Spring Into Blooming Fashion

Spring is just around the corner and the latest trends and styles are splashing the pages of fashion magazines everywhere.  Fashion week has brought the world a new and spicy dose of geometric shapes, striking silhouettes, and bright colors. Spring fashion is in full bloom and it is crucial for women of every shape and size to know what styles are right for their body type.  Fashion is all about fit, comfort, and confidence.

If you have already invested in florals and nautical prints from last spring, youre in luck!  Feminine styles such as florals are always going to be a classic spring look, so the investment is worth it.  Junior and Fashion Design major, Xander Clarke states, “This spring is going to be as feminine as ever.  Flirty silhouettes will be big.  A lot of ruffles on tops and dresses.  Another trend is exposed shoulders, halters, and racer backs.”  He also adds that plaid dresses will carry over from the fall.  Dresses are bigger than ever this spring and they have been seen in all different lengths and cuts.  One shoulder dresses are good for any body type, just beware of length; shorter girls shouldn’t wear anything that goes past their knees or it will make them look shorter or stumpy.

Color is also a large focal point in apparel this coming season.  Bright and neon colors can be seen anywhere from nails and makeup to pants and tops.  Clarke proclaims, “Color will be the biggest selling point this year.  Every designer will be adding new bursts of color into their collections.”  Some newer styles that are popping up in stores and on runways include: Native American patterns and designs, Geometric shapes and Hippie/bohemian apparel.  Diane Von Furstenburg’s recent collection displayed an array of Indian inspired headdresses and colors.  Cate Walsh, sophomore and Fashion Design major concluded, “This may have something to do with the fact there is a new democratic president, living in a time of great change and a possible end to war. (70’s and 80’s fashion revival)” Some hippie and bohemian styles include fringe on anything from sandals to bags, colorful beading on loose fitting tops, horizontal headbands, and gladiator sandals.  Walsh adds, “Clothes embellished with peace signs and messages are really big.”

Silhouettes are very accentuated this spring as well.  Karen Steen, Director of Fashion Studies states, “Apparel will include volume, such as full skirts or full tops or blouses.  High-waisted skirts and pants will be shown, along with dresses with defined waists.”  It is important to accentuate your waist if you are a bit curvier, this will avoid looking frumpy.  Voluminous tops and skirts are a great way to show off your feminine side.  Steen adds, “Bows are on everything; form large decorative bow details on dresses to bow-shaped clutch purses.”  This feminine and fun look is great for more modest tastes.  Amanda Jensen, Fashion Instructor states, “Apparel will be a bit more modest, apparel that is based around function rather than novelty.”

This spring’s fashion has brought a wide variety of styles, making it easy to appeal to the vast majority.  From edgy rocker and hippie bohemian to colorful and feminine, there’s something for everyone.  Fortunately designers are taking note of the declining economy and have made their collections more functional, thus more practical for consumers. Jensen states that there’s going to be a “swing” towards “Do It Yourself” elements to clothing. “People are holding onto their money and trying to stay fashionable by adding their own creativity and individualism to their styles to change them up for the new season.”  A lot of stores are offering discount versions of similar styles that are seen on the runways.  Forever 21, H&M, Charlotte Russe, Alloy, Wet Seal, and Love Culture are all stores that offer fashionable apparel at a reasonable price. Fashion is a competitive world and its trends are constantly changing and revolving but there is always a way to reinvent your wardrobe.  Fashion magazines such as Elle, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar offer a lot of tips regarding the latest trends and where to shop on a budget.  These fashion bibles are every fahionista’s essential read that allows them to stay at the top their game!