Fashion Playbook
Not sure how best to update your closet this spring and summer? Find out what's making it to the runway.
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There is no inkling of hard times in the fashion arena this season. The strong emphasis on patterns and prints, whether florals, plaids, checks,
polka dots, stripes, animal prints, geometric shapes, metallics, graphics, abstracts, or tribal prints, has both day and evening ensembles awash with them.
Color is also a huge part of the mix, prevalent in both prints and solids, in shades of pink, orange, yellow, green, and blue. Don’t get me wrong – neutrals (especially sand and blush) and the famous black-and-white combinations are players, all the better to contrast with spring and summer’s strength: accessories. Extravagant shoes, oversized clutches and statement-making jewelry are all the rage. But, more about that later.
As to major trends, there was a jumpsuit and a pair of slouchy pants on nearly every runway for spring, but perhaps the most compelling item was the jacket. Here’s how the season shaped up item by item.
Jackets: Again, the most versatile key fashion item for the season. They come cropped, oversized, fitted, band-style, futuristic, blazer-style, safari-style, and, in a softer version, the cardigan. Do make sure to invest in a cardigan. They are featured in many beautiful colors and unique cuts and are the perfect addition to your wardrobe for those often chilly summer nights. Also of note is the addition of the strong shoulder.
Pants: Jumpsuits, a throwback from the glam-rock ’70s, are hot and the slouchy pant, or loose silhouette, the focus, whether pajama, harem or dhoti. Cropped pants continue their popularity, especially this year to show off those statement-making shoes. And, don’t forget the sexy alternative – shorts, loose and easy, with a defined waist.
Dresses: A frock is a spring necessity. From mini to maxi, you’ll find them structured (futuristic is in), brightly colored, patterned (florals and prints abound), textured (embellished), belted (still strong), and one-shouldered, a major spring focus for dresses and tops. And, lest we forget, the shift with its slim, sleek shape remains a staple.
Skirts: Flattering shapes are prevalent in patterns, prints and textures, with the sexy pencil skirt still a decided favorite.
Suits: The ’80s influence is back with the strong-shouldered jacket and a decided turn to monochromatic bright-colored pant and skirt ensembles.
Blouses and Tops: Be it ladylike or avant-garde, it’s all about ruffles and frills, silky sheer fabrics and rounded shoulders in one color or stand-out prints. The ubiquitous tee is on fashion’s radar in bigger, bolder patterns, especially stripes.
Shine: Sequins, satin, paillettes, shimmering brocades, and metallics catch the eye this season and are a mainstay.
Decoration: Metal, plastic, Lucite, beads, and hard-stone opaque jeweled accents are featured along with fringe, from leather to raffia to lamp-shade silk.
It is all about over-the-top accessories this season, and leading off is footwear. Never have there been more seriously structured shoes. From ultra-thick platforms and sky-high strappy stilettos, the IT fashion statement sprouted fur, jewels, lace, pom-poms, macramé, rosettes, crystals, sequins, feathers, fringe, woven raffia, carved heels, etc. You can be ladylike, tough or wild, depending on how you feel for the occasion. You’ll still find fun embellished flat sandals, so don’t despair if you can’t handle the shoe heights.
In the handbag department, boxy chain-strap bags, oversized clutches and unstructured carry-alls showcase metal hardware, multicolored metallics (not just silver and gold, but candy wrapper hues), and sultry skins – especially python. And, look for outrageously bright colors and a huge tribal influence for both shoes and handbags.
Jewelry featured outrageously embellished necklaces and stacks of bangles in every pattern and hue to oversized drop earrings. It is not a season for the faint of heart! Wrap-around belts in fun colors and textures add pizazz as do turbans and fedoras for you hat lovers. And, keep those Jackie O. shades. They’re not going away anytime soon.
In closing, there really aren’t any cast-in-iron fashion rules anymore. Just bring your own personality and style to your look. I think Diane von Furstenberg said it best: “Go for clothes that become friends so when you open your closet, you smile.” Keep smiling!
MUST-HAVES
Strong-shouldered band jacket
Soft floral pastel jumpsuit
Futuristic style skirt suit
Slouchy trouser in neutral tone
Something pink
Colorful cardigan with floral print dress
One-shoulder geometric-print ruffled top
Bold striped tee
Chunky platform metallic sandals
Bright-colored chain-strap bag
Embellished over-the-top necklace
Stack of animal print/tribal art bangles
