SPRING TRENDS
Retailers embracing spring collections.
Tired of cold-weather wear? Ready to shed those winter woollies? Before making your seasonal wardrobe transition, check out what Regina boutique owners say is hot and what’s not for spring.
“Spring 2014, you will be seeing a lot of women dressed in chic white and nude tones layered with black,” says Nadia Williamson of NWL Contemporary Dresses. “Pops of sequin added balance the minimalism of this season’s colours.”
When it comes to gowns, chiffon is definitely the fabric of choice for spring, she says.
Tammy Beltrami of Aria Boutique says spring collections are “full of beautiful iridescent fluid pieces in clothing and metallic shoes, graphic blooms, modern pleating in ways not seen before.”
“The colour palette ranges from soft pastels to vivid brights and confident, classic black and neutral beachy tones,” she adds.
The hot colour at NWL, according to Williamson, is royal blue. “NWL cannot get enough of the grand hue!” she says. “It is a beautiful colour on any skin tone.”
Fallon Mazurkewich of Queen V Fashion House zeroed in on three spring trends ― the blackand-white trend, the ’90s resurgence trend and the sport and athletic trend.
“Black and white is here to stay,” insists Mazurkewich. “Monochrome has been a trend for a couple seasons, and it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere soon.”
“This power-duo colour palette is being expressed in graphics, geometrics, stripes, sheer and even floral designs. The bold colour-pairing is quite refreshing, and is all about making a statement,” she says. “If you’re someone who doesn’t like or can’t wear the usual spring pastels, this is a perfect way to express the trend and your true (monochrome) colours.”
The 1990s-inspired spring looks include overalls, ripped denim, crop tops and floral slip dresses.
“The ’90s were all about mixing and matching, layering and sporting flannel plaid and tattered jeans,” Mazurkewich says. “We are seeing a huge resurgence in overalls and crop tops ― and almost every brand next season is offering their take on these two ’90s classics.”
The “sporty-chic” trend has been evolving for the past couple seasons, she notes. Think bomber jackets, slouchy T-shirts, snapback caps, mesh and jersey detailing. And expect lots of black and white to emulate this trend, Mazurkewich says.
Soft textured bomber jackets were around in 2013, points out Sonja Clifton-Remple of Studio S Fashion House, “but were overshadowed by its uber-cool relative, the moto jacket.”
This spring’s zippered bomber jackets are “softer, less intimidating than the moto jacket, and easier to wear for more women,” Clifton-Remple says. “A little more casual, they are great to wear with skirts, shorts, pants and jeans. They are a nice alternative to a cardigan, a leather jacket or denim jacket.”
Sweaters are also popular for spring, she said. “Organic linens, lightweight cashmeres, washable wools and cool cottons are appearing in many spring collections.”
What’s not hot for spring? Peplum dresses, says Mazurkewich, explaining that while this was a big trend in 2013, it seems to be on its way out.
“Aside from the Kardashians, we don’t see a lot of women sporting peplum dresses,” she says.
Ditch the oversized clutch! Go for a daintier, hand-held clutch instead, Mazurkewich recommends. “Opt for a clutch that doesn’t take over (or hide) the entire outfit ― go for something that fits in the hand and complements what you’re wearing.”
Expect fewer skin-baring cutouts.
“If there are cut-outs, we are seeing them with a sheer panel overlay,” Mazurkewich says. “The overall look is more of a classy and subtle sheer panel effect that more women feel comfortable wearing, instead of a ‘look-at-me’ skin-showing look.”
“It seems that the strapless trend is beginning to fade,” Williamson notes.
“Take a look around and see what the stores are filling up with when it comes to trends, colours and accessories, and see if you can incorporate them into your existing wardrobe as a complement to who you are and not to look like a store mannequin,” recommends Regina fashion designer Dean Renwick of Dean Renwick Design Studio.
His spring 2014 line is geared toward “a more style-conscious woman, who understands trends but does not overindulge in them.”
Renwick says longer skirts are in this season, and they should be pleated. “Keep the mini in the closet this time around!” he warns.
“The crop top is cutting its way in this spring, as well,” Renwick says. “But there are a very select few of us in this world that can wear it. Approach with caution!”
“Lose the old big hobo bag and switch to a more minimalist style that doesn’t look like your overnighter,” he recommends
Renwick’s spring collection is designed to be mixed with existing wardrobe pieces.
“It’s not always about wearing one designer all the way through, “he insists. “You have to shake it up a little and find your own individual style.”