Century XXI readers keep their finger on the pulse of the fashion world. They know the up-and-coming trends and make them theirs, making their statement before everyone else jumps on the bandwagon. More importantly, they know what trends are out. Surprisingly, the latter knowledge seems lacking in many of the would-be stylish who, to be brutally honest, should simply know better.
The "street mercenary" look-obvious armor, harshly exaggerated silhouette, and utilitarian color scheme-provides a good example. The style first appeared in 2049 among the fashion leaders, then caught the popular imagination and quickly spread into the mainstream. By the middle of 2050, armored clothing specifically, armored clothing that looked like armored clothing was haute couture.
Through the end of 2050 and into 2051, the style became progressively more exaggerated. Armored clothing began to copy the lines and textures of heavier armor. Shoulder pads hardened and extended, resembling the epaulets of a semi-rigid SWAT vest designed to protect the wearer's collarbones. Jacket and sweater fronts gained ridges reminiscent of rigid plating, and collars stretched upward to mimic the mounting ring for armored helmets .