Spring 2012 Trends: What You Should Wear
The time has finally come and Spring is upon us and it’s time, ladies and gentlemen, to rearrange your closets so that your warm weather clothes are more easily accessible. Spring and Fall are my favorite, I love the transitioning seasons when it’s slightly warm but still crisp and the skies are bright blue and cloudless. I adore going for walks at night when it’s still light out, going to the Farmer’s Market and making huge, brightly colored salads, and of course, bearing some skin after months of being hiding under layers and layers of fabric.
So what’s on tap for Spring? As usual every magazine and fashion blog has a helpful list of what the New York, London, Milan and Paris collections showed for Spring 2012 – Fashionologie, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar & Elle to name a few. They go to the runway shows and examine them look by look to determine what the upcoming season will be all about. And this season we have: rounded shoulders, lace, 20’s art deco, ladylike silhouettes, florals, tribal prints, peplum tops & dresses, exaggerated & padded hips, wide belts, minimalism, head-to-toe white, mesh, sporty, cropped tops, bra tops…
Bra tops?
As adorable as these models look, this isn’t a what I would call a real trend for real people. Truth be told, pretty much only Carrie Bradshaw can wear a bra top in public. So my goal here today is to give you some ideas for great Spring dressing that are more suited to our non-Sex In The City day-to-day lives.
Pastels:
Pastels are usually a Spring staple and this year is no different. However, rather than putting together solid candy colored looks, try mixing various soft, sherbet shades together for a colorful but subtle look.
Lindsey Wixson & Frida Gustavsson’s ad for Mulberry highlights the beautiful pastel trend perfectly. Why not try pairing pastel pieces with neutrals or even black for a tasteful work-appropriate look?
See FabSugar’s ideas on how to integrate pastels into your wardrobe in 5 Ways to Wear Spring’s Pretty Pastels or WhoWhatWear’s How They Wear Pastels featuring Sarah Jessica Parker, Hanneli Mustaparta & Lily Collins.
Popping:
You may already be sick of the phrase “pop of color” (right Holly?) but this trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon…
Why settle for one splash of color when you can have two like Judith Bedard does below? I love that she didn’t try to match her tights and oh-so-French scarf. They’re both beautiful, bright colors, and they’re both utterly different.
This is an ideal style for those – like me – who wear mostly black, since adding a bright scarf, pair of shoes, or purse is incredibly easy. Yet those quick touches immediately update your look, make it fresh and take it to a new level. So what did I do to ensure that I could pop pop pop all Spring long?
I bought myself a new best friend! 🙂
A scarf, hat, bag or piece of jewelry are all great choices for bringing this trend to life. But you can get even more creative and find other ways to flash some color. How about a bright hairpiece or headband? What about throwing on some brilliantly colored nail polish?
Bright Blazers:
Similar to the splash of color trend is the modern style of adding a colorful blazer to your outfit to give it a bit of flash.
Above model Josephine Skriver shows just how to pair a bright blazer with a warmer look – slim pants, booties & long sleeves will all keep the chill away as we wait impatiently for the weather to heat up. Already warm enough to lose the pants in your neck of the woods, you luck duck? Try pairing a brightly colored blazer with shorts for a more Summery look like Liz Cherkasova from Late Afternoon does below. She even mixed multiple trends by adding metallic shorts & accessories as well as a floral printed blouse to her look. Quite the Mix Master!
For more tips on finding the perfect blazer, see Rachel Bilson‘s Spring blazer recommendations or Frugal Fashionista‘s great celebrity-inspired choices featuring fashion stars like Kirstin Dunst, Beyonce and Olivia Palermo.
Prints:
While florals are always a Spring staple, this year you should also invest in some other types of prints as well – from tribal prints to chevron zig zags to typical florals to geometric patterns – there’s something to suit everyone’s style. Whether you want to add a printed bag or belt to a monochromatic look or bravely don head-to-toe print, you should definitely give this trend a try.
Hanne Gaby Odiele & Elisa Nalin were both ahead of the curve and showing off gorgeous prints during the Fall 2012 shows this past month. I like that while they’re both wearing florals their looks couldn’t be more different, they’re both quite creative with their personal styling.
Even if you’re still working up the courage to flaunt the all-over 70’s style print you’ve always admired, you can try something a bit more subtle to work your way closer to your goal.
