Runway Report: Six Stylish Must-Haves

April 8, 2016

What was shown on the runways last fall is finally ready to trickle down – or Up North, rather – to our local fashionistas. So let’s take a look at a few of the new style trends you’ll see heading your way for spring 2016.

MAXIMIZE IT

When temperatures aren’t quite hot enough for miniskirts or shorts, but you’re feeling like trousers are a bit much, try one of the season’s new spring-friendly maxidresses, the return of a welcome trend that’s as forgiving as it is fashionable. From flower print options by Thakoon and Reformation to mandarin-inspired styles by Tory Burch, there are plenty to choose from. Or you can combine two of the season’s hottest trends yet again with Chloe’s billowy kaleidoscopic striped silk crepon gown, a maxi-dress standout with its multicolor hand-dyed tassels and its stripes of dark lime green, caramel yellow, faded blue, mulberry and white.

FRINGE BENEFITS

Those shredded lines are hanging from the hems of everything from skirts to shirts this spring, most notably found on purses from just about everyone: Fossil and Street Level to Etienne Aigner and Saint Laurent. Two of particular note are Rebecca Minkoff’s Finn convertible leather clutch ($195), in almond, black, white and the uber-summery seagreen, and Sam Edelman’s Lauren Fringed Bag ($298), which combines the fringe and bohemian trends in one gloriously loud carryall.

BOHEMIAN WRAPS

As you’ve probably seen if you’ve been anywhere near a fashion magazine, the big news this spring is the return of the Bohemian trend. Loosely translated, this means plenty of bright colors, mixed patterns and free-spirited flair. Etro got super-detailed with their dresses and bomber jackets inspired by European folk costumes and Reem Acra did both a maxi-dress and a fun harem-short version of the Bohemian trend. You’ll find so many options rich with embroidery this spring, this is one caravan that will be easy to join.

IN BLOOM

Speaking of flowers, floral prints are another hot trends for spring, and one that returns every few years. You’ll find small, dainty blossoms, watercolor suggestions of blooms, boldly sketched bouquets and zippy zinnias; pretty much anything floral goes, sometimes almost to the point of overload. Ida Sjöstedt’s lace-embellished florals are perfect for the girliest of girls, while Dolce and Gabbana’s photo-realistic prints strike the perfect balance of garden party freshness and cool simplicity.

ONE FOR THE GUYS

Boxy "˜50s shirts are returning for menswear this season – collared, usually patterned and short-sleeved, and ready for warmer weather. The newly-revived E. Tautz line features a black and white, Grease-inspired shirt with an oversized and irregular near-plaid design, while Raf Simons’ version aims at fashion counterculture with a mix of old-school and new, with three shades of vintage plaid from collar to yoke to hip. Add a pair of Ray-Bans and you, too, will be ready for spring.

BRIGHT STRIPES

While stripes are a summer staple regardless, this spring and summer they’re taking on even brighter hues, from the crisp reds and clean whites of several designers’ nautically-inspired tops to the candy-toned, brushstroke shades found streaking everything from skirts to gauzy pants. Stripes go every which way in Armani’s Fil Rouge runway collection, most notably on a striped shirt and pant ensemble accessorized with a striped wide-brim hat. And J. Crew did stripes in two directions and two widths with their navy and white top and pant pairing.