Panache Offblast

New York Fashion Week came to a close last week and while (for a few reasons) not being too impressed with last year’s collections, I can definitely say the opposite for this coming Spring and Summer. Designers stepped way out of their comfort zones, bringing us a variety of unique shapes/structures, patterns, and themes to step confidently into next year. Think subtle nods to the 1970s, sporty yet pretty touches that don’t require a gym membership, a fresh spin on gingham prints, and much more.

I’ve outlined my favorite trends below that I spotted on the runways, from a minimalist and sweet to an athletic and bold approach.

Taking clues from the 1960’s with both delicate and large florals that look painted on garments, as well as pastel and neutral tones, designers including Carolina Herrera and Rebecca Taylor showcased a sweet and feminine collection. A trademark of the trend also includes lingerie detailing via gentle and soft embroidery, empire and A-line dresses, wide-legged shorts and pants, and cropped smocked tops and sweaters in linen and silk organza.

I was never a fan of your typical polo, but ever since I incorporated a more simplistic vibe into my personal style, I can’t get enough blouses and pretty collared tops. Spring’s new crop top is the slouchy knitted polo – buttoned up or not. Think of yourself as the rebellious chick at the preppy country-club. As versatile as a T, the polos on the runways of ICB, J. Crew, and Hugo Boss are all covetable.

There are certain trademarks of the Spring season and one has its roots set in charming picnic-wear, aka that particular plaid known as gingham. I personally love incorporating the pattern all-year-around, and this Spring, designers opted for reds, blacks, and baby blues. The print maintains its sweetness, while getting a dose of spicy, with cut-outs like on Lela Rose’s deep plunge dress and Diane von Furstenberg’s sexy high-slit dress.

We know by now that sleek leather is a staple during the warmer months, but designers chose to soften it up a bit for next Spring, playing with decadent suedes. Altuzarra took his signature button-down to luxe places in a camel hue paired with a bold, striped skirt, while Jason Wu went sultry with suede on a deep-plunge, high-slit dress.

For years now, we’ve seen a variety of full-on sportswear from Alexander Wang, but this time around, it’s about a touch of athletic influences played into a minimalist, girly look. From racing stripes to lace-ups, a simple detail here and there keeps the look fresh and sleek. The use of mesh and high-tech fabrics shows the marriage of innovation and technology, which I love when blending into fashion and everyday wear.

Seen on nearly every Spring runway, stripes are making a major statement, but not only in the big-print sense. Designers are playing with position and placement, as well as sizing. Textiles at Victoria Beckham make a bold appearance while interesting shapes and mix-matching are showcased on the Altuzarra runway.

Another look I was never a huge fan of in the past but have come to appreciate recently is safari, especially with the more modern approach designers have taken. This Spring, we can spot chic khaki trench dresses, fern prints, sleek cargo pants, and camo-inspired pieces that are anything but invisible. Instead of roughing it, these safari-inspired looks have an upscale, sophisticated aesthetic, as seen on the runways of Ralph Lauren and Victoria Beckham.

Another nod to the past, designers have found new ways to show off those shoulders, and no, it isn’t by adding shoulder pads! This season, we can put the power suits aside and let those sexy shoulders breathe with shoulder-baring looks. Whether off-the-shoulder or bold one-shoulder necklines, make this the key element to show off one of your finest assets.

Stay tuned tomorrow for a trend I didn’t list that I wanted to feature on its own, as I’m obsessed (and sort of predicted).