Left: French Connection Dress - Space Baby Knits $170 @ Bloomingdale's & Right: ASOS Print Dress With Dipped Hem - $65 @ Asos.com
A faint pattern like the two dresses above is a good stepping stone. It gives you a fun pattern to play with but isn’t quite as bold or dramatic as Hanne and Elisa’s looks at the top of this section.
White dresses:
Ashley Madekwe’s crisp Armani Exchange dress is light and summery, she paired it with black sandals and layered jewelry for a fun daytime look. While Natalia Vodianova’s dress shows the other end of the white dress spectrum, something fitted and more formal, with dramatic, nighttime accessories – bold purple heels and a crimson clutch.
Whether you’re planning to attend a garden party or have a hot summer night out on the town in mind a white dress is a great choice to show your tan off to perfection. Try adding colorful accessories to keep it fun during the day, chic black & white in the evening or even try out an all-white look if you’re not prone to spilling things… 🙂
In the mood for some more inspiration, check out the Native Fox’s white & red look on Lookbook.nu.
Shirtdresses:
I love shirtdresses! They always look crisp and fresh, and a little more of a formal feel to them than most sundresses so they’re acceptable in a number of social situations. Versatility is key!
Left: Aqua Shirt Dress - $80, Center: DKNYC Leopard Print Shirt Dress - $120 & Right: Vince Camuto Shirt Dress - $160 (All Bloomingdale's)
A shirtdress can be worn casually during the day with sandals, a floppy hat and a cute tote bag, but it can easily be dressed up at night with heels, a cinched waist and some serious costume jewelry. It’s all about the accessorizing ladies!
If you need a tutorial on this subject head over to The Stylist’s and read their latest series Lessons For A Modern-Day Lady and their most recent piece How To Wear A Shirtdress.
Cropped Pants:
This is one of my favorite looks for Spring, cropped pants are universally flattering and whatever your personal style, there’s the perfect pair for you. From bright colors to basic denim to harem style to classic Jackie O inspired black.
Want to take your crops to a new level? Try them in something textured or an interesting new fabric. Miranda was downtown chic in brown leather Capri pants and a basic denim button down. FabSugar as a great breakdown on the best cropped trousers for Spring – from J.Crew and Zara to Thakoon, Diane Von Furstenberg and Tibi.
Desperate for more ideas for Spring? Check out the FabSugar readers’ Spring Must Haves or Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP newsletter’s Get Ready For Spring.
Finding yourself inspired for Spring? Don’t forget to enter the Spring Giveaway for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from Bloomingdale’s!
Awards Awards Awards
No time to chat, lots to see!
12th Annual AFI Awards Luncheon:
Claire Danes looked stunning in chic white Donna Karan. The belt & pumps were a great touch of color and I like how the look is low-key and elegant rather than in your face. You can always count on Donna Karan for that!
Adorable! Such a complimentary combination of colors and fabrics on her. And great shoes!
Evan Rachel Wood was quite a sight in a fitted red pencil skirt and pointy-shouldered printed blouse from Roland Mouret. I love that she unbuttoned her blouse to reveal a lacy black bra. Feisty!
Charlize Theron looked prim and proper in a gorgeous Stella McCartney dress. The pop of cherry red lipstick keeps all of the yellow from being too sweet.
Octavia Spencer was a vision in white. She accessorized perfectly with a leopard clutch, thick bangle and metallic pumps. Perfect for an afternoon tea.
Felicity Jones stood out in pale Dolce & Gabbana, the ribbon shoes and neutral envelope clutch keep it from being too plain,
White seemed to be the color de jour in the days leading up to the Golden Globes and Miss Elizabeth Olsen was another who tried it out. I love the layering of this look, the oversized boyfriend blazer over a shift dress, paired with long necklaces. And I love love love this top handle handbag. Need!
Felicity Jones was a vision in lacy, layered Valentino. Such a beautiful dress!
The 2012 Art Of Elysium Heaven Gala:
Amber Heard amped up the glamour with this Old Hollywood knockout look from Donna Karan. She wisely let the dress take centerstage and steered away from over accessorizing.
Kirstin Dunst tends to favor looks with a bit of quirk, so while the sheer black overlay on this Valentino gown might have appeared matronly on another actress, it somehow works on her. Another reason I included this look was because her makeup looks flawless, I've never seen her look better.
The white Valentino gown that Ali Larter donned was anything but boring and her earrings and clutch really stole the show. Absolutely gorgeous.
