| Spring Fashion Outlook |
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| Written by Jan Gratz |
 Of course, the fashion scene for spring offers a wide range of trends, styles and colors so that each of us can choose what best suits us and our style preferences. But it is definitely time to break out of the doom and gloom of the past few months and look ahead – and in some cases look back to times past – for the latest and greatest ways to freshen our looks. So after enjoying numerous designer runway shows and checking out limited-release insider industry publications, we have compiled the Knitch Magazine Top 10 Trends for Spring 2009.  1. Learn Your Geometry for the Latest Styles. In a deliberate move away from the predominant animal prints and tribal motifs of past seasons, geometrical designs are the latest rage from the runways of Milan, Paris and New York. And from our quick check of the runway shows, we can see how this trend can work well for everyone. From the bold polka dots of Michael Kors to the square and rectangular accents of Vera Wang, geometrical detailing makes all the difference to even a classical basic. We can also add this trend in our choice of geometrical jewelry, handbags and fabric styles showcased in scarves and shawls. Just keep in mind that you are choosing the best styles to accent your body shape and type and select wisely. Also from what is being showcased by the designers, you can definitely break any old-fashioned rules about not teaming up various patterns. Plaids go with stripes, circles go with squares, diagonals go with everything, and the only rule here seems to be, well, that Geometry Rules!  2. Rethink Proportional Dressing & Accents. In past seasons, we have learned to balance and accent our wardrobe pieces with voluminous tops and tight-fitting leggings; however, for Spring 2009 these rules of proportions are just made to be broken. Now we are more likely to see flowy, draping bottoms paired with more sculpted, structured tops and jackets than the opposite proportions from past seasons. Perhaps this reverse in shaping and styling is the reason behind the resurgence of some fashion flashbacks like the “1980s Jumpsuit” or its equivalent with a loose-fitting or fitted top teamed up with harem pants. But keep in mind that we are not talking about M.C. Hammer revisited here. Instead we are seeing jumpsuits in drapey, flowing silks and silk blends teamed with high heels for special occasion dressing at its best.  3. Think Flower Power for More Than Just Your Spring Garden. Many of our favorite designers have also been influenced by the early signs of spring and are featuring the best trends from their gardens in their garments and accessories. Budding tree branches, new shoots of flowers, clear skies all are featured in the haute-couture runway shows, and we just love this trend. From the dramatic floral prints of Alexander McQueen to the flowers and buds used as accents on Valentino shoes and purses, we are sure the early signs of spring from Mother Nature will be finding their place in our wardrobes.Florals are also sure to be in the spotlight with features from the White House even more than with Michelle Obama’s recent revival of flower-shaped brooches and pins. One of her favorite designers, Thai stylist Thakoon, is featuring a variety of blossoms in his spring collection, so we bet the First Lady will be sporting even more floral prints in her warm-weather attire.  4. Keep It Feminine All Season Long. Often referred to as a great way to add texture to a garment or outfit, all the feminine touches are in the fashion spotlight this spring. From ruffles and bows to crocheted detailing, the feminine look has never been so fabulous for everyone. And there is plenty of room for personal preferences here too: Go with small details at the neckline or hem such as ruffles, pleats or ruching, or choose the ultra-femme with multi-tiered skirts and fully pleated tunics. Even denim jackets are sporting ruffled edges when we are more used to seeing them with classic tailoring. We are also delighted with all the terrific options for tops, tunics and dresses with these feminine details. From the tiered pencil skirts at Neiman Marcus and the ruffled, spaghetti-strap dresses of Juicy Couture to the basic Old Navy tank top modernized with a ruffled neckline, choice is the key to this trend.  5. Re-Think Your Neckline & Your Hemline. OK, so now we need to consider the top and the bottom of any garment and explore how both our necklines and our hemlines are in the fashion spotlight this spring. The major influence for both is the asymmetrical look so that at least some of our garments are not straight across whether we are choosing our neckline or our hem. This trend is a great way to control how well your outfit is coordinated too because you can subtly draw the eye to your best features.In many cases this asymmetrical neckline is best shown in the many one-shoulder styles already showing up in the ready-to-wear market. Sensational off-the-shoulder & one-shoulder designs are in the spotlight from Black Halo (Saks Fifth Avenue), Jay Godfrey (Nordstrom), Shoshanna (Neiman Marcus) and Banana Republic, just to name a few. Also since great shoulders can be a “best feature,” no matter what a woman’s age is, it is no wonder that the style is so popular with the celebs too including Kate Winslet, Eva Mendes, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Lopez. Asymmetrical hemlines are also in vogue, but the bigger news here is that short skirts are back in style. From the structured dresses of Chanel to the long tunics turned into minis by Ralph Lauren, the revamped mini-skirt is frequently featured on the runway. Then in translating this trend for real women, we are seeing fuller skirts, not the skin-tight minis of the 1960s. Also ready-to-wear gurus are featuring shorts in the same lengths as the skirts and with the detailing of the haute-couture minis but are calling them “city chic” appropriate as officewear and casual outfits.  