Spring Fashion Forecast
New spring fashions are popping up in stores and online, tempting us to think about sunnier days ahead. (And getting to the gym!) Here is a sneak peek at what you will want to put in your shopping carts now.
SHORT SHORTS. Yes, I know you may get goose bumps when you read this one, but get ready. If you’ve got the legs for them, this is your moment. These are not your typical “Daisy Dukes,” but more like hot pants reminiscent of old Hollywood, when stars lounged around the pool in high-waisted boy shorts. When worn with the new bra tops, visions of vintage bathing beauties are not far away. When topped off with tailored jackets, short shorts give new meaning to the phrase “bare necessities.”
STATEMENT SLEEVES. Sleeves are the new erogenous zone of the season, adding even more style to the cold shoulder trend of last year that continues right into the new year. Sleeves are longer, they are belled, cuffed, ruffled and embroidered. Now this is one spring trend we can all wrap our arms around.
THE SLOUCHY PANTS. The wide-legs strut their stuff this spring in both long and cropped flowing silhouettes. To keep it all under control, designers focus on the waist, cinching it in with either a drawstring or belted jacket to balance the proportion on top. These wider pants look best with chunkier shoes. So get ready for platforms to make a return!
LOTS OF LEATHER. Don’t put your leather jackets up just yet. Leather has become a year-round staple in our wardrobes. And it’s not just wearing your cropped top under your leather bomber when the weather warms up. This spring and summer, designers have softened up leather in strapless dresses and feminine blouses that are the height of the chic on the cocktail circuit. The leather moto jacket hit the runway paired with slinky slip dresses and evening gowns, too. Leather ankle boots are also stepping out all year—in spring, team them with short skirts and shorts...and bare legs.
ROMANTIC FLORALS. Florals are a perennial favorite in the spring. But the blooms may change from season to season. The dark florals have been this winter’s major crop of the fashion crowd, but watch for a brighter, fun side of flora and fauna prints with a ‘60s vibe to thrive in the upcoming months. Roses, in particular, will have a great run...just in time for spring flowers
WORK WEAR GETS GLAMOROUS. We’ve seen it happen with athletic sportswear when designers dress up track suits and hoodies; now, utilitarian looks are getting the glam treatment. Look for mechanic jumpsuits, cargo vests and military jackets to go to another level with silky fabrics in candy pastels and neon bright.
LOGO LOVE. If you’ve got something to say, there’s a way to get your message across with lots of T-shirts and jackets splashed with logos and graphic slogans. In a year of political divisiveness, Michael Kors’ spring 2017 designs may have said it best: “LOVE.” A simple, but powerful message on and off the runway.
Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association.