Spring Fashion Trends 2007

Spring Fashion Trends 2007

After a seemingly endless bout of winter, springtime brings raised temperatures, moods and hemlines. MSN Shopping’s Style Editor Shannon McCarthy gathers some gorgeous reasons to welcome the change in seasons.

Graphic Details — Florals, Prints, Polka-Dots & Stripes

This year, fashion gets detail oriented. We haven’t seen such a wealth of printed and woven patterns since the ‘60s and ‘70s. In fact, some of the best new day dresses look like particularly good vintage store finds. Florals are big and I mean that literally — oversize roses bloom on sweet cotton shirtdresses, and large, almost abstract flowers adorn floaty chiffon mini-dresses. Smaller patterns are just as fresh. My favorite motif is what I call "antique wallpaper." These intricate designs liven up the basic shift shapes so popular this spring. If you like your clothes less girly-girl and more mod, go with polka-dots or stripes on dresses, separates and accessories. You can easily translate this trend into real-world wearability by pairing your patterned pieces with neutral "anchors" like a khaki pencil skirt, white wide-legged pant or a black linen cropped jacket.

 

Opposites Attract — Black & White

This is the most coolly classic combination and designers don’t want to let go of it. Stores are stocked with soft, easy knits in black and white that are effortless to wear and coordinate, and are lightweight enough for warmer weather. I think today’s chicest proportions — volume over skinny or vice-versa — look particularly sharp when interpreted in black and white combinations. We can find long ivory shirtdresses paired with deep charcoal leggings, or black ballerina wrap cardigans topping white a-line skirts. The simplest way to get in on fashion’s equivalent of yin-yang is with one piece that combines the two colors. Dresses will do the trick and just happen to be the apparel item of the season. Think either a soft printed frock belted at the high waist, or the clean, linear, look of a knit or cotton-blend dress with bold contrasting hemlines or color at the collar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shine On — Metallics

I’m sure I’ve written this at least once in the past year, but it bears repeating — metallics are the new neutral. We began by incorporating these glowing hues in small doses, with accessories paving the way, but what was once a precious extra is now a wardrobe staple. And because designers have turned down the wattage, we can wear gold, copper and bronze in an entirely indulgent manner. What used to sparkle now shimmers, and the flash quotient has been burnished to a tawny luster. (The exception to this is the mother lode of brilliant silver seen on shoes, bags and tops.) Wearing head-to-toe glow is fine for the evening, but you may want to confine your daytime shine to something more subtle. A muted gold blouse over a strictly-business slim skirt, or a light sweater woven with lurex threads will give you a shot of chic without blinding any innocent bystanders. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bold Front — Bright Colors

There’s always one spring trend that does a complete "180" away from the fall. This time it’s color. Big. Saturated. Extroverted. This season’s palette makes last year’s powdery pastels look positively shy in comparison. Primary colors like red, blue, green and (especially) yellow, are showing up on tailored crop jackets, trendy walking shorts, casual tanks and retro mini dresses. These hues are supremely eye-catching and bold, but if you’d rather not attract all that attention, sport this look in the way I recommend for metallics — with kicky separates rather than a total ensemble. A stand-out bright leather jacket with your favorite jeans, or the finishing touch of a red belt with that blue and white nautical-inspired outfit may be the perfect amount of punch. Try a conservatively cut Henley tee in sunny yellow, paired with neutral crop pants. Or a figure-flattering cotton cami in red with a soft cream broomstick skirt. Show your true colors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frill Up — Ruffles, Pleats, Draping & Lace

I’ve saved my favorite for last. As much as I love the classic lines of tailored clothing, and the undeniable ease of unadorned knits, there’s just something more fun about getting the pretty. A must-have for spring is the embellished white blouse. This can be on the structured side — like a crisp, fine white cotton tuxedo-style shirt for day, or full of flow — like a diaphanous silk blouse that recalls the frilliest of Victorian underpinnings. Dresses and skirts are similarly full of girlish garnishes. Pleats add textural interest to a skirt, but also serve to camouflage where a simpler skirt might cling. And the uncomplicated cut of the super hot babydoll and drop-waist dresses are beautifully enhanced with ruffles at the neckline, lace at the hems, or tiers of sheer overlay. For all-out glamour, the most breathtaking new evening gowns are draped and ruched to make you look like the goddess you are.

 

 

Source: www.msn.com