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Denim’s New Look
From boxy crop tops, to frayed culottes, to streamlined separates, denim is finding its way into every major fashion piece this season.
Crop Top
Paired with a high-wasted flowing skirt for poolside or a pair of loose-fitting khakis and statement earrings for a day out, the lightweight cotton crop top is so easy to toss on for summer adventures.
Jumpsuit
Summer calls for easy pieces, and nothing is easier to telegraph instant chicness than the one-piece jumpsuit. In a deep blue denim, it can go anywhere—from a laidback outing with a pair of flat sandals, or a stylish night out with strappy high heels and chunky jewelry.
LDD
Stand aside LBDs, the little denim dress is taking over this summer. Another one-piece-ease, all it needs is a pair of killer shoes to take it where you want to go. Thicker denim button-down dresses are perfect with the season’s gladiator sandals to evoke that retro ‘70s vibe, while lighter-weight denim shirtdresses, sheaths, and long tunics pair well with simple sandals for a casual look but can even go to more fancy soirées with a pair of heels and glitzy jewelry.
Tailored Suit
Though it may seem counterintuitive for denim to give off a white-collar vibe, a shimmery undertone seriously elevates the laidback fabric so that it works in a professional setting, especially in a perfectly tailored 2-piece suit. Pair with a crisp button-up and a pair of heels and you have a chic new way to wear denim to the office.
Culotte
The easy breeziness of wide-leg culottes have caught the attention of style mavens everywhere, so it’s no surprise that comfy denim has entered the mix. The beauty about this casual-chic piece is its ability to be dressed up (say, with a suede top and a pair of fierce wedges to imbue that right-now boho-luxe vibe) and down (white sneaks and a slouchy T for that “I woke up like this” ingénue) without ever looking out of place.
Linen Love
Easy. Breezy. Chic. Linen is a go-to fabric for vacation season, lending a casual-luxe vibe that the fashion world seems to be obsessed with right now. This season’s linen looks come in many shapes and sizes from uber feminine tunics to gentleman-inspired shirtdresses. Here’s a look at some of Fashion Fabrics Club’s favorites:
Wide-leg Trouser
Wide-leg tan linen trousers give off a relaxed-luxe look that is perennially chic, and they happen to make the perfect counter to this season’s crop tops.
Shirtdress
The white cotton shirtdresses of last year get a casual-cool upgrade this season, made in a soft turquoise blue linen. Just add a belt and a pair of strappy sandals and your ready for any (stylish) adventure.
Oversized Scarf
Summer nights can get a little chilly, an oversized rayon-linen blend scarf in a neutral blue hue is a great way to keep the goosebumps at bay.
Shift/Sheath Dress
A simple shift dress is always a summer go-to, but when it’s turned out in a soft slate grey linen it works everywhere, from city to sand. Throw on a pair of the season’s gladiator sandals and a wide-brimmed hat for added chic.
Midi skirt
Stand back minis, midi skirts are taking over this season. In a cool jade blue linen, the trend gives a subtle nod to the ‘70s obsession (especially slit-front and button-front versions) and a sly wink of sophisticated femininity.
Pleated Tunic
Thin tuxedo pleating makes something more of the classic tunic, which can be worn as a dress or over leggings or cropped skinnies. Try it in serene color like spring green linen to play up the season’s blue-green color palette.
Skinnies
The thought of wearing denim in the hot summer heat seems daunting. Instead, opt for a pair of skinnies in a cool lilac/black linen. They work everywhere a pair of denim skinnies do and more—they could even go to the office with a shrunken blazer and a pair of heels.
Gingham Style
Gingham is one of the top trending patterns for this spring season. It seems that the wholesome, picnic-in-the-park checked print has got a luxe makeover, and it is being seen in everything from flirty dresses, men’s-inspired shirting, cigarette pants, and crop tops. Here’s a look at some of the ways to bring a little gingham into your style this spring.
Print-on-print
The idea of gingham-on-gingham may seem a little busy, but the key is in the color and the size of the print. As long as you use a cool hue, like an ethereal blue gingham and the check size is the same on the top and bottom, the look is extremely chic.
