This spring will bring lovely, light new trends into style. With warmer weather hopefully around the corner, a recap of the Mercedes-Benz Spring/Summer 2014 Fashion Week provides the perfect preview of what to wear in the coming months.
One staple for this year’s spring wardrobe is sheer fabrics. Many designers such as Yuna Yang and DKNY included sheer layers in their skirts, dresses and tops. Throwing on a translucent short-sleeved top over a bandeau will ensure cool comfort and style. Pairing a long sheer skirt with a solid-colored miniskirt makes a highly-versatile option.
Another must-have for anyone’s spring closet is animal print. Diane von Furstenburg and Betsey Johnson both included flashy hints of animal print in their spring collections. Add to this trend by accessorizing with faux reptile bracelets or shoes, or make a bold statement with a loud zebra print jumpsuit.
A more subtle element included in pieces this season is a cuffed sleeve, seen on short-sleeved shirts and blouses. This style, typically seen in menswear, was a star component of many looks in the spring collections of designers such as Calvin Klein. A shirtdress or buttoned blouse with a cuffed sleeve will be a chic way of wearing this trend.
Striking V-neck cuts in pieces were also seen on the runway. Joanna Mastroianni’s collection included dresses with plunging necklines. This sensory detail is the perfect way to complete a black cocktail dress.
Additionally, spring collections stressed solid colors, seen in dresses and skirts. Designers such as Ralph Lauren showed off simply-cut, solid-print sundresses, flexible enough for an array of occasions.
Upcoming colors for summer pieces are not the bright, saturated hues typically associated with the season. Rather, soft, subdued shades of blue, taupe and white are expected.
Collections from Issac Cruz and BCBG Max Azria were characterized by neutral tones that blend well with any color. Dainty pastels and neutral shades will be in high demand this season.
Various aspects of fall attire can be carried over into new spring numbers and should be kept to improve the array and quality of summer outfits.
Make sure to keep any taupe- and cream-colored cardigans, tops and dresses to pair with the predominant color palette of the season. Also, keep lightweight, summer-appropriate items with light, faint patterns, as this fashion will be seen in numerous different looks from multiple collections. Lastly, dresses and items with simple, classic cuts can be worn year-round as key wardrobe basics.
A version of this article appeared in the Wednesday, Feb. 19 print edition. Maggie O’Neill is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].