gap, over and over again, calling it a 'dusty playbook,' and that it's heyday was back in the '80s and 90s.' I have a response to that: Gap is back.
So this summer I bought a lot of Gap stuff - I mean a LOT. I needed a new wardrobe because I'd outgrown a lot of my things maturity-wise, and I'd gained a bit of weight (which I planned on dropping this summer, but I still needed new clothes). I have a Gap Outlet near me, so not only is everything cheaper to begin with, but there are sales. All the time sales. Even for non-outlet Gaps, they have a lot of sales, and their prices aren't that bad. So what was this articles deal? Well, I have an opinion.
The article was wrong.
Gap used to be out of fashion. They used to be trying to keep up with fads, but now they've stopped. Since the early 2000s, they've updated. They're classy aesthetically in the stores, and their clothes have shifted to being basics with a twist.
Cords - bright cords. I used to hate cords, they were big, thick, clunky, very masculine, and the color selection didn't help. But I might buy a pair of these. Oversized sweaters are another things - not just BIG, but ones that fit, just a little looser. Maybe they're perfect fitting, only a little longer. Those have become a classic. They're not your typical ideal of classic, like 'pencil skirt' or 'oxfords.' But they've become a classic on their own.
Gap has taken it and given it more color, more patterns, three-quarter length sleeves. Gap had taken classics, and updated them, and still keeps it all at a good price for the quality. They even give you ideas on how to wear certain things. Maybe you just got some bright fuchsia pants (because colored skinny jeans have officially become more than just a fad, but not yet a classic) and you have no idea what to do with them.
Striped neutral sweaters are a classic, as is the little button-jacket. It could even be replaced by a vest or you could wear the little sweater alone with the pants. Little basic slip-ons are good shoes for it - nothing clunky or showy, just basic shoes.
A little classy button up shirt, something that woman have been wearing since the pantsuit came into existence with shoulder pads, only now Gap has added ruffles. It takes a few unisex piece of clothing and gives it a more feminine appeal, making it more appealing, cuter, a way of staying true to yourself.
The same thing is applicable to men. With this, we'll also look at skinny jeans. Has anyone noticed everyones' pants getting tighter and tighter? That's a long-term, cyclical trend. Pants get bigger and baggier and wider until the can't anymore, and then they start coming in. Hence the skinny jeans for men and women. Soon, they'll hit a point where they just can't get any smaller, and they'll slowly start going back out, into flares and bootcuts.
But I guarantee, khakis like these for gents will be popular and fashionable for a while. Gap is keeping it classic with a modern, well-appreciated twist, while keeping themselves affordable for the quality. Higher quality than Old Navy, and therefore more expensive, but a lot cheaper than Banana Republic, for only a little less quality.
I'm a Gap supporter and I plan on staying that way for a long time. PS, I lost all the weight I wanted to, and all the clothes still look perfectly cute on me (after an intense dryer cycle). In short, that article was wrong, and I think Gap is doing perfectly right now. They bounced back, and aren't going away anytime soon in my opinion.
Until next time!
-MG
All images from Gap website or google images. Original article found Here. :)
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