Spring Into Fashion

THIS SEASON IS ABOUT FASHION FUSION—PAIRING DIFFERENT
STYLE ELEMENTS LIKE MILITARY JACKETS WITH LONG FLOWING SKIRTS FOR WOMEN AND ATHLETIC SHOES WITH SUITS FOR MEN

By Deb Lehman

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Now that we’ve got basic wardrobe elements covered, it’s time to talk accessories. Colorful bunches of necklaces and bangles are meant to be worn with the season’s frills and flounces. Oversized pocketbooks and totes in bright colors and patterns are also in style. Look for embellishments such as floral embroidery, turquoise, jewels, glitter, and gold studs on everything from jeans and jackets to bags and shoes. As for fabrics, silk, lace, chiffon and anything sheer fit this spring’s look best, since these materials are so feminine.

Spring often brings new innovations to classic styles, and men’s suits are a perfect
canvas for such fashion re-workings.

“The biggest trend in men’s wear is the bold color palette,” notes Mike Hammed, owner of Distante, a high-end men’s clothing store in Short Hills. “Men’s wear has been drab the last few seasons, but we’re in for some dramatic changes. Busy stripes and patterns are everywhere. Expect to see suits with multi stripes, sport coats in plaid or check, strong bold colors for jackets. Pairing striped or patterned shirts and ties together to create contrasting textures is in,” says Hammed.

This season is also about incorporating less formal elements into dressing up, a trend that results from the growing influence the younger generation has on today’s designers. Suits are being designed to be worn with tennis shoes, and many have lower waists and wider legs so as to look less fitted and more laid back. Suits now have the freedom to be completely tailored or somewhat less fitted and formal.

“Designers are looking to appeal to a younger market,” observes Hammed. “Shirts are
body-fitting and are cut a little shorter so as to be worn outside of the pants. Jeans — always a staple with the younger crowd — is now de rigueur for men of all ages and run the gamut from distressed jeans that are slightly ripped and faded to give the appearance of age to dark denim with a clean finish that can be easily dressed up or down.

A variety of sports are being tapped as influences for this spring’s fashion, including track, motocross and soccer. The key to wearing athletic pieces is to mix them up with other style elements, so as to not look like you’re just an athlete suiting up for a game. Many of the pieces have a retro ‘70s feel to them, especially in the bright colors paired with white stripes. Examples of this fashion fusion include wearing a sporty jacket with dress pants, or pairing athletic shoes with a suit.

While always a fashion staple, polos are enjoying added attention this spring. Expect to
see a variety of polo styles by Ralph Lauren and Banana Republic, in patterns ranging from brights to stripes. This year heralds the revival of the Lacoste shirt which, although popular in the ‘80s, disappeared from the fashion radar for a while. This season’s Lacoste polos are about mismatched stripes, bright colors and snugness.

With the addition of athletic styles into the fashion world, tennis shoes have begun to move up the ranks of the fashion ladder. Many athletic shoe companies, like Nike and Adidas, have begun to make more fashion-friendly models. Companies like Prada and Dolce & Gabbana are making shoes, revealing that the trend has pervaded even the
upper echelons of the fashion world.

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