Trend Update: Spring/Summer 2012 - A Preview
Michelle Lynch, Fashion-Ade Style Director
With warm weather showing up early in many parts of the US this winter, you’re probably as ready as I am for some wardrobe switchovers! There’ll be many things to keep your eyes on this spring and summer, and there’s a good chance you can start bringing these looks to the front of your closet sooner rather than later.
Fashion Week did not disappoint this year, as there really is something for everyone. But you know that here at FashionAde, we put a lot of effort into steering you towards the season’s trends that work with your style and your wardrobe.
In the weeks ahead we’ll be featuring these trends, and taking them off the runway and into your closet. Until then, read on for my top picks for each Fashion Style – there are ways to rework what you already own, and there are key pieces that will bring your wardrobe right into 2012.
For Classic Ladies:
- White dresses with black accents: Create this look by adding a black belt or scarf to the little white dress you already own; or if you’re looking to update, go with a white sheath with a black collar or hem – never wrong for a classic closet.
- Pencil skirts, with a twist: Okay I know, your closet (and mine!) is filled with pencil skirts, and these will get tons of mileage again this season. But if you’re adding, look for embellishments – draping, peplums, poofs – all of these deliver a modern zing to a classic silhouette.
For the Romantic among us:
- Black and blue florals: This season’s moody palette takes a little sweetness of our spring’s traditional florals and adds an edgy fresh twist.
- Pastels: A springtime no-brainer, pastels are back – but try fall’s trend and color block these softer hues. Try a mint green top (the pastel this season!) with lavender skinny jeans, or a pale blue jacket over a lemon tank with a pink pencil skirt. Fresh!
When Comfortable is your catch-phrase:
- The maxi dress keeps on giving: Is there anything more comfortable-but-still-dressed-up than a maxi dress? You can continue to work those lean beauties already hanging in the closet.
- The exposed shoulder: When you want to show just a hint of skin, find a dress or top with cut-out shoulders – all the comfort of full coverage while still adding a little sizzle.
If the sorority-girl/Preppy look is your preference:
- Pleated – anything!: The pleated skirt is back, but so is the pleated jacket, and the pleated dress. This treatment will be showing up on lots of garments, and in unusual ways.
- Woven bags: A spring and summer staple, start hauling these out again. Wicker and caning will be the rage.
Is Sporty the way you roll?
- High tech mesh: You’ll be inspired by this season’s answer to sheer, done in high-tech mesh – in everything from tops to rompers to beach cover-ups.
- Athletic-inspired clothing: Sportswear meets athletic wear – look for trousers and skirts that take a riff from the easy-to-wear track suit. Side stripes abound, and comfortable silhouettes like the anorak make getting dressed up super-comfortable.
Do you go Glam all the way?
- How about clear shoes? This might have seemed a little too too in seasons past, but this year see-through vinyl and plastic are accented with wood and leather to create a very fresh take on heels.
- The one shoulder dress delivers drama. This isn’t a completely new take – you may have these in your closet in already, so haul ‘em out – this is one arresting look!
When only a Bohemian flair will do:
- A fresh take on lace. This season, look to Grandma’s doily for inspiration – lace takes on a hand-made, repeat-heavy, crocheted quality that Boho girls will love.
- Orange takes a bow. It was big last summer, and it’s back for 2012 – the perfect bright for your look.
And, finally, for our Trendy fashionistas: Try all the above, or here’s a few only you might be brave enough to try!
- The crop top: Yes, it’s back from the 80s – the perfect foil for the high-waisted pants and skirts still in your closet from last season.
- Waxed and glossed fabrics: Look for skinny jeans that look as if they’ve been, well, dipped in wax! A very textural experience.
To sum it all up, spring and summer look to be very exciting fashion seasons – there’s something for everyone, and great ways to breathe new life into your clothing investments.
Happy dressing!
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