By Abby Ott, Staff Writer
Shows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, where designers presented their fall 2012 collections, included a mixture of fabric textures, dark colors and extreme layers. However, before fall becomes the main focus, spring is just ahead and new trends to explore within the next few months abound.
“For spring there is a weird ‘80s color scheme with inspiration from ‘70s-style clothing,” said Marlie Richardson, women’s clothing buyer at Westwin Clothiers, a men’s and women’s boutique in Jackson. “For example, flair-leg jeans and flowy tops, but in highlighter yellow.”
Pairing mismatched patterned items, wearing similar colors throughout an ensemble and sporting bright neon colors will soon become the normal for those who keep up with recent trends. While at times the ideas and clothing that come flowing down the runway seem to some exotic and un-relatable, a few fashion experts in Jackson argue otherwise.
“All runway trends are translatable,” said Haley Gallagher, Union alumnae and stylist at Mam’selle, a women’s boutique. “You just have to water them down.”
For a feasible way to make high-fashion trends attainable, Sarah Hill, intern at Westwin Clothiers, suggests pairing stylish pieces with basics. She stressed the importance of being confident when wearing out-of-the-ordinary pieces.
“Take a step back and realize that the designer is trying to put on a show,” Richardson said. “A lot of magazines take runway trends and show you how to apply them to individuals. It is also helpful to see how brands take trends from the runway to the stores.”
Some pieces that retail experts such as Gallagher and Hill agree would be smart purchases this season include bright items to provide pop and excitement, neutrals to balance out the color and sheer blouses to give an airy feel to any look.
Richardson said she feels strongly that jeans are a great investment this season. She said most women need one good pair of jeans in each style: skinny, straight-leg and boot cut.
Color has stolen the scene this season, which may make it easier to put together outfits — questions such as, “Do these two shades of red go together?” and “Can I wear polka dots with stripes?” seem irrelevant. Try not to overthink the concept of “color blocking,” and simply pair items in the same color family.
“Wear any and all colors together all the time,” Gallagher said. “Mix up your look by layering pieces you have never worn together before. Put a slouchy sweater over a maxi dress.”
The trends this spring are, above all, fun, but daring as well. If one is not interested in bright colors, patterns and a mesh of ‘70s and ‘80s vibes, take heart because fall is just around the corner, bringing rich colors and a darker mood with it.
