Bold Patterns Celebrate the Season
You can spot them by the lively pale colors and the lightness of being.
They are mostly girlish, familiar and oh-so compelling after our brutal heartland winter. They are the new spring clothes surfacing in retail stores and magazines.
Picture a white tunic touched with a hint of ruffle, a skirt that moves as you do and a dress you slide on. Jackets are short, uncontrived and versatile.
By now you’ve probably checked your closets. What you pack away, what moves to the front lines and what you reincarnate: You’re making those decisions.
It’s all about personal style, of course, and knowing when the colorful rich print or cropped, rounded or squared-off jacket works for you. But trends may also matter.
You want to be modern in your choice of colors, classic silhouettes and attitude.
To reassure you about your fashion savvy, we offer a trend quiz. How much do you know about the season? For each correct answer, you earn 10 points.
Garden of Envy: Jumpers are a great choice if you want the look of a short dress, but want the the practicality of shorts. This silk floral jumper by Anna Sui has ruffled cap sleeves and full “shorts,” that give the illusion of a dress. Anna Sui jumper $323, Feng, By Boe earrings $66, Haught Style, watering can $25, Curious Sofa
Raindrops On Roses: Even a downpour can’t dampen spring’s bright flower patterns. ABS designed this cobalt and white dress with cap sleeves and narrow belt. ABS dress $228, Nordstrom, By Boe earrings $42, Haught Style, umbrella $23, Curious Sofa
Flight of Fancy: Spring’s featherweight fabrics are so light they can could take to the air. Layers of sheer silk define were combined in this By Francine dress, trimmed with dainty pockets. By Francine dress $312, turquoise bracelet $114, Haught Style
Just Dotty: It just isn’t spring without perky polka dots. Twinkle by Wenlan designed this silk dotted dress with a sheer overlay and open sleeves. Twinkle by Wenlan dress $330, Olivia Rose Tal wedge heels $286, Georgina necklace $228, Feng
Cool Kimono: Soft ivory shades add a classic touch to collections this spring. Lewis Cho designed this flowing blouse with kimono sleeves that can be tied up for a sleeveless option. Lewis Cho blouse $198, Haught Style, Chinese Laundry silver jeans $106, Feng, By Boe earrings $60, gold bangles $144, Haught Style
Budding Beauty: Flowers instantly put you in the mood for spring. This red silk blouse by Yoana Baraschi has a bouquet of roses around the neckline. Yoana Baraschi blouse $306, Feng
On the Cover: Dresses are flirty and floral this season in soft silkswith ruffles and shirring. ABS designed this lightweight silk empire waist dress on Katie (left). Anna Sui’s dress (right) was the designer behind Ka’neis’ dress, features sheer patterned silk and with a purple bow. ABS dress $280, Haught Style, Anna Sui dress $329, Feng, butterfly clips $38, Feng, basket and flowers, Curious SofaTEST YOUR STYLE SAVVY
WITH OUR QUIZ
1. What single pattern image exploded first in Europe before it became a hands-down designer favorite theme in prints in the U.S. this spring?
A. Exotic graphics
B. Graffiti
C. Dots
D. Floral looks
2. What American designer known for his homage to Americana celebrated his 40th anniversary with a blow-out spring show featuring iconic prints?
A. Tommy Hilfiger
B. Oscar de la Renta
C. Ralph Lauren
D. Michael Kors
3. You want to add one thing to update your wardrobe — what should that be?
A. A sleek black suit with a belted jacket
B. Skinny pants
C. A print dress in a pale, appealing color
D. A white shirt
4. You want very chic pants. They should be:
A. Ankle-length cropped pants
B. Knee-length shorts
C. Wide jeans or trousers that swish a little
D. Short city pants you used to see mostly on the beach
5. A romanticized sexy sandal is returning to the fashion shelves in a wide range of labels and prices. It is:
A. The thong
B. Joan Crawford ankle strap
C. The gladiator
D. The spectator
6. The skirt to have:
A. Sheer, flared layers
B. A pencil slim
C. A dirndl
D. All of the above
7. A fashion faux pas this spring would be:
A. Big shoulder pads
B. Excessive jewelry
C. A busy-print dress that looks like your tattoo
D. All of the above
8. The arm candy of the moment is:
A. A heavily embellished handbag copied from the original designer
B. A “Love” bracelet
C. Colorful bangles
D. Tattoo
9. This sleeve detail is a n old friend from the past. It was a time when women wore up-dos and red lipstick. The blousy sleeve is called the:
A. Pinafore sleeve
B. Butterfly
C. Dolman
D. Peasant
10. You are wearing a pretty, feminine blouse with , say, a pencil skirt. What’s the fashionable way to style it?
A. Let it hang loose.
B. Tie it into a knot to one side.
C. Anchor it on the outside with a cinch belt.
D. Tuck it in as you did in the old days and add a neat belt, maybe a metallic.
ANSWERS
1. D. Florals are everyone’s favorite, but you were not all wrong if you said graphics.
2. C. Ralph Lauren staged a beautiful show featuring steeplechase patterns and “My Fair Lady” hats.
3. C. A print dress in a color such as blue, pink or tangerine will do it.
4. C. Wide jeans and trousers, the looser the smarter, are a summer should. Come fall, the cropped ankle cuffed pant will qualify.
5. C. The gladiator sandal fits the airy clothes.
6. D. It’s a no-brainer. All these skirts look smart.
7. D. Beware of all these mistakes.
8. C. Pile on those bangles.
9. C. The dolman has come and gone many times, but it is a nostalgic throwback to the days of Loretta Young and Joan Crawford.
10. D. Fashion stylists are pulling in, tucking and belting.