Full Skirt
A large check in a vivid color like a bold burgundy gingham is the perfect way to incorporate the trending pattern into a full skirt—without looking like you picked up your picnic blanket and tied it around your waist. Top it off with a pair of Mary Jane heels and tucked in sweater for that “luxe lounging” look.
Dress with Moto Jacket
Believe it or not, cutesy gingham can look edgy. Try a black gingham A-line dress with a black leather moto jacket over the top—instant glam.
Cropped Pants
Combining prints is big this season, so why not incorporate two of the hottest trending prints into one outfit? The navy gingham crops are the perfect partner to this large print floral top. The cool color palate and differing pattern sizes make the look work, the hot pink heels make it pop.
Oversized Button Up
An oversized button up in an oversized navy gingham print is surprisingly slimming. It is the perfect relaxed piece to top off crisp white ankle denim and saturated blue driving moccasins for weekend getaways.
Pencil Skirt
A streamlined pencil skirt in a small check black gingham gives the print a super sleek and sophisticated look. Pair it with a tucked in black button up and a killer pair of black heels and you’ve got yourself an incredibly chic look that can go from desk to drinks with ease.
White Out
Crisp white brings an element of freshness to nearly any look, from work to play. Whether as a pop of contrast or in an all-white ensemble, white is clean and sophisticated and perennially chic. Here are some fun ways to wear white this spring and summer.
Denim Skinnies
A crisp pair of white denim makes wearing jeans to work appropriately chic, especially when paired with a pair of heels and a shrunken blazer in a contrast color.
Tailored Suit
Monochrome is always slimming, but the tailoring in a crisp white stretch twill suit enhancing the streamlined look. With a killer pair of white heels, the leg lengthening appeal gets taken to another level.
Silk Blouse
A white silk blouse with a pair of black cigarette pants and black strappy heels can take you anywhere. Wear it to work and then drinks after.
Lightweight Peasant Top
For casual weekends having fun in the sun, a white gauze peasant top is essential to throw on over a pair of ripped jean shorts, or just over a bikini.
Tulle Skirt
The uber feminine white tulle skirt is the perfect counter to this season’s crop tops and metallic heels.
Lace Romper
Even though rompers may not seem luxe, when it’s turned out a detailed white lace, it takes on serious sophistication.
Eyelet Dress
The delicate breeziness of white eyelet makes a perfect go-to summer dress that can go from city to sand with a quick shoe change.
Playing with Prints
Spring is a time to try new things. Experimenting with color combinations, giving a new trend a whirl, mixing articles in one outfit that you’ve never done before—the options are limitless. This spring, the biggest experiment going on in the fashion realm is combining multiple, bold prints into one fabulous outfit. It sounds a little messy, but if executed properly it can look extremely chic and fashion forward. Here are some examples of style mavens who’ve nailed the trend.
Stripes and Florals
The trick to combining stripes and florals is to pick one focal color, like this lemony yellow, and surround it with neutrals. The black and white striped top and gold pumps are the perfect foil for the bright skirt.
All Black and White
A flowing chiffon top with an angular, geometric print combined with a pair of floral print skinnies—this bohemian-meets-grunge look works because it’s all in black and white and the patterns vary so much in size.
Houndstooth with Lace
A lace overlay creates a stunning, fluid pattern—a print that contrasts beautifully with a geometric print like houndstooth or gingham. Add a flash of bold color, like a vivid orange, to give the look an extra bit of punch.
Leopard and Plaid
This look is a little harder to get just right; it’s all about the colors and the size of the patterns. The warm colors—the brown in the leopard print and the maroon in the plaid—are a stunning and subdued mixture, which allows the clash of the prints to collide in just the right way. The key is to use a large patterned plaid; too many stripes will cause a dizzying effect against the small, cluttered print of the leopard top.
Pastel Play
The fashion community has had a penchant for pastel shades for the past few seasons, but this spring it is going to be stronger than ever. Here are some easy ways to incorporate the spring season’s lighter shades into your wardrobe.
Tulle Skirt
A feminine, full tulle skirt in a pastel hue like lilac tulle in a knee length or longer will work with your basic cotton tops for an uber chic, uber comfortable, and fiercely ladylike look.
Blazer
A pastel blazer over an all-white outfit infuses just the right amount of color for a perfectly spring-right look. Try a dusty orange like peach fine line stretch twill or a
blush pink stretch twill to play up the femininity.
