Hot
Trends for Spring/Summer 2005 Cynthia Nellis
Skirts,
Brights, Metallics
Banish the hard edges this spring and break out your prettiest
looks. Skirts, brights like coral and turquoise, white, chunky
necklaces, metallic bags and shoes and wedges are a few of
the best looks for spring.
The Big Skirt
Knee-length or a bit longer, the full skirt makes the biggest
impact this season as proportions change to include lots of
volume on bottom. The big skirt comes in many incarnations:
circle, bubble, bustled, tiered, layered with tulle underlays,
pleats and embellished.
Why we like it: Worn right, the big skirt covers
a multitude of lower-body sins. It brings a new sense of proportion
and excitement to fashion. But mostly, it's fun because it's
something most of us don't already own.
Wear with: Shrugs, fitted cardigans or boxy jackets.
The Topper
Jackets and knit layers are still great for spring. A few
favorite looks:
• The little sweater:
Dance sweaters (long-sleeve, tie front tops) and shrugs are
a cute addition over basic knits and mix with everything from
denim to skirts. Cardigans -- embellished with sequins --
look fresh again for spring.
• The trench: Classic,
sexy, practical.
• The cropped jacket:
A great new boxy shape that makes your waist look tiny and
pairs with pants or fuller skirts.
• The blazer: Fitted blazers
-- ending above the hip -- look best.
Why we like it: Smaller sweaters and belted or shrunken
jackets keep the layered look from being too bulky.
Wear with: Mix blazers with jeans and metallic sandals;
pair an embellished cardigan with a full skirt. Don't wear
anything too literally: experiment with proportion, layers
and colors.
Boho Luxe
Hippie prints -- paisley, florals -- and gauzy or silk fabrics
in free-flowing shapes are a nice alternative to other ladylike
looks.
Peasant dresses, tunic tops paired with jeans, and sexy little
tops and camis (cute in prints or edged with crochet) are
more ways to add a little freedom to your look.
Why we like it: Soft, young, fun. What's not to like?
Besides, armfuls of jangly bangles and stone-encrusted sandals
will bring out the gypsy in you.
Wear
with: Choose the looser shapes in solids (white or bright
silks) and pair with structured bottoms (a tunic with straight
jeans). Or anchor a floaty dress with a big leather belt and
chunky necklace. Keep the volume under control because rather
than hiding problem areas, loads of extra fabric just tends
to make it look larger.
Brights and White
Turquoise is the "It" color of the season as both
an accessory accent (necklaces, earrings) and head-to-toe
hue. Coral, lime and lemon are citrusy hits that add tons
of punch to warm weather clothing.
At the other end of the spectrum, pure white looks smashing
in either tailored pieces, knits or girly dresses.
Why we love it: A pop of color mixes well with neutrals
we already own: pair coral with khaki, turquoise with white
and white with denim.
Wear with: Bright accessories are the easiest way
to add a pretty splash of turquoise or coral. Chunky necklaces,
funky flats, even a brightly colored mock croc handbag are
all great new accents. The white bag -- oversized and complete
with big gold hardware -- is an easy way to introduce white
into your wardrobe.
Metallics
Gold and silver go daytime for spring, appearing as subtly
as a shimmer of a thread in a tweed jacket or as bold as a
huge shiny handbag.
Why we like it: Sexy shine makes everything look
a little more special.
Wear with: For daytime add a gold ballerina flat
or a glimmery satchel for a hint of metallic. Save huge sparkle
-- like a metallic dress -- for after five.
Flats and Wedges
 Shoes
go to extremes this season. The wedge gets the most fashionista
buzz for its fun factor. Funky touches, wild colors and sheer
wearability (great with jeans, crops, skirts) make the wedge
the must-have shoe shape.
At the other end, flat shoes in sandals, ballerina shapes
and moccasins are cute and practical for spring.
Why we like them: Flats and wedges are more comfortable
to wear than strappy sandals.
Wear with: Wear flats with cropped pants or the new,
big skirt. Wedges look funky with jeans and tiered skirts.
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