| Spring is just around the corner and the latest | | | | “Clothes embellished with peace signs and |
| trends and styles are splashing the pages of | | | | messages are really big.” |
| fashion magazines everywhere. Fashion week | | | | Silhouettes are very accentuated this spring as |
| has brought the world a new and spicy dose of | | | | well. Karen Steen, Director of Fashion Studies |
| geometric shapes, striking silhouettes, and bright | | | | states, “Apparel will include volume, such as |
| colors. Spring fashion is in full bloom and it is crucial | | | | full skirts or full tops or blouses. High-waisted |
| for women of every shape and size to know | | | | skirts and pants will be shown, along with dresses |
| what styles are right for their body type. | | | | with defined waists.” It is important to |
| Fashion is all about fit, comfort, and confidence. | | | | accentuate your waist if you are a bit curvier, this |
| If you have already invested in florals and nautical | | | | will avoid looking frumpy. Voluminous tops and |
| prints from last spring, youre in luck! Feminine | | | | skirts are a great way to show off your feminine |
| styles such as florals are always going to be a | | | | side. Steen adds, “Bows are on everything; |
| classic spring look, so the investment is worth it. | | | | form large decorative bow details on dresses to |
| Junior and Fashion Design major, Xander Clarke | | | | bow-shaped clutch purses.” This feminine |
| states, “This spring is going to be as feminine | | | | and fun look is great for more modest tastes. |
| as ever. Flirty silhouettes will be big. A lot of | | | | Amanda Jensen, Fashion Instructor states, |
| ruffles on tops and dresses. Another trend is | | | | “Apparel will be a bit more modest, apparel |
| exposed shoulders, halters, and racer backs.” | | | | that is based around function rather than |
| He also adds that plaid dresses will carry over | | | | novelty.” |
| from the fall. Dresses are bigger than ever this | | | | This spring’s fashion has brought a wide |
| spring and they have been seen in all different | | | | variety of styles, making it easy to appeal to the |
| lengths and cuts. One shoulder dresses are good | | | | vast majority. From edgy rocker and hippie |
| for any body type, just beware of length; shorter | | | | bohemian to colorful and feminine, there’s |
| girls shouldn’t wear anything that goes past | | | | something for everyone. Fortunately designers |
| their knees or it will make them look shorter or | | | | are taking note of the declining economy and |
| stumpy. | | | | have made their collections more functional, thus |
| Color is also a large focal point in apparel this | | | | more practical for consumers. Jensen states that |
| coming season. Bright and neon colors can be | | | | there’s going to be a “swing” towards |
| seen anywhere from nails and makeup to pants | | | | “Do It Yourself” elements to clothing. |
| and tops. Clarke proclaims, “Color will be the | | | | “People are holding onto their money and |
| biggest selling point this year. Every designer will | | | | trying to stay fashionable by adding their own |
| be adding new bursts of color into their | | | | creativity and individualism to their styles to |
| collections.” Some newer styles that are | | | | change them up for the new season.” A lot |
| popping up in stores and on runways include: | | | | of stores are offering discount versions of similar |
| Native American patterns and designs, Geometric | | | | styles that are seen on the runways. Forever |
| shapes and Hippie/bohemian apparel. Diane Von | | | | 21, H&M, Charlotte Russe, Alloy, Wet Seal, |
| Furstenburg’s recent collection displayed an | | | | and Love Culture are all stores that offer |
| array of Indian inspired headdresses and colors. | | | | fashionable apparel at a reasonable price. Fashion is |
| Cate Walsh, sophomore and Fashion Design major | | | | a competitive world and its trends are constantly |
| concluded, “This may have something to do | | | | changing and revolving but there is always a way |
| with the fact there is a new democratic president, | | | | to reinvent your wardrobe. Fashion magazines |
| living in a time of great change and a possible end | | | | such as Elle, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar offer |
| to war. (70’s and 80’s fashion | | | | a lot of tips regarding the latest trends and where |
| revival)” Some hippie and bohemian styles | | | | to shop on a budget. These fashion bibles are |
| include fringe on anything from sandals to bags, | | | | every fahionista’s essential read that allows |
| colorful beading on loose fitting tops, horizontal | | | | them to stay at the top their game! |
| headbands, and gladiator sandals. Walsh adds, | | | | |