It’s Fashion Week in NYC this week and while I don’t consider myself a fashionista or trendsetter in even the slightest of ways, I have always wanted to sit sidelines at real fashion show. Mostly so that I can fawn over the celebs, but also to be one of the first to see what comes down the runway before it is knocked off and on the racks at my favorite local department store.
The entire fashion industry congregates in New York February 9-16 for Fashion Week in hopes of trying to figure out what American women are going to want to wear and purchase this spring.
New York Fashion Week brings together about 328 designers, a 61 percent increase from five years ago and the largest lineup to date, according to Fashion Calendar.
The main event, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, will host 90 shows, including Herrera and Diane von Furstenberg. Another popular venue, Milk Studios in the Meatpacking District, will have 40 runway shows and presentations.
Top styles trending now for spring are:
Athletic wear, including lots of racing stripes, shorts, bomber jackets and other pieces made out of high-tech mesh and anorak (a windbreaker-parka-type material).
Ash Perforated Suede Jacket
Runway to real life tip: There’s no doubt that sport wear is comfortable, so this is a great trend for active moms, but you don’t want to look like you are headed to the gym all the time, so pair shorts with heels instead of sneakers or flats and try to stick with one sporty piece at a time, like a mesh top with the proper under things, of course. You could also switch out your every day handbag for a backpack for a more sporty look.
Prints, prints and more prints. This spring is all about an explosion of prints; floral, geometric, pop art, head to toe prints!
Piazza Sempione 'Audrey' Printed Capri Pants
Runway to real life tip: Changes are you probably already have a printed top in your closet; why not add a pair of pants? Try smaller prints if you are trying to disguise or draw attention away from a problem area.
The return of the sleeve. No more bare arms (unless it’s single shoulder, which is very “in” this spring). Instead, look for lots of cap sleeves, long sleeves and structured rounded sleeves too.
Blue 3D Flower Shift Dress
Prim, proper and demure. In large part, thanks to Kate Middleton, classic, romantic and very feminine is in!
Color blocking. The attention-grabbing trend made popular over the fall and winter (2011) is sticking around for another season.
Aqua Dress - Color Block Tie Waist
Runway to real life tip: Use color blocking to hide flaws and/or accentuate areas of your body you are most proud of; dark colors have a slimming effect, so color-block areas you don’t want to highlight with dark shades while keeping the rest of your outfit lighter. If you’re not quite ready to take the color block plunge, you can find it used on everything; shoes, jewelry and handbags, so maybe start small.
Pleats. Pleats in every form, especially accordion and delicate plissé or narrow pleats.
Clearly there is lots of fun fashion to look forward to, but no matter what the trend, my motto is: always dress comfortably and for heaven’s sake, age appropriate.
Photo credits:
gfpeck
Free People
Nordstrom
Topshop.com
Bloomingdale’s
