Look M!: Spring Trends 2012

Story and Styles by Mollie Booth
Photographed by Trenton Xavier
Modeled by Alexis Caldera
Advisor: Lance Cheramie

Spring is in the air and the styles are awe inspiring!

A major influence for spring is sporty silhouettes portrayed in vibrant color schemes such as provocative tangerine tango, distinctive ornamental purple, rosy reds, maritime hues of blue, tactile blue-green, and piquant yellow-green. Natural versatile neutrals add practicality to this spring season’s bright colors. Beige and gray with a slightly weathered feel complement all colors featured in the season’s color palette.

You might want to hold on to last year’s floral fantasies because this spring season the trend continues with an adrenaline rush of flower power. Be on the lookout for geometrically styled, updated patterns that give color-blocking a whole new mean­ing. Yes, the swinging 60’s are back!

The 60’s aren’t the only era making a comeback. With programs such as Boardwalk Empire on HBO and the remake of The Great Gatsby, the roaring 20’s are influencing the fashion world. You will see elements of Art Deco from the 1930’s creeping in as well.

Tangerine Tango

Inspiration: Named by Pantone as “the color of 2012”

Elements: Blouse or dress. Because it’s a harder color for many to wear, it’s seen as a detail color in many lines. Look for it on clutches and ballet flats, in stripe details and jewelry.

How to wear it: Blouse or dress, prints incorporating tangerine, and accessories—belts, bangles, or shoes.

Pastels

Elements: Mint, blush, and creams.

How to wear it: Pastel top, white or dark pants. To keep from looking washed out, wear a colored lipstick that compliments the pastel color. Gray and white pieces, and dark wash jeans compliment well.

Art Deco

Inspiration: Baz Lurhman’s remake of The Great Gatsby due out this summer.

Elements: Metallics (mixed gold and silver), fringe, drop waist dresses.

How to wear it: Drop waist dresses accented with sequins or fringe is a great way to wear this look. If you want a more casual version, pair a sleeveless silk blouse with simple shorts and throw on several long gold necklaces of varying lengths. Flats or T-strap wedges complete the modern 20’s feel.

Hippie Chic

Inspiration: Music festivals, summer fun, the beach.

Elements: Flowery dresses, longer hems, backless tops, oversized hats, wedges, high-to-low hems, accordion-pleated skirts.

How to wear it: Pair a loose, chiffon dress with bright wedges. Throw on a bright-colored thin belt to emphasize your waistline.

Hippie Chic