Springtime Fashion
By Steph Minto
As Miranda Priestly/Meryl Streep quipped, floral fashions for spring are dated and playing it safe. Yes, a floral day dress or accessories are easy and charming but if you want to make a serious fashion statement, go for bolder looks this upcoming season.
Fashion week shows displaying the collections for Spring/Summer ’15 debuted in September so fashion bloggers, designers and bibles (Vogue, Tatler, Harpers etc.) have all completed extensive lists of upcoming trends. Here we have whittled the line-up down to a few of our particular favourites.
Psychedelic 70’s
So this trend does somewhat embody flower power but also incorporates a whole lot more. Tom Ford’s shows displayed retro flared trousers, not jeans, and Emilio Pucci created a dreamy bohemian paradise on the runway. Think bright optical illusion prints, hippy maxi day dresses, chunky and layered jewellery and very minimal make up.
Suede
Again, a bit retro but as Tatler put it “suede is one of those choices that makes you look rich”. A good suede piece should be super soft to touch, not crispy and dry. Softer fabrics are easier to tailor and tailoring is important this spring as pieces such as fitted dresses and micro shorts in the fabric were the main contenders on the catwalk. Although I realize, suede may not be the easiest thing to incorporate into a St Andrew’s students wardrobe, a pair of suede ankle booties or a tailored jacket in suede instead of leather is a toned down way to pay homage to the trend.
Keyhole cut out
Although you ideally have to have washboard abs to pull this trend off in a traditional sense, it is one of my favourites this season. A triangle shaped cut out, just below the bust is all the rage. This looks good on dresses, particularly maxi ones, and jumpsuits. It gives pieces some edge and shows some cheeky skin without being trampy. Michael Kors displayed this fashion in his spring collection. However, back to the abs issue, unless you’re Candice Swanepoel I realize this is an awkward style, if you are attending an event like a cocktail party or somewhere you know you will be standing up, then go for it! But if you’re worried about an unflattering angle while seated at a dinner party etc, then try the trend with a cutout on the back for a subtle backless feature.
Trainers
Now that the threat of snow and ice has largely ceased, this trend is safe for the pavements of St Andrews. Although trainers have been around as a fashion item, instead of a running necessity, for a while, (Isabel Marant’s wedged trainers were storming the fashion world back in 2012, creations of which I personally was never a fan) other designers have only just started to take note. Casting questionable wedges aside, its traditional sneakers that are getting a high fashion make over. Chanel have showcase glittery versions on their classic tweed patterns and Dior have a range of bold patterns. For something more along the daytime look, and more student friendly look to NewBalance. This well established American brand has a huge collection of sneakers to wear with jeans etc instead of to the gym. Easy to incorporate into a look for lectures, a beach walk or even a night at Ma Bells this trend is most definitely a personal favourite of mine.