From the Runway – Spring 2013 Fashion

Paul & Joe (first three styles), Cacharel, Kenzo, Sachin and Babi

Spring style is always bursting with color and patterns. It’s like everyone got sick of hibernation and are excited to see sun and flowers again. Like every spring, Floral prints are abound. This year big loud florals are especially important. I’ve gathered some of my favorite looks from the runway and tried to organize them into categories. However you will see some outfits are a combination of many trends. Some of the main themes are a dichotomy of ideas. Soft, sheer and flowy vs. structured skirts and bodice.  Staunch black and white vs. bursts of loud colors. We also are seeing tailored Bermuda shorts, tailored shorts suits, wide leg pants, strapless sweetheart necklines and loads of mid drift bearing crop tops to bra tops. Styles that are still in from previous seasons are leather, lace, metallics, sheer blouses, rompers and chiffon flowy maxis.

DKNY, Calvin Klein, Rochas, Helmut Lang, Chalayan, Chalayan, Marc by Marc Jacobs

The sporty touch is new this season, from tennis theme a-line dresses to polo shirts and jersey jackets. The new surprise really is designer sweatshirts. I’ll go into more detail about this trend phenomena in a later post. I feel like this deserves it’s own detailed section of street style photos to really explain this trend.

Tommy Hilfiger (first two styles,) Cacharel, Trussardi, Paul & Joe, See by Chloe

I love the tailored Bermuda shorts. The look is very resort friendly and good for all ages. I have never been a fan of the butt cheek showing short shorts, so this trend is really more my speed. Of course for the youngsters short short short will always be in style. As seen in these runway styles, there is a trend towards wearing shorts suits. Depending on your office’s dress code, these make great business casual options.

Tracey Reese, Trussardi, Sass Bide, Rachel Comey, Fendi

The shorts suit trend continues beyond just Bermuda shorts. Also notice the other trend is to either pair these shorts with a luxurious coat or also wear these shorts in a luxurious material. Leather, fur and lace are still a big part of this season’s look.

Viktor Rolf, Balenciaga, Kenzo, Loewe, Tanya Taylor, Louis Vuitton, Versace

More separates. Yes you can still wear dresses but separates are all the rage now. Especially jazzing up a tailored pant with a sexy crop top or bra top. Just like the 90s mid drifts are a big deal again. You can also pair these looks with a sheer blouse over your bra top for a little more coverage.

Viktor Rolf, Johnathan Saunders, Philosophy Alberta Ferretti, Johnathan Saunders, Loewe, Marchesa

Yep mid-drifts are definitely back in style. Hit those pilates matts, it’s time to get that core in exhibition shape. As seen in these looks, you can bare that tummy with any kind of outfit.  Also note that materials with a sheen or metallic hint are still a hit, as well as long sheer skirts that show off the legs.

Luisa Beccaria, Rochas, Rochas, Zac Posen, Emerson

Sheer and flowy chiffon is still in from last year. You’ll find them in long maxi dresses, maxi skirts or as sheer blouses. The long skirts with sheer legs are also still in style from last year. We are also seeing more low plunging necklines that really show the breast plate. This style is a softer look that is in direct contrast with the other en vogue favorite of structured skirts and dresses. It all depends on personality and occasion.

CK, Honor, Oscar de la Renta, Rochas, Suno

The structured blooming skirts are an interesting look that really require a special occasion to pull off. Perhaps a company party or a charity ball? It really isn’t a daily wear type of style. I personally think the sheer and flowy look is easier to fit into everyday wear. However if you work in a very trendy office you can definitely try some structured dresses or separates with a blazer for work.

Costello Tagliapietra (first two styles,) Ralph Lauren, Diane Von, Charlotte Ronson, Costtello Tagliapietra

Rompers are still big for spring especially the full body wide leg kind. I love the flowing chiffon and the beautiful floral prints in these styles. It’s like taking 60s summer of love and mashing it with 70s disco diva – Saturday Night Fever the Hippie way.

Burberry Prorsum, BCBG Max Azria, Calvin Klein, Temperly London, Rochas

I started noticing this trend on the red carpets this year. The strapless sweetheart is a classic look. However if you look around you will also notice that the structured sweetheart bustier is popping up in all kinds of dresses and being mixed into many different neck lines – even plunging ones.

In summary, this season is all about opposites. From exposed mid-drifts and plunging necklines to bermuda shorts and long maxis dresses and skirts. From soft and flowy chiffon to structured satins. There’s dressy athletic wear and casual two piece suits. Don’t feel shy about mixing it up, it is a season of experimentation.

Photo Credits:

http://www.elle.com/fashion/spring-2013-fashion-trends

http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/trendreport/110512_Trend_Report/