Ladies' Fashion Trends
A new, understated femininity is the “in” thing. Small details, like ruffles, tucks, feminine patterns and prints, lend excitement to the subdued colour palette, making up for the lack of contrast. Silhouettes change, making way for a more streamlined look. For example, narrow trousers and skirts are teamed with rather more voluminous tops.
“Urban Sahara”
Inspired by the classic colonial style, the new smart casual look is based on a whole series of intriguing combinations. The range typically includes hip-length belted jackets or parkas with patch or snap-flap pockets, crop-leg trousers with roll-up hem and cargo details, shirts and blouses with ruffles or draped effects (figure 6), and fine-gauge knitted pullovers and jackets in natural shades. And for a charmingly feminine look, openwork, ajouré sweaters, or shirts with crochet or lace effects. Fabric-wise, light pre-washed cottons and linens, mainly crushed or crinkled, predominate. Washed and velour leather are also essential to this season’s “back to nature” look.
Differing proportions, layering and interesting colour combinations all contribute to stylish outfits. The springtime colour palette centres on neutral shades of beige or off-white combined with gently contrasting white, pink or pale yellow.
Colours: Light brown, camel, off-white, “rainforest” green, pink and pale yellow.
“Nordic Light”
Capturing the mood of northern seas and seaports, this is sophisticated sportswear for city slickers. Highlights include trench coats and casual jackets with drawstring waist or belt in new soft cotton mixtures or metallic fabrics with a slightly crushed look. And in line with this season’s silhouette, they look great teamed with slimline trousers or jeans, maybe close-cut blue denims with baked-in creases, or in bright overdyed colours. Narrow, crop-leg and Capri pants and Bermudas feature strongly among spring and summer styles.
Sweaters and cardigans with horizontal, shadow or block stripes in fine-gauge or ribbed knits are perfect ingredients of the sporty look. Colourwise, different shades of blue combine with lots of white and a touch of yellow, while beige and sand are among the must-have colours.
Colours: Dark blue, pale bleu, pale yellow, white, sand.
“Latin”
Mexico is the inspiration for the theme of black and white with splashes of red. The colour contrast is reminiscent of dark shadows cast on the whitewashed walls of Mexican churches. This season’s motifs draw on the dramatic designs of the Aztecs, whose womenfolk provide the role models for a look of simple elegant femininity. The key message of the Latin look is emphasised by small, feminine details, such as unobtrusive ruffles, lace, embroidery, edging and bows. What better than a red blouse in Swiss dot fabric to soften the cool severity of a black trouser suit? Cottons and linens with interesting, uneven surfaces or crinkle effects are used for blazers and light blousons, while blouses, dresses and skirts come in flowing, silky or plissé fabrics. A perfect example of the look is a belted blazer teamed with a softly swinging skirt in printed georgette. Bolero¬s, narrow trousers and Capri pants, blouses with ruffles or frills, wraparound or draped shirts, high-waisted dresses or empire-line blouses complete the Latin image.
Colours: Black, white, grey, red.