Fashion Forecast: Spring 2012

Rachel Alford
Zeta Tau Alpha

Fashion is forever changing. It seems as if the moment we perfect one style, it is already on its way out the door. If you want to be on time, you have to be two seasons early. You have to anticipate what is to come, and be ready to switch out at any given moment. I guess fashionably late never really applied to fashion itself. How do we stay ahead? Well, that is a feat all its own. It takes research, planning, strategy, and time and money that most college students don’t have.

Here’s a little shortcut for the upcoming year in fashion. Some trends are just developing, while others are being recycled. And I’ll give you some tips on how to keep your wardrobe fresh and updated without giving it an entire makeover. 

Upcoming SPRING Trends:

Spring is all about being fun and flirty. The flowers are blooming, trees are turning green again, and everyone seems just a bit happier. So the fashion must in turn, follow.

Color: Pastels

This spring, pastel colors are the key. They are sweet and girly, and look great in a number of fabrics and shapes. Whether you go with the Easter egg toned shorts from J. Crew or a simple shift dress in mint green, look to soften up the mood from the jewel tones of this past season. Pale blues, light pinks, and buttercream will take you immediately from winter to spring. And if you are a little uneasy about wearing such bold pieces, start small. Nail polish is a great way to give flair to your outfit, and O.P.I. makes a variety of different shades that are great for spring.

Print: Birds

Now, as soon as spring rolls around, people get excited about prints. They ditch the dull greys and blacks, trading them in for vibrant patterns. In the past few years, floral has made a comeback. It went from Grandma’s closet to designer closets practically overnight. But it seems as though floral is getting a little played out. Have no fear though; there are many fun ways to do prints without looking like a flower shop.  This upcoming spring, birds are the new daisies. Several designers, such as Marc Jacobs and Prada, featured these prints in their spring 2012 collections. This print adds flare to any outfit and is fun to wear.

The Item: Peplum

Although you may not know it by name, you have probably seen a peplum a time or two. It is a flared ruffle that is attached to the waist of a piece of clothing, whether it is a jacket, skirt, or dress. It may sound silly, but this Greek-originated style is the perfect touch for spring. It is extremely girly and it gives body to otherwise flat, plain pieces. It can be more subdued, just a little flare at the bottom of jacket; or it can be over-the-top on a great cocktail dress. Either way, it will really add something to your outfit.

The Jacket: Anorak

I know this sounds crazy because you see Greeks wearing them around campus all the time, and their purpose is less a fashion statement than a practical use, but just hear me out. These functional jackets can actually be fashionable. Designers such a Jason Wu and Tommy Hilfiger had anoraks going down their runway, and they were surprisingly cute. They can be light and airy, missing all the bulk that is often characteristic of this item, and very stylish. Neutral colors are best for these because it makes them more wearable, and they will sustain throughout many seasons.

The Suit: Shorts Suit

In Tallahassee, we are surrounded by business professionals, and with internships and interviews constantly coming our way, we have no choice but to become accustomed with suits. This season, that fact will not change, but the traditional suit will be spiced up a bit. The shorts suit is a new trend that we have seen on many runways for spring 2012. It is a great way to look professional, but be comfortable at the same time. The trick: keeping it appropriate. When we choose shorts, often they are too short for a professional environment, but by keeping the hemlines at an suitable length, compromise can be made.

Tips and Tricks

With all these great new styles for the season, it is hard to keep our budgets and closets in check, but it can be done. Designer items are great, and it is okay to splurge every now and then, but it is not necessary for every piece in your wardrobe.

Splurge only on key items. This means: versatile jackets, designer jeans, bold jewelry. It will save you a lot of money, and these pieces can be worn over and over with different outfits.

Go through your closet about every three months and get rid of the things you don’t wear anymore. There is an endless amount of donation centers that you can drop your clothes off at, many philanthropic clothing drives, or even