Escape
The season's arrival makes us want to jump for joy. And look good doing it.
When it comes to spring fashion, there's an upside to the ailing economy. If you can only add a few pieces to your wardrobe this season, you'll make better and more careful decisions about what winds up in your closet.
"I have a very pointed philosophy that comes from my own financial concerns," says Cindy Weber-Cleary, fashion director of InStyle magazine. "Which is that it's much better to buy one or two beautifully made pieces that you're crazy about and that are a bit of a stretch, and wear them to death.
"Women still want to look beautiful," she continued. "They will still need to replenish their wardrobe, they will still go out on dates and go to parties. It's not like the world comes to a standstill because of the unfortunate economy that we're in. But they just really have to think carefully about what they're going to spend on."
There's even more good news about this spring's trends: Follow them, ignore them, it's your call. Murky markets and high unemployment rates have made bargain shopping the most prominent trend this spring. If shoppers are paying full price, it's for special, well-made pieces.
"I think that it doesn't really matter what trends are out there this season," says Simon Kneen, creative director of Banana Republic. "It's completely trumped by people shopping in a very different manner. What people are buying are classics, like grays and neutrals. Pieces that they will be able to wear longer than a season."
Coincidentally, designers filled catwalks with neutrals and whites for spring. This season's collections, designed before the economy went south, are light, airy, and flirty. Silhouettes became softer and materials such as silk and satin were prominent. There were also strong bursts of colors, such as electric blues. Sandwiched between the feminine softness were African prints, updated flapper dresses, and dust bowl-inspired prairie dresses.
"This spring's looks are positive and upbeat," says Nicole Phelps, executive editor of Style.com. "There were a lot of nude shades on the runway. They're nice colors to wear with blacks and grays, so I think they're pretty versatile and will carry you through the summer and early fall. There was a lot of diversity on the runway for spring too - in color, shape, and eras. There's room for experimentation."
