Spring Trends: Now and Later

With the fashions changing at the speed of light, it can be tough to keep up.

As you drool over the new pieces coming into stores this spring and wonder whether you’ll be able to wear this or that lovely item for more than a few months, here are few tidbits to help you spend your money wisely.

These are a few of the many trends you can buy now that also accented the runway collections of this month’s New York Fashion Week.

Marc Jacobs Fall 2013

Leather

While a leather jacket will always be in style, if you are looking for trendier pieces, think beyond the jacket.  Add to last fall’s leather pant and sheath dress trend with leather sleeves, collars, cuffs, tops, and panels.  Then add new twists of additional color varieties – plum, greens, and cobalt blue.  If you live in a hot and humid climate, (hello Houston!) look for items in cotton/spandex/breathable materials with leather accents and/or panels to
increase wearability.

Cynthia Steefe Dylan Dress – Nordstrom, $198
Faux Leather Trim Jacket – Vince Camuto, $80 (on sale)
Rag and Bone Midnight Leather Trim Shirt – Neiman Marcus, $325
Patterson J Kincaid Melissa Leather Shell – Neiman Marcus, $248

Shopping Tip:
Leather is a great thing to search for in consignment shops, especially if you are vacationing in a posh locale.  If you really want to get crazy with it, you can dye the leather, add cutouts, studs, or tailor the shape of older pieces.

Colorful Baubles

The trend toward the pops-of-color concept and a more minimalist color palette rather than the revived 80s color explosion we’ve seen in the last few seasons was evident.  For example, Nanette Lepore’s Fall 2012 collection versus Fall 2013 collection.

Nanette Lepore Fall 2012 vs 2013

I’m a color addict and can only wear neutrals so many times, so I’m a bit bummed about this turn of events.  BUT, it does mean you’ll want to snag those bright, colorful statement necklaces, earrings, and bracelets to accent the subdued color palette coming this fall.

Aztec Earrings – Noonday Collection, $25
Cara Multistrand Necklace –  Nordstrom, $48
Jolie Necklace – Stella and Dot, $79
Carnelian, Garnet, Chrysophase, and Moonstone Bangles – Andrea Montgomery Designs, $125
Red Crystal Cluster Rings – Oscar de la Renta @ Neiman Marcus, $250

Styling Tip:
Yes, you can wear statement pieces. ;-) If you have a shorter neck, look for necklaces with lower drape that sit mid-decollete or lower.  Crewneck length necklaces are best suited for those with a longer neck.

Black and White

Speaking of neutrals, did I mention black and white?  B&W is already on the minor-climbing-to-major trend radar this season for those experiencing coloroverloads from last year’s neon resurgence.  Whether it’s in colorblocking, paneling, or layering, black and white is an easy trend to embrace with items you mostly likely already own

Cynthia Steffe Emily Dress – Nordstrom, $198
Toothpick Geometric Print Jean – J Crew, $90 (on sale)
Inc Colorblock Peplum Top – Macys, $60

Prints

Prints are here to stay and it’s one of the styles that I rarely find in client’s closets. Whether it’s a bold geo print, a softer floral, or mod colorblocking, you can wear prints. They add interest, diversity, and save your solids from drudgery. The fall collections used mixed media fabrics to create prints as well as designing new varieties of bold prints.

Kate Spade Lora Silk Dress – Nordstrom, $398
Miss Wu Geo Print Faille Dress – Nordstrom, $398
Café Capri in Silk Foulard – J Crew, $188
Emery Ikat Jacquard Pencil Skirt – BCBG, $198

As with all trends, consider it first. You do not need to rock every trend and at the same time, don’t be afraid to try.  If it doesn’t look good on you or doesn’t match your style, take a pass!  Luckily, there are plenty of trends to go around.

For additional ideas and photos for Fall 2013, check out my
Fall ’13 Trend Report Pinterest Board.

Happy Shopping!

Photo Credits: www.mbfashionweek.com/Getty Images