Minka Kelly was hard to miss in bright, bright Oscar de la Renta. The basic silhouette of this gown and the simple gold accessories were important since they let the extraordinary color of the fabric take front and center.
Sorry to tease, I’ll be back later today with the Golden Globes!
The Good the Bad & the Ugly: Critics’ Choice Awards
Ready for some glitz and glamour? The Critics’ Choice Awards were the latest stepping stone towards the Oscars, and the style was a step up from the People’s Choice Awards. More gowns and less cocktail-length frocks. Brights, dark hues and neutrals all made appearances and the men even pulled out their suits.
And Brad Pitt pulled out a cane.
Hmmm.
Confusing, no? I like the white tie though.
I've missed you Evan!!! Evan Rachel Wood looked phenomenal in a strapless Valentino column gown. The lace and intricate detailing of the fabric kept the dress from being boring and her fresh makeup and adorable updo made her look ethereal.
Pale yellow, bright yellow and grey? Only Diane Kruger could make this work. And on a red carpet (grey, actually) sadly lacking in accessories her pink clutch and bracelets were a welcome sight.
Clearly after the success of her green Gucci suit at the People's Choice Miss Emma decided to stick with what works. This belted maxi-style Jason Wu dress is perfection on her. I especially like her cat-eye makeup and simple pave hoops.
Kirstin Dunst's layered tulle & ribboned Christian Dior confection was completed with vintage earrings and bright pink lipstick. This was one of the few black dresses and I like that she chose something dramatic and unusual.
Gotta give credit where credit is due. A white gown is HARD to pull off and Stacy Keibler looks great here. The bangles and sparkly clutch are nice, but obviously Mr. Clooney is the best accessory a girl can have!
Viola Davis couldn't have picked a more striking color for herself than this gown. I like the simplicity of it paired with the gold tassel earrings.
You're got to respect a woman who wears pants on the red carpet! Leave it to Tilda Swinton to pair a dramatic open black and white coat with white pants and a black pussy bow blouse. Tres chic!
I wasn't sure if I loved or hated this black and white Chanel gown, but ultimately I decided that it worked for her. She has a fun, quirky personal style and I think that a dress like this highlights her petite stature without overwhelming her.
Have a great weekend!
(Non-FW) Looks of The Week
In case you’re sick of looking at models, editors, buyers and A-Listers at the four major fashion shows, here are some… Oh never mind, it’s all the same people, but at least they’re not at fashion shows in these pictures. 🙂
Kirstin Dunst glowing at the premiere of her new movie. I think she looks really beautiful here and though you can't tell, her hair is really cute and her dress has a keyhole in the back.
Olivia Palermo on Project Runway. I love love love this look and may put together a Style File for it. The skirt in cute & fun with a great 70s vibe and she keeps the rest of her look neutral to let the skirt take center stage.
Selena Gomez looking cute & low-key, this is a great alternative to the ubiquitous LBD.
Taylor Lautner & Lily Collins at their movie premiere looking adorable in black. Rarely can a guy pull off a t-shirt w/ suit look, but this one works. And her Versace dress is just the thing!
Claire Danes at the Emmy's looking sleek and modern. A very unique look that I think paid off.
Evan has really been hitting her stride lately and this is another gorgeous example. Absolutely striking.
Bananas! Nina Doprev devastated in red at the Emmy's, it was one of my favorite dresses by far.
Naya Rivera from Glee looking chic in black & white on the red carpet for American Horror Story. Some of the Glee girls tend to look a little... Matronly. Then there's Lea. I feel like this is a great in between look, age appropriate and fun, but classic.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead (I admit, I had to look her up on IMDB) looked adorable in this Dolce & Gabbana dress. I thought I was sick of stars, but apparently I just wanted to see them in a fresh new way. Et voila!
Jaime King & Selma Blair looking chic in black and white at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.
Alexa Chung at the ANDAM Dinner after PFW
Amber Heard isn't exactly a newcomer but with her (recently cancelled) TV series Playboy Club and the upcoming Rum Diary w/ Johnny Depp, she's popping up all over the red carpets. She's a gorgeous, gorgeous girl and likes to keep things classic, which suits her incredibly well.
Michael Michele looking utterly flawless in white on the Ides premiere red carpet. Whoa!
Honestly, could this woman look more phenomenal?
Moi Contre La Vie 
