It is difficult to make any broad statements about women’s fashions this spring. A lot has been borrowed from previous decades, often with a new twist. Patterns and stripes are in but so is all white or for that matter, a lot of yellow. Unless you were to walk down 5th Avenue in a Victorian dress, no one might think you looked out of place this spring but there are some trends that are noticeable.
For sure there is a rehashing of older styles with a special spotlight on the 70’s. Remnants of the flower children are apparent in the tie dyed dresses (albeit more subtle than what you would expect to find at a Grateful Dead show) such as this piece by Pucci, who was a leading designer during this time. The “bohemian” look of loose fitting clothing with flowers and prints has been brought back with a modern infusion, too. Marchesa, BCBG Max Azaria and Roberto Cavalli are among the designers who have made this a cornerstone of their Spring 2015 portfolio.
Fringe, patchwork and trapeze dresses that crossed over from the 60’s to the 70’s are just as in. Suede is big too and suede fringe jackets, dresses and skirts will probably carry us well into the fall of 2015. The “Me Generation” is even more noticeable in the wide flared pants and lapel shapes that are straight out of Starsky & Hutch.
Bell-bottoms still haven’t been embraced by younger generations but baggier jeans are on their way back, more a la 1990’s but with more panache. Does this mean the skinny jean is dead? Don’t bet on it but the good news is that you can look forward to breathing a little easier.
Gingham, not “Gangham,” style is also en vogue. A plaid-like pattern with a white background and lines with equal width, gingham resembles a checkered tablecloth you would find in an old school Italian restaurant. Yet, it is one of the hottest things this spring with Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Bottega Veneta and others using the pattern for dresses, skirts, shirts and jackets.
Along the lines of gingham, black on white and blue and on white are also popular. Black and white is more classic but blue can be just as striking. Design houses from Club Monaco to Herve Leger are working with this color combination, often incorporating ornate patterns to give the look of ceramic earthenware.
Feathers, tassels, polo shirts and midriffs are also hot, as are culottes, yellow and kimono style trench coats. Women have a lot of options this spring without having to take a ride down memory lane but for anyone who really wants to make a fashion statement, use Cher, from her days with Sonny, as your fashion plate.
