Victoria Crocker
Crop tops and longer skirts are two of the trends found on the runway that will be popular this spring.
The fashion industry never stops moving. The collections for next fall and winter are being shown right now during Paris fashion week, which was preceded by shows in New York, London and Milan.
The looks for this spring took their form last September in these cities as well. But don’t worry if you missed out; I’m about to do a recap and a “how to” on taking these trends from the runway to the Brickyard.
The first trend for this spring is metallics. Shimmery fabrics in all colors, not only gold and silver, were displayed across runways and oceans. Brands that displayed this trend included Versace, Rachel Zoe, Tadashi Shoji and Emilio Pucci.
There were takes on gym shorts and harem pants, loose, flowing and, now, shiny. The designers tended to go with sheer tops and pastel colors, making them perfect for spring. One of my favorite looks was a rose gold skirt with a pale pink, sheer top by Marissa Webb.
In applying this trend, take it straight from the runway: metallic bottoms with a pretty top. This enforces a cool but girly image and plays down the “space age” aspect of the reflective surface, which, if paired with bright neon colors, screams futuristic.
For tops this spring, you’ll want to look for crop tops or box tops. The crop is a bit adventurous, though it is becoming a more regular occurrence. Last summer girls paired billowing crop tops with their jean shorts and converse as if they were going to a music festival.
This spring, try them with skirts and try them tighter. Any skirt shape will do! Use your body type to your advantage; chances are you know which skirt works for you. Crop tops aren’t only for the models on the runway.
Box tops are distinguished by their broad shoulders, big sleeves and shift shape form. They were shown in the runway shows by Tory Burch, Valentino, Alexander McQueen and Dolce & Gabbana. These tops can be plain or covered in graphics; either way works.
As for styling, go for skinny pants or a fitted mini or pencil skirt. The mini skirt option was demonstrated flawlessly by a look in Richard Nicoll’s collection. His box top was mostly grey with black details, paired with a striped skirt and some booties.
The options in bottoms seem to be growing for spring — the hemlines of skirts are getting longer. Instead of a mini, try a midi, a skirt length that hits just below the knee. Sub your maxi for a tea-length skirt with sandals; this length hits right above the ankle. You can also try the asymmetric hemline of high-low skirts in a different way, high in the front just above the feet to let your cute shoes peek out, but reaching the ground in the back.
All of these new skirt options should be used in your outfits just the same way as the old. Skirts are always tricky to keep in consistency with your style; you really just have to try on pieces together. A basic blouse or tee will probably work, but I encourage you to experiment with your tops — you might be surprised. Sorry to those who don’t like dressing rooms or who like to roll out of bed and go; these skirts will take time.
Floral is also an obvious pattern trend for every spring. Flowers come in bright and beautiful colors, inspiring designers almost every spring season. So please, don’t forget to add these flower designs into the mix.
Trying new trends is important because it helps you to define your own style, it brings fresh outfits and ideas to your wardrobe, but most of all— it’s fun. Don’t be afraid to get carried away in the winds of new spring trends!