The Observer, March 21, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 21
Spring Fashion: Color, Denim and Florals
Warm weather is driving off the wintry cold, and as it does, most of us are beginning to wonder what new spring fashions are arriving and what traditional mainstays are returning.
The first issue to be addressed is color. We tend to associate the pastels of daffodils and hyacinths with this season, but almost every one of this year's designers has chosen to ignore this time-honored tradition. Perhaps they are right to try something new, yet instead of actually creating novel color schemes, it seems these designers just stole the bright colors and whites of summer and inserted them into spring fashion. It will be interesting to see if they have created a new color scheme for summer too, or if they are subjecting fashion to excessive streamlining, just as our society streamlines other components of our culture (grammar and etiquette come to mind).
Regardless of this cultural dilemma, the following color trends are here. For women, yellow is the main color, although cerulean and hot pink are also important in most of the collections. For men various tints and shades of drab blue unfortunately constitute the palette, although some retailers are still offering a wide selection of brightly colored men's clothing. Let us hope that men stage a coup against blue and continue to bring interest to their wardrobes by donning the bright colors that have been popular during the last several years.
Floral prints are, not surprisingly, popular in both women's and men's lines for the season. While floral designs for spring may not be innovative, they at least constitute a rock which stands the tests of time. Beige jackets are also in style, as they have been since the fifties, so if you do not already own one, now is a great time to purchase one, since they contrast beautifully with colored shirts, blouses, neckties, and light scarves.
In denim, the trend is the same for men and women. While some retailers advertise lighter washes, we must pay attention to their models, all of whom are wearing dark blue or light grey washes in their fashion shows. We may assume then that by "lighter washes," they mean this light grey since light blue denim is nowhere to be found. While grey is not the most interesting color, at least it provides a respite from the sea of blue denim seen on American sidewalks. To this end, why not add some trousers to your everyday wardrobe? Khakis are the second most over-worn item of men's leg wear; try instead chinos in other colors and prints such as hound's-tooth or plaid.
For women, all lengths of dresses and skirts are popular. What hemline one chooses is dependant more on one's personality than on current trends. The same is true for necklines. Thus, the most important thing to keep in mind is to wear what you are comfortable with. This must also be true for men; if you are only comfortable wearing shades of semi-boring blue, then wear them. However, if you, regardless of your sex, have personality, then investigate some different colors, lines, and washes. This is the nature of spring. Try something new and fresh in your clothes for the next few months, and embrace spring in all ways possible.