6. Layer, Layer, Layer for the Best Outfits All Spring. As we have seen in the past, particularly as a major factor in seasonless or transitional dressing, layering is as popular as ever. But this season, the words to keep in mind are “easy,” “loose-fitting” and “comfortable” from the most flattering designs that we have seen and admired.Cardigans remain a key wardrobe piece for layering, and we are already seeing a variety of lengths available for the ultimate choice of styles. From tunic lengths to short, cropped bolero cardis, all are in the spotlight, and the fine line between the blazer and the cardigan becomes more blurred as even double-breasted styles hit the knitwear popularity charts. Vests are becoming more and more popular too, and we are enjoying their resurgence since they can be such a versatile wardrobe piece. Some have been transformed into “vest jackets” by Marc Jacobs, Rag and Bone and Brian Reyes, while others will double as tank tops when the temperatures rise in the summertime heat.  7. Add Bohemian Chic to Your Spring Collection. Bohemian styles and retro looks from the hippie days of the 1960s have been featured before, but now the runways are showcasing “Bohemian Chic” defined as a more sophisticated version of the style. Carefully selected Boho accents are the key here to achieving the look without going into a complete time warp. For example, a full, tiered Gypsy skirt for eveningwear is right in fashion but minus the hippie beads, headscarf and wrist bangles of the original style. From the silk tops and skirts of Dolce & Gabbana to loose-fitting jackets from Miu Miu and from tunic tops and contrasting pants by Louis Vuitton to brightly colored pullovers and pants from Missoni, Boho never looked so good. Even more polished, elegant versions of the peasant blouse are in the spotlight, but now it is teamed up with jackets and blazers instead of worn by itself. Then as some fashion designers predict, the fringed poncho may be the surprise hit of the season, but we will reserve judgment on this one until we see how completely we all embrace the bohemian side of our personalities.  8. Return to Grecian & Roman Times as the Goddess & Gladiator. From the flowing styles of Grecian dresses to the belted look of the Roman tunic, fashion has returned to ancient times for inspiration. Fashion definitely goes in cycles, so it isn’t surprising that we are seeing the resurgence of ancient styles in these very modern times. The “goddess” style is a logical extension of the trend for one-shoulder necklines and also is a revival of the more modern version of the Grecian look from the 1920s flapper days. Both in maxi-dresses and short little numbers, we can’t seem to go wrong with this choice no matter what our body type and shape. Accent your torso with the empire bodice or feature a trim waist with the belted toga, and you will have this trend covered. Then for accessories inspired by these ancient styles, everyone seems to be featuring and stocking up on gladiator sandals (you remember the ones -- with their ankle straps that are sometimes even laced up the calf). Great worn with free-flowing dresses and tops or even with the once-again-popular jumpsuit, gladiator sandals are stylish and comfortable.  9. Consider Embellishments & Glitz for All Your Favorites. And here we were thinking that metallics and sequins were mainly for the fall holiday season. Au contraire – shimmer and sparkle for spring are all the rage in tops, jackets, even skirts and pants. From Oscar de la Renta’s evening gowns to the silky, shimmering harem pants of Vera Wang and from the sequined silver trousers of Proenza Schouler to Prada’s glamorous clutch bags, we salute this trend for adding a little glitz and glamour to the spring season.The runway shows featured shimmering lurex, metallic trims, radiant beadwork, even Cleopatra-inspired headdresses. But we are going to be very selective with how we introduce this trend into our spring wardrobes because it could be easy to go over the top with this one. Accenting a beautiful top with sequined trim at the neckline or hem is great; wearing head to toe glitter is taking it too far in our opinion.  10. Choose the Spring Colors Best for You. As we saw in most of the runway shows, for Spring 2009 bright colors are back in the spotlight after several seasons of primarily neutrals with jewel tone accents. Especially in the New York fashion forecasts, the designers were encouraging happier attitudes with bright, lively color selections.We love that the choices are so wonderfully rich and wide-ranging: from Palace Blue, a new sparkly take on last season’s navy blue and the softer hue of ever-popular purple in mystical lavender shades, the top colors are luscious and flattering. A wide range of fruity, nutty & floral colors are especially popular for spring including peachy pink, zesty lime, lemon yellow, pistachio and fuchsia red (think rich persimmon), so we are eager to enjoy the vivid hues of spring and brighten all our moods.  But does this strong emphasis on brights mean we need to throw out all of our neutral hues? Judging by the dramatic use of subtle brights as accents in the collections of Balenciaga of New York, Alberta Ferretti of Los Angeles and Giorgio Armani, we’d say keep your neutrals as key pieces in your wardrobe.And what if a specific hue isn’t the right shade for you even if it is being featured everywhere? Then we say adapt the color to suit your skin tone. If lemon isn’t your best shade (it works best for fair skin), then switch to marigold (for medium or tanned skin tones) or even mustard if your skin tone is dark. So what is the bottom line with all of these trends? We will all vow to follow the cardinal rule of fashion: Choose the styles and hues that accent our positives and de-emphasize any of our weaknesses. |
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