The spring ’12 shows were, in a word, comfortable. The trends might not have been groundbreaking, and the looks might not have been revolutionary, but—oh, boy—did I want it all!! The runways read like a synopsis of all my greatest hits: preppy staples, tomboyish sensibilities, vintage inspirations, and loads of colors and prints… If you didn’t have the opportunity to sit front row at all the shows, it’s no sweat. I’ve hashed out the top 10 trends from spring ’12 NYFW that I’m going to start experimenting with, stat!
Sherbet Hues: Fluorescent looks are mellowing out for spring, and more muted hues like apricot, mint green, and lilac are dominating. Alice and Olivia spring ’12; Preen spring ’12; Luca Luca spring ’12; Phillip Lim spring ’12
Hoodies: Thank your designers, ladies. The casual, more-than-comfy hoodie just got a stylish kick in the seat. Whether in a chic anorak-style or under a blazer (who knew we’d ever be taking style advice from Brody Jenner?), the modern hoodie is more streamlined than shrubby.Band of Outsiders spring ’12; Y-3 spring ’12; Charlotte Ronson spring ’12; Rag & Bone spring ’12..
Knit Dresses: Those obsessed with body-con styles should have found their new go-to piece. In open-weave, loose knits, and patchwork styles, sweater dresses hug in all the right places while providing plenty of coziness.Jen Kao spring ’12, T by Alexander Wang spring ’12; Rag & Bone spring ’12, Rebecca Taylor spring ’12.
The Little White Dress: Nearly every designer included a white dress in their collection. Stark, precious, preppy, and sexy versions abounded…but be careful with your coffee cup around this trend! Altuzarra spring ’12; Jason Wu spring ’12; Suno spring ’12; Preen spring ’12.
Sporty Mesh: Not reserved exclusively for P.E. classes anymore, sporty mesh is getting a high-fashion makeover in the form of body-hugging frocks, casual tanks, and everyday jackets.Alexander Wang spring ’12; Vera Wang spring ’12; Altuzarra spring ’12; Rag & Bone spring ’12.
Prints On Prints On Prints : For advanced mixologists only, please! Those who love their spots, florals, and stripes should be having a field day with this mashed-up print trend. Diane Von Furstenberg spring ’12; Karen Walker spring ’12; Kelly Wearstler spring ’12; Suno spring ’12.
One-Shouldered Looks:This trend has been strong for a few seasons, but it’ll definitely be most prevalent this spring. Tennis players, rejoice! Jenny Packham spring ’12; Diane Von Furstenberg spring ’12; Helmut Lang spring ’12; Luca Luca spring ’12.
Peplums:Peplums are super-flattering, but a little tweenish for our tastes. Thankfully, designers this season roughed up the saccharine flounce and injected some sass. Suno spring ’12; Vera Wang spring ’12; Jason Wu spring ’12; Alexandre Herchcovitch spring ’12.
The Short Suit: ’40s styles were everywhere, but our favorite specific look had to be the tailored short suit. Three-button styles were also popular…and a look we’re willing to consider.Karen Walker spring ’12; Rebecca Minkoff spring ’12; Marc By Marc Jacobs spring ’12; Proenza Schouler spring ’12.
Fluorescent Orange: In some form or another, orange seems to be permanently on the runways, but this iteration of the juicy hue is our favorite yet. We love the idea of a highlighter-bright orange dress paired with nude accessories. Vivienne Tam Photo: Courtesy of Vivienne Tam; Derek Lam Photo: Courtesy of Derek Lam; Marc by Marc Jacobs Photo: Courtesy of Marc by Marc Jacobs; Reed Krakoff Photo: Courtesy of Reed Krakoff.
BubblesPop 