This spring, trends are highly unconventional; definitely not matchy-matchy (the fads seem to be all over the place and it kind of annoys me). The main colors are muted pastels and light grays, but out of nowhere you will see a bright floral, animal, or fruit print dress or pants suit. Capes, lumberjack shirts (made of any material), and plaid make an unexpected comeback this year (think 1994). Evocative of Kate Moss in 1993, banded sheer pieces in nude tones also make an important appearance. For both men and women, biker-ware and nautical stripes take the place of the years long military affinity. Just like last year, the 1960s style/shape dress/skirt continues to rage, this year worn with kitten heels and the new “tail hem” which extends the back of the dress towards the floor while the front hem stays put. Excitingly, crop tops are expected to explode at the end of the spring and extend into the summer. These are unlike any you have seen before as the shapes are a creative blend of old and new. Wide-leg pants with creases and Capri pants reemerge as a backlash to the sea of skinny jeans. Possibly the most innovative new item this year is the newly coined “loungerie” which mixes lingerie and lounge inspired prints and fabrics, making them into suits, jumpers, or wraps. The effect is just street-ware enough to pass as decent/adequate clothing, but it will keep onlookers guessing. Platform shoes, clogs, high dress socks, and small rectangular clutches and purses (perhaps with tassels or worn as a belt) are in. Cat’s eye sunglasses are left over from last year. Virtually any makeup goes right now, especially ‘70s bohemian. ‘70s sophisticated glamour inspired looks. Hair does not have a definitive trend except for my personal favorite-the so called “ombre” or “dip dyed” look favored by Lady GaGa, Nicki Minaj, Raven Symone, Whitney Port, Drew Barrymore, Alexa Chung, Ashlee Simpson, and Rachel Bilson. I love it because I have severely bleached ends and cannot dye over it. Any color combination may be used to achieve the “ombre” and the more levels the better. The “bird’s nest” bun arrangement and dry-cut fringe bangs are lesser used but favored by Jennifer Lopez and Sienna Miller respectively. I have heard that platinum and white blonde are supposed to be popular colors but I have not seen many celebrities wearing this and I doubt many average Jane’s are going to go for it due to the high amount of time and money that will go into touch-ups, moisturizing, and trimming. This year is going to be very interesting because some women will be tempted to mix a bunch of these fashions together into a hodgepodge of death. One may have to become a tightrope walker so as not to step over the line into disaster. It is good to have so much variety, but sometimes that only adds fuel to a confused dresser’s task.
