The Spring 2009 catwalks were covered with floral prints, which couldn’t be more fitting for the season. The femininity and flirtiness of floral dresses were blooming in the collections of Oscar de la Renta and Tracy Reese, so it’s no wonder that this trend would translate off the runways.
Floral dresses have a slight countryside reference, but place them in the middle of Milan and they couldn’t be any trendier. These flowy dresses are wind-sweeping and flattering. Do not be afraid to be daring with the colors because now is the time to stand out amongst the whites and neutral tone colors with electric blues, yellows, and purples.
- Monica Papagna
The trend of pairing black opaque tights with denim bottoms came from the street, rather than the industry. It’s a simple concept that celebrities and civilians have embraced. It’s been seen in London as far back as January and is still a lingering trend, and for good reason. Such a combination makes the legs look slender while staying stylish and warm. The look ranges from casual to slightly more sophisticated as these women wear denim and tights while meeting a friend for macaroons or walking across the park. As the London Times said recently, “Luckily for us, black opaques and shorts—particularly denim—go together like [rockers] and Kate Moss.”
Don’t be deceived by the casual, sporty nature of sneakers. The women of Milan, without a doubt, know how to take such an athletic style of footwear and incorporate it into the most effortlessly chic ensembles that we all strive to emulate.
Plenty of flirty, flowery frocks, dressed down with opaque tights are seen all over the streets of London. A popular choice is also to pair these ensembles with a black cardigan for a stylish addition. Designers like Chloe, Zac Posen, and Oscar de la Renta are showing the floral dresses in their collections, while high street versions are flying off the shelves. Matthew Williamson is also doing florals in much bolder patterns, which are available to the masses in his exclusive line for H&M. The layering of dresses and skirts with opaque tights, however, seems uniquely a part of street fashion. As the weather continues to warm up, it is expected that bolder flower patterns will be cropping up soon.
Monochromatic Minidresses
Walking through the cobble-stoned streets of New York, it is apparent that spring has arrived as nearly every woman is wearing a light and airy monochromatic dress flush with embellishments. Mainly bold with color in addition to fluid ornaments placed elaborately on the neckline, these dresses are elevated to a level of stylish reform. From a ruffled collar on coral blue silk to a belted navy blue cotton dress with a drop necklace of round silk buds, embellishments create lines and change the mood of these one-toned dresses. With the hemlines cut above the knees, these summery dresses are perfect around this time of year.
-Janice M. Chow