runway trends

Spring 2012 Fashion Trends: Bright and Pastel Colors

 in Color Trends / Trends  tagged runway trends / spring 2012 by

The spring 2012 runway shows may have ended, but Fashionistas everywhere are still thinking about the silhouettes, colors and inspiration that were sent down the catwalks. One of the biggest trends seen throughout the world for spring 2012 collections was the lack of neutrals and the introduction of color.

While colors have been a mainstay on the runway for the past several seasons, spring 2012 has given us a bold variety of colors to choose from. The past few seasons have shown bright and bold colors on the runways; and in some cases neon. Spring 2012 is giving the fashion world a choice of color. Colors are no longer limited to bright and bold hues; instead, spring 2012 offers everyone a choice-bright or pastel.

Louis Vuitton, and Paris designers in general, sent pretty pastels down the spring 2012 runways. The pastel shades evoked a feminine vibe; another continuing trend from 2011 into 2012. Pastels were shown in every color possible from baby pink to ice blue to soft yellow. The broad range of colors offer a breath of fresh air and an array of choices for shoppers when spring 2012 collection begin to hit store shelves.

Although pastel hues made their mark on the Paris catwalks, bright and bold colors were a mainstay in New York, Milan, London and Berlin (they were also seen in Paris). Bold colors have already begun popping up on the Canadian catwalks for spring 2012; which are going on as we speak. Pantone, the world authority on color, reported earlier this year that orange or “Tangerine Mango” was the most ordered dye color for spring 2012 fashions; signaling the importance of this bright hue in the upcoming year.

While bold colors are obviously important for spring 2012, pastels are peeking back into fashion and their appearance on the Paris runways is proof that the soft shades are just beginning their reign as the new color palette in seasons to come. This isn’t to say that bold colors will fade into the background for fall 2012, in fact they are continuing to remain important, it just means that pastel hues will begin to gain importance, and are at the beginning of their cycle in the fashion world.

 

spring 2012 by bayareafashionista featuring The Cambridge Satchel Company handbags

Fall 2011 Fashion Trends: Below the Knee Hemlines

 in General Fashion / Trends  tagged dresses / fall 2011 / runway / runway trends / skirts by

Hemlines have taken a tumble; below the knee that is. One of the biggest trends on the fall 2011 runwayswas the feminine or “Ladylike” trend. This trend showcased vintage inspired designs with hemlines that hit just below the knee. The skirt length was the only part about the hemlines that showed any consistency. Hemlines were shown in every form from straight around to asymmetrical to wrap.

One trend in skirts that has made a comeback this fall is the fluted hemline. This trend was huge in 2004 and it has come back with a vengeance. The fluted skirt is a pencil skirt with a sudden flair from just below mid-thigh to below the knee. This sassy style has a 1940’s vibe and works perfectly with the season’s biggest handbag silhouette; the top handle tote.

Dresses and skirts with the new hem length are also being shown in a variety of fabrications including silk, sheer chiffon, velvet and wool. In addition, patterned fabric, plaids and solid colors are being shown on skirts; giving every Fashionista a chance to rock this trend for fall.

The new, longer hemline is a breath of fresh air for those who have loathed the shorter than short hemline in recent seasons. Although the below-the-knee hemline might appear matronly for those who love their minis, the fluted hemline offers a body conscious silhouette that is very demure-think Dita Von Teese!

The silhouette for fall’s new hemline varies drastically depending upon the designer. Skirts are being shown in every shape imaginable from full skirts to body hugging, curve boasting pencil silhouettes. Whichever shape you prefer, you cannot go wrong. This season look for a silhouette which compliments your shape; as long as the hemline hits below-the-knee you are on-trend and fabulous for fall!

Wondering how to wear the new hem? Always wear heels since the below the knee length can shorten you. If you are under 5’4” opt for a platform pump and stay away from ankle straps or ankle booties which will shorten your leg. Also, since leg coverings are du rigueur for autumn, try to keep the color of your skirt, leg coverings and shoe close together. This will also help elongate your legs and keep them from looking short. As always, happy shopping and stay fabulous 

 

knee length skirts by bayareafashionista featuring a pull on skirt

Fall 2011 Fashion Trends: The Return of Ladylike Fashion and Leg Coverings

 in General Fashion / Trends  tagged fall 2011 / leg coverings / runway trends by

When Louis Vuitton created a Depression-era train station vibe for their fall 2011 runway show, onlookers were instantly taken back to a time of glamour, gloves and satchels. Although Marc Jacobs left legs bare on the runway, a strange trend has started to creep back onto the legs of women everywhere; the dreaded leg covering.

Ladylike fashion is currently dominating store shelves as we speak. While shoppers seek out delicate suiting, satchels and such; nylons and tights are starting to appear as a trend for fall. Gasp!

Ten years ago nylons and tights finally saw the end of their life. As corporate casual took over in the height of the dot-boom, women celebrated and flaunted bare legs as much as possible. Now, as a more formal way of dressing returns to runways and store shelves, the pendulum is swinging back to covered up legs.

While nylons and tights make for a finished look, they are incredibly annoying to wear! Let’s face it, when you rub up against a table, or lean on a chair, a snag can appear and ruin the whole thing. To make matters worse, we have to carry a back up pair, or two, just in case the afore mentioned event actually occurs! In addition to accidental snags during the day, nails are getting longer this fall which means putting on nylons in the morning can be a dangerous activity.

It should be interesting to see if leg coverings return to the fashionable legs of women everywhere, or if they remain on store shelves, unpurchased, as a continued stand against covered up legs. What is your take on leg coverings? Is this a trend you might follow or will you continue to “just say no” to leg coverings and bare those fabulous legs? Feel free to leave a comment below or weigh in on our Facebook page.

 

leg coverings by bayareafashionista featuring distressed picture frames