In fashion, seasons come and go before most have a chance to flip the calendar pages. Industry insiders are always looking one season ahead, leaving the rest of us yearning for outfits that aren’t necessarily seasonally appropriate.
Today marks the start of New York’s Fall Fashion Week, but the spring and summer styles shown in September deserve a proper welcome before the cold-weather looks take center stage. While the chunky knits and fur coats of Fall provide something to look forward to, here is a guide to the trends people can actually wear in the upcoming months.
Tropical Color Palettes
Dive headfirst into Spring by stocking up on vibrant hues, ranging from hot pinks and citrus oranges to exotic blues and lively purples. Choose one color to wear from head to toe similar to the models Prada and Versace sent down the runway. Or pair two unexpected shades together, similar to looks seen at Diane von Furstenburg. Showing up to class is a far cry from relaxing on a white sandy beach, but donning one or more of these bright colors will snap anyone out of that mid-semester funk in no time.
Into the Wild
Animal-inspired looks are inevitably featured almost every fashion week, but the spring runways gave designers a platform to think past the tried and true cheetah and leopard prints. Joseph Altuzarra demonstrated the bold power of snakeskin with his sleek and sexy dresses, while Chanel adorned its classic pieces with unexpected feather detailing. To stay chic without looking cheap, keep the animal elements to a minimum. Snakeskin and feathers can be made school-appropriate with statement accessories such as earrings or belts. When dressing for a night out, though, don’t be afraid to showcase this trend on a larger scale.
Floor-Grazing Hemlines
Leg-baring minis have taken a backseat this season to their maxi-length counterpart. Though longer dresses and skirts have typically been reserved for fancier occasions, fashion houses such as Jil Sander and Alberta Ferretti showcased them in more casual looks. To maintain the relaxed, daytime appeal, keep the material light and loose. Add a belt to complement a slim-fitting dress or top a skirt with a lightweight sweater. The thought of adding extra material to your outfit as the weather heats up may seem contradictory, but wearing in a maxi dress or skirt will be one of the most comfortable style choices of the season.
Seventies Throwback
The Spring runways saw many designers drawing inspiration from years past. Audiences stepped back into the ‘70s as models strutted before them in modern versions of the decade’s most popular fashions.
Derek Lam put a fresh spin on the high-waisted, flared pant while Marc Jacobs updated the psychedelic prints and huge, floppy hats that dominated the era. Channel the decade by ditching the skinny jeans in favor of flaired versions and opting for pieces with bold and busy patterns. Though the chance to participate in these styles the first time around has passed, there’s no time like the present.