Lace Dress
A short lace dress is an essential for the spring wardrobe. Give yours a modern twist by using a pastel shade like light blue lace with a decorative eyelet pattern.
Flowing Jumpsuit
2015 is the year of the jumpsuit, and for spring a lightweight fabric in a pastel color like blush pink stretch charmeuse is the perfect way to rock the sexy one-piece.
Lightweight Sweater
Some spring days still require a little bit of warmth, but instead of throwing on a somber winter-colored sweater opt for a bright, lightweight knit like pastel blue jersey knit. Paired with white denim for a spring-right look.
Joggers
A springtime favorite, the jogger pants are a comfortable combination of athletic style and quite professionalism. In a blush pink pastel shade in a silky fabric, they can be taken anywhere from the office to off duty.
The Bold and the Beautiful
The seasonal (and sartorial) transition from winter to spring is one of the most fun and exciting. There is nothing like walking outside without a coat for the first time since summer, or slipping into a pair of sandals instead of stuffing your feet into a pair of snow boots.
Even though our favorite groundhog Punxsutawney Phil told us we were in for another six weeks of winter this year, breaking out the bold colors and bright patterns is a great way to beckon the spring sunshine our way.
Vivid Florals
Florals are always a spring wardrobe essential, but this year they are going bold—in bright, vivid colors and lush patterns. For the in-between weeks, pairing fun floral skinnies with heels and casual tops is a great way to ease into the trend. Once the warm weather hits, you can go for the full bouquet—head to toe, large patterned florals one-pieces.
Bright Neons
Neons do not have to be reserved for college highlighter parties and raves. If paired correctly, they add an edgy twist to a sophisticated look. Try a neon orange or pink twill skirt with a chambray button up. Also try a neon knit sweater over a gingham button up for a chic look or a neon chiffon blouse with black leggings and a denim jacket for the perfect pop of color.
Colorblocking
All the rage of the spring season, colorblocking is one of the easiest trends to pull off. A band of color at the bottom of a full, black twill skirt adds a spicy accent to a conservative look. Solid colored jersey maxi dresses can get a trendy upgrade with the addition of a block of fun color lining the bottom.
Colored Lace
You can take lace to new places when it’s in fun, bold colors like blue, fuchsia, or orange. Try it in a pair of ruffled shorts, a cute skater dress or as an embellishment to a sheath dress paired with a leather moto jacket. When lace is in color, there are no limits to where it can go.
Exotic Animal Print
Natural-colored leopard, cheetah and snake print are great for the subdued winter months, but once spring hits, it’s time to give these long-time favorite prints a bold upgrade. Try graphic animal prints with a splash of fun, refreshing colors like turquoise or hot pink.
Trend Alert: Spring 2015
With spring drawing near, chunky knits and warm, bulky wears are being tossed aside to make way for lighter weight fabrics and skin-showing silhouettes. Here is a look at what the experts project will be this spring’s front running fashion trends:
1. White Lace
White lace is making its debut in casual daywear, from head to toe. The boho-luxe long-sleeved mini dress is going to be especially popular, paired with big circle sunnies, floppy hats, and chunky footwear.
Big, Bold Florals
Florals go bold this spring in bright, vivid patterns, with tropical tinges reminiscent of Florida’s Key West landscapes and lush blooms that appear to be from the Amazonian rainforests.
Gingham Dresses
Gingham is getting a girly makeover – the ever-popular print takes on spring as a delicate dress fabric, in a variety of colors and varying pattern sizes. This spring essential looks especially chic with this year’s high-heeled modern mules.
Jumpsuits
Both in utilitarian (cotton twills) and sexy cutaway versions (chiffon), the jumpsuit is one of the front running style trends for this spring. A super easy, no-thinking-necessary fashion piece, all the jumpsuit needs is a killer pair of shoes and you’re off and running (in epic style).
Wide-leg Trousers
The super comfortable and breezy wide-leg trousers are making a comeback this spring. They’ll be getting a modern twist being paired with silky slip tops and decadent accessories, like diamond earrings.
Maxi Dresses
The maxi dress continues its borderline-legendary popularity in the warm months of 2015. This spring, expect to see it in light and airy floral prints, particularly in 70s-inspired silhouettes.
Work It
5 Fabulous Pieces to Add to Your Work Wear Wardrobe
The moments between waking up and leaving for work in the morning are precious; every second counts. Wasting time trying to find a killer outfit to wear to work is time that could be better spent eating an actual breakfast (instead of a granola bar on the commute to work) or catching some extra, well-needed Zs. By having versatile, easy-to-pair articles in your work wardrobe, you can easily throw together a knock out ensemble that looks like you spent a lot of time putting it together, but actually requires very little time to style.
The Wrap Dress
A killer look with just one garment – the feminine, flattering and versatile wrap dress is the number one work wear piece that every workingwoman should have in her closet. For work, opt for a wrap dress in a rayon material, for a more professional look. Whether in a solid color, a flirty floral rayon, or a fierce animal print rayon these dresses are perfect for a feminized power-dressing look.
The One Button Blazer
Pair with dark wash denim, solid or printed cigarette pants, or a matching pencil skirt, the one button blazer is essential for turning up the volume on professionalism in a number of outfits. If your place of business is more conservative, opt for a solid black stretch twill, but if you are lucky enough to work in a place where you have more stylistic freedom, a brightly colored stretch cotton like green or blue are a great pick.
The Chiffon Button Up Blouse
The chiffon button up blouse is a comfortable and chic alternative to the conventional cotton button up. With its slouchy silhouette and breezy fabric, it brings an air of casualness to a business look. You can pair it with denim for casual Fridays, or tuck it into a skirt or trousers for a more dressed up look. For spring, try it in fun, bright colors like fuchsia two-tone chiffon, turquoise silk chiffon, or bright red silk chiffon.
The Tweed Pencil Skirt
A classic, uber-feminine work piece, the tweed pencil skirt is a go-to all year round. It can be dressed up with a matching jacket and heels, or dressed down with a causal blouse and flats. Try it in neutral shades like navy/tan tweed or black/white tweed for easy pairing.
The Sheath Dress
The timeless silhouette of the sheath dress makes it a perfect pick for the workplace, it’s incredibly comfortable and the loose-fit is quite flattering. Try a fun geometric print, solid linen like orange beige suiting or a more dressy black lace version for wear-to-work chicness.
Springing Back Into the 70s
With fashion week season not even half way through, we are already seeing a major trend that is sure to show up in the wardrobe arsenal of the fashion savvy this spring – retro 70s glam. Platform shoes, circle sunnies and fringed accessories are back, and they brought their apparel counterparts with them. Here is a breakdown of the colors, styles and fabrics from the 70s that are going to make a seriously groovy comeback this spring.
Rusty Hues
The rust-orange color was a pivotal 70s hue. It’s been lighting up the runways in everything from rust orange microsuede jackets like this Jill Stuart number, rust red stretch corduroy bottoms, rust orange jersey knit tops, rust suiting separates, and textured rust/brown jacketing.
Maxi dresses
Maxi dresses have been trending for a while now, but for this spring they have a retro-glam twist. Rebecca Minkoff showed whimsical, printed chiffon maxis and other designers displayed chevron striped versions in chevron chiffon and chevron jersey knit.
Paisley Print
Paisley, a universal favorite print that was ever popular in the 70s, has been a front lining pattern in this year’s spring collections – particularly in earthy tones. Paisley chiffon has been shown in flowing, hippie-inspired dresses and paisley jacquard has seen a revival in knee-length, fur collared overcoats.
Bell Bottoms
High-waisted, tummy cinching, flared denim jeans are combatting the current skinny jean obsession – paired with tucked cotton tees and long locks of hair. Unlike the late 90s revival, these are more of an exaggerated flare, rather than an overly extreme, full-fledged bell bottom.
Bow Blouses
Multiple designers are reviving the power-suiting predecessor bow blouse this spring. Chloe showed long sleeved, silk versions paired with wide-legged trousers and Salvatore Ferragamo used silk georgette in saturated shades of taupe.
Fashionable Fabrics from NY Fashion Week
The below freezing temperatures, snow storms and hurricane-level winds that pummeled the city of New York last week didn’t stop the fashionable parade of designers, creative directions, editors, journalists, celebrities and bloggers that make up the New York Fashion Week elite from painting the city with epic style. The autumn ’15 ready-to-wear collections shown this past week in New York were an eclectic mix, but many demonstrated an emphasis on comfort and luscious materials.
