Right from the runways

Right from the Runways:
Spring/Summer Trends 2009

By Kristi Kates

Just because one faction of the runway collections - or, say, Katie Holmes - hops on an unattractive seasonal trend doesn’t mean that you have to. And that’s why we’re starting this fashion feature with what you shouldn’t wear before we get to the big (and wearable) trends for this year. That said, keep in mind that you’ll probably end up looking far more fashion-savvy if you avoid the following:

THE BOYFRIEND JEAN:
The aforementioned Holmes was one of the first advocates of this trend, which involves wearing oversized jeans that you roll, or “peg,” at the bottom into a tight cuff. The fashion photogs were all over that one, especially when she wore it on more than one... two... three occasions. So what’s the problem? Well, on extremely slim girls, this jean ends up making you looking like a cross between a grade-schooler and a hobo. Therefore, on those who are even slightly out of shape, it ends up making you look like an overweight grade-school hobo. Not a good look.

THE TORN, ACID-WASHED JEAN:
Running a just-as-unattractive second to the Boyfriend Jean is the torn jean - that’s right, the return of those ragged, scissor-slashed, pale-blue-and-white garments last seen on the members of the ’80s hair band Poison. Perhaps the impetus is to appear as though you’re so busy robbing banks or playing guitar on your Big Rock Tour that you don’t have time to buy new jeans; but the overall look is just basically one big shredded mess. Pass.

NEON:
Acid green, hot pink, fluorescent yellow - ow, your eyes! Perhaps as an ’80s-influenced side-effect of the return of the torn jean, neon colors are also back on the runway. It might seem a fun thing to try at first, but keep in mind that such overly saturated colors actually look good on very few people, and will definitely make you look dated (unless your first name is David and your last name is Hasselhoff - then you’re a lost fashion cause anyway, so go ahead and buy it.) The second consideration is that those colors will already be out of style by the very next season, so you’ve wasted your hard-earned wardrobe dollars on a super short-lived trend.

THE JUMPSUIT:
This, er, garment is now available in both short and long pant styles that are already connected to puffy short-sleeved shirts or buttoned-up tops for one-step dressing. This is the fashion industry’s idea of a joke. Do not, repeat, do not, fall for it.

And now, your Spring/Summer 2009 fashion ‘To Do’ list:

SEE SHEER:
Don’t get any tacky ideas, ladies - this year’s sheer is all about elegant layers. Tight sheer pieces such as tank tops or fitted blouses are layered underneath more flowing sheer pieces to create a complete look, anchored underneath, of course, by nude underpinnings so as not to ruin the lines of your hip sheer clothing.
Sheer pants were also seen on the runways, but while dramatic, are a little more difficult to wear in real-life; those who might like to attempt this look on a nightclub level should again remember those undergarments, and consider sheers in darker colors so as not to bring sheer down to a level that might get you sneered at instead of admired.

OPT FOR ONE:
Asymmetric necklines are a pretty way to show off your shoulders without exposing too much, and they also add a little space-age energy to your fashion. One-shouldered garments first surfaced on the fashion scene in 2007, and were given a shot in the asymmetric arm by the inclusion of one-shouldered tops in the Kate Moss for TopShop collection. Jean Paul Gaultier then featured one-shouldered gowns in his 2008 couture show, and it was all uphill from there for asymmetric.
Heidi Klum, Mandy Moore, and Charlize Theron are a few of the celebs that have already embraced this trend for the season, and everyone from Donna Karan to Max Azria have been showing off the one-shouldered look, which is pretty on just about everyone.

GO GREEK:
One by-product of the sheer and one-shouldered trends is the Greek look, with its draped dresses and tops such as those you might see on classical statuary. Elie Saab, Valentino, and Gucci have all showcased this trend on the runway, and colors range from pale strawberry tones to dusty beiges and subtle gold patterns. Harem pants are somewhat in this same category, and can look very cool if worn correctly; if you try these, however, be prepared to look hippy, and try to balance them with a fitted top and heels to extend your leg line, or you’ll just look like you’re wearing a couple of sheer tablecloths that are belted in the middle.
A natural extension of the Greek trend, which also includes the Roman-influenced draped tunic, is the accompanying gladiator sandals trend, which can be achieved in a low-heel version that ties up the calf, or a high-heeled version with just the right strappy look. Rihanna even combined this look with this past winter’s black tights trend at her recent Gucci fashion appearance; don’t be afraid to mix trends to make your own interpretation.

FIND FRINGE:
Whether you like it or not, the fashions that show up in movies and on TV shows often are good forecasters of which trends are going to stick. Fringe has already made its mark this season with its early appearance on one of the contestants on American Idol, who wore a layered-fringe mini dress that wowed the crowd.
Unlike the flapper dresses of yore, today’s fringed dresses and skirts are more structured, such as Alexander McQueen’s pieces, while Jil Sander’s fringe is longer and more organic. Choose your fringe carefully, though; fringe created out of the wrong material will stick to itself, while great fringe will stay in its individual strands to create welcome movement on the garment instead of unwanted clumps.

THINK TRIBAL:
Animal prints, caftans, and, yes, turbans were all on the runways for this season, as tribal looks, with their breezy comfort and striking geometric patterns, returned for the spring and summer, with bright primary colors working alongside earth tones. Even Reem Acra showed caftans so beautiful that they were fit for African royalty.
Large jewelry pieces go well with this look, especially chunky, stone or wooden “statement” necklaces and bracelets; but make sure you avoid what’s already being called “tribal overkill” - one piece of tribal garb and one item of jewelry is usually enough, unless you want to look like you’re going to a costume party.


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