Sheer Fabrics & Layers
“There definitely is a sheer story out there. I think what makes sheer fabrics look different this season is that they will be done in a cleaner, more modern way,” says Gregg Andrews, fashion director for Nordstrom.
The idea, says Andrews, is to use sheers in layers and to veil an outfit to make it work. Sheer doesn’t have to mean bare or see-through. Try layering a sheer over a print or a chiffon blouse over a camisole or tank top to achieve a chic look without the exposure.
Clare Hefferren, president of Callosum Creative Ltd., an image consultant for Chicago-area professionals, suggests taking advantage of the sheer layering trend to ease into the warmer temperatures.
“The layer can take us from our 40 degree morning commute to a 70 degree … lunchtime break,” Hefferren says.
Ultrabright Colors
Even if you’re the queen of neutrals and shy away from attention-grabbing hues, try adding some pop to your color palette with spring’s bright colors.
“Look for canary yellow, fuchsia and turquoise. These colors mix great with the basics in your closet – grey always works well to offset the brightness or even pair them with a fantastic black trouser,” says Heather Hackney, a denim buyer for The Denim Lounge.
Adding an accent piece to your wardrobe in a bright color is pocketbook friendly as well as fashion forward – a way of sampling the style without the huge investment.
“A great jacket or a colorful patent handbag” is what Marla Zegart, owner of Hinsdale’s Excentrique boutique, suggests.
Pictured Above: Bright Red Trench Coat from Marc Jacobs
Silhouettes and Playing with Proportion
Wide leg pants are back, which helps make the transition to spring’s trends an effortless endeavor. Proportion is something to explore this season, with trapeze dresses, full skirts and belts to define the look.
“They are very fluid, very flattering on lots of body shapes, especially women with a wider hip. The wide leg balances the wider hip and the line favors more petite women, making legs look long,” Andrews says.
“Someone younger might go with a full skirt that hits at the thigh, and for the office one might go with a skirt that hits at the knee or lower,” Andrews says.
To tie these proportion pieces together, a fabulous belt is all you need. Belts of all sizes, from ultra-skinny to wide corset belts are great for cinching a flowing blouse or balancing out a full skirt.
Spring’s Standout Designers
Our experts singled out a few designers who have done exceptional spring fashion collections this year, making it easy to find the hottest designers right here in Chicago.
For wide leg pants, head to The Denim Lounge. Says Hackney, “Hudson has fantastic basics as well as exciting wide-leg styles. We can’t wait for the arrival of the solid white wide-leg trouser and the pin-striped style coming to our store very soon.”
Andrews called out Donna Karan’s collection. “It looked phenomenal. She used sheers in edging and banding and really used neutrals in ways that looked different - more polished and sophisticated.”
Also noted were the modern femininity of Twenty8Twelve by Sienna Miller, the graphic prints and 60s-inspired trapeze dresses by Lisa Perry and the gorgeous silk tanks and blouses by Missoni with oversized florals.
As if the warmer weather isn’t enough to get you excited for spring, these fashion trends will definitely help elevate your mood.
“It’s a good season and things are easy to navigate,” says Andrews. “Things are looking fresh and easy.”
And what’s better than that?
Pictured Above: Diane Von Furstenberg's Chiffon Blouse
◊ February 2008
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