Michael Kors
“American fashion’s golden boy,” as renowned fashion journalist Suzy Menkes calls him, Michael Kors displayed a neutral, earthy palette of browns, moss greens and grays in a city-meets-country, super wearable autumn collection. Kors showed a variety of cape coats in camel brown tweed suiting, medium brown wool coating, and fur over matching pant and skirt suits, sweaters, and wide legged trousers; a production that demonstrated, in the designer’s own words, “opulent restraint.”
Vera Wang
Classic men’s tailoring met traditionally feminine pieces in Alexander Wang’s all black fall ’15 collection. Long, silk black velvet dresses were given a slouchy, laidback attitude with the insertion of a trouser waistband and pockets. Also, black vinyl gowns and outerwear with a wrinkled finish and mesh cut outs combined a fierce yet feminine edginess.
Diane von Furstenberg
“By day she commands her world; by night she inspires fantasy,” DVF explained backstage, painting an image of her inspirational muse for the designer’s seductive fall ’15 show. The collection touched on the roles women play in their everyday lives from professional business women in pinstripe separates, to playful polka dot playdate ensembles, to sexy red lace mini skirt dresses, evening gowns and peekaboo black lace getups – always with a nod towards sex appeal and seduction.
Zac Posen
Zac Posen gave old Hollywood glamour a fierce, modern edge by making classic gown styles in edgy fabrics like lamé and slinky black silk, and incorporating sexy black stretch mesh cutouts into flirty daywear dresses. The designer boasted how personal the collection was to him saying, “I draped most of the clothes myself on the weekends,” referencing his off time from day job as Brooks Brothers’ creative director.
Trina Turk
Even though this week’s collection marks the designers 20th year in business, the cachet of the Trina Turk’s brand is still a headstrong central theme of the youthful label: retro-inspired prints and silhouettes with a cool, Californian attitude. This fall showed a collection of laidback yet perfectly tailored corduroy separates for men and fun, breezy black multi stripe charmeuse wrap dresses for women. The designer also mixed large floral prints with silky leopard pieces for a bold and essentially feminine look that verged on kitschy.
Warm Winter Style
The unyielding winter elements and seemingly endless snowstorms can get daunting and make you feel down in the dumps. What better way to brighten the streets and your mood by throwing on some epic winter style? Here are some easy to put together looks that will keep you as fashionable as they will keep you warm.
Try a long leopard faux fur top coat over a pair of, black shimmer jersey knit fashion leggings paired with a slouchy black double knit beanie and oversized sunnies for an edgy look.
For a more sophisticated look that you could wear to the office and into the evening, pair a classic tweed one-button jacket with an large red plaid scarf and a oversized handbag.
You can bring your favorite neutral colored summer maxi dress like a sterling grey jersey knit into your winter wardrobe by pairing it with a leather moto jacket and a killer pair of heels.
For those days that don’t quite call for full out jacket, opt for a chunky knit sweater over a long, patterned button-up. Pair these with a pair of black shimmer denim skinnies and a pair of brightly colored pumps, and you’ve got yourself a classy look that could be worn from day to night.
Over-the-knee equestrian style boots are huge this winter. Wear them over a pair of white stretch denim skinnies paired with an oversized chunky knit sweater and a cheetah scarf for a casual-preppy look.
Give your favorite patterned button-up and dark blue denim skinnies outfit a facelift by pairing them with a long beige sweater knit and matching suede ankle boots with a chunky heel for a casual day of sipping coffee at the park.
Forgo the heavyweight apparel altogether by opting for a chunky knitted beanie and infinity scarf to keep you warm. You can even pair these with some of your favorite fall clothes like a sky blue chambray button up and slouchy jeans for those warmer winter days.
You can never go wrong with a black/white houndstooth flannel scarf, it goes with nearly anything and any color. Pair it with a chunky sweater, black forest jersey knit leggings and high black leather boots and matching leather gloves. Top off the look with a classic pair of shades and your favorite oversized hobo bag for an ultra cool look that will keep you ultra warm.