Spring may not be in the air just yet, but warm-weather fashions are already making their way into stores. This season’s trends are as eclectic as our recent weather patterns, ranging from neo-hippie maxi dresses to kimono-inspired outerwear to ballerina-worthy separates. Sporty looks continue to dominate, but ultra feminine lacey numbers and gingham prints are also in the limelight. And look for more retro trends to emerge, but in a more laid-back way. Ready, set, go spring shopping!
1. ’70s SUBDUED: Just when we thought we’d seen the last days of disco, the spring collections take a walk on the less-than-wild side of the decade. While fall was all about swanky prints and plunging necklines, this time around designers like Saint Laurent, Prada, Chloe and Pucci focused on more relaxed silhouettes, toned-down colors and lived-in fabrics. Look for fit-and-flare pants, suede and leather jackets with large lapels, chunky platforms and block heels, and lots of patchwork. Above photo, left to right: Derek Lam (first two runway shots), Emilio Pucci, Prada and Daniele Oberrauchd.
Psychedelic Trip: Valentino, Alberta Ferretti, Emilio Pucci, Dries Van Noten, Etro and Roberto Cavalli
2. BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY: Again, a fall trend evolves into an earthier version of itself. If last season was all about ’60s mod, spring takes us back to the softer, more seductive, mother-nature-influenced side of the era. Designers such as Valentino, Etro, Dries Van Noten, Alberta Ferretti and Chloe all revisited the Age of Aquarius, sending models down the runway in generously cut maxi dresses in flowing hippie prints and diaphanous fabrics. Totally groovy.
Army Influence: Sacai, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu and Gucci.
3. MILITARY GREEN: We’re not talking Private Benjamin when we say you should enlist in green this season. This military-chic hue is appearing on feminine silhouettes such as shirtdresses, mini skirts and cropped jackets, commanding attention on even your sexiest spring pieces. If you’re not gushing over the green, though, have no fear: Khaki is also making a comeback.
Reality Check: DVF, Thom Browne, Michael Kors and Oscar de la Renta
4. GO, GINGHAM: The classic ’50s print has jumped out of a Beach Blanket Bingo movie and is now showing at a store near you. You’ll find the easy, breezy look on everything from pencil skirts and cropped tops to short-shorts and dresses, with black-and-white and blue-and-white the color combos of choice. With gingham at our fingertips, summer can’t be too far away.
Sashing Out: The Row, Bottega Veneta, Phillip Lam, Marni, Alexander Wang and Celine
5. KIMONO INSPIRED: Bathrobe-inspired coats were big last season, and this spring designers are once again tying us up in knots. The kimono-inspired sash is punching up jackets, shirtdresses, blouses and spring coats, emphasizing the waistline and lending an exotic flair to otherwise basic silhouettes.
Flood Watch: Akris, Adam Selman, Wes Gordon and Ohne Titel
6. CROPPED PANTS: No, designers were not expecting a flood when they sketched this season’s pants and jeans. But they apparently wanted the world to get a better view of your lovely ankles. Following the culottes trend that hit last fall, the latest crop of bottoms includes loose-fitting denim, chinos and trousers in a variety of colors and finishes. High-rise versions pair nicely with fitted sweaters and jackets, while belly-button-revealing styles are a great foundation for a peasant blouse or crop top —and revealing well-toned abs.
Aisle Style: Simone Rocha, Louis Vuitton, Erdem, Rosie Assoulin, Marc Jacobs and Chanel
7. WHITE (OR SILVER) WEDDING: This is the third season in a row that’s been dominated by white and other bridal-inspired hues, and the newest incarnations are almost fit for a walk down the aisle. Look for delicate, super-feminine dresses and skirts constructed of lace and crochet, and details such as buttons, cutouts, fringe and cinched waists. Billy Idol would be thrilled.
Swan Song: Stella McCartney, Bottega Veneta, Givenchy, Burberry Prorsum and Hermes.
8. BALLERINA CHIC: With short-shorts, wrap tops and Louis heels in the spotlight for several seasons now, the time seemed right for designers to pull the latest prima-ballerina-worthy looks straight from a dancer’s closet. Light-as-air chiffon dresses, bouncy tulle skirts, and a palette that includes black and blush pink are tiptoeing into fashion. And the best news is that a size 0 dancer’s body isn’t required to rock the majority of these graceful styles.
Black Holes: Altuzarra, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Fendi and Versace
9. BLACK MESH: The sportier-than-thou trend continues, with black netting the fabric of choice for women who want to wear some edge this season. A little bit dominatrix and a little bit Grace Jones (are those two the same thing?), somehow this look is styled in a way that says “wide world of sports” more than “fifty shades of black.” Have a field day with woven leather and embroidery, creatively placed zippers and strings, sheer panels and cut-outs galore.
Skirting the Issue: Peter Som, DKNY and TOME
10. SKIRT LAYERING: We saw this trend back in the late ’90s and were wondering if it would ever dare re-emerge, and apparently the comeback is happening now. Perhaps looking to generate a little excitement in an otherwise low-key fashion season, designers covered the bottom halves of maxi, shift and shirt dresses with tiny wrap skirts and other apron-like concoctions, for no other reason than to add another layer of interest. Take or leave this one—it’s entirely up to you.
OTHER TRENDS TO WATCH FOR: Yes, there’s more. This spring, be ready for squared-off necklines (also time traveling back from the ’90s), polo-inspired shirts and dresses, and even more fringe than we saw last season. Besides army and ballet colors, you’ll be seeing lots of yellow, navy and black-and-white prints—particularly in geometric or grid patterns. Also look for metallic outerwear, oversize polka-dot prints, and flashy, oversized animal prints. And if you think gladiator-style boots were over, think again, because they’re back for another round.
For more of our spring fashion picks, visit Red Typewriter’s Pinterest page.
Happy spring shopping!
Collages by INGA LIM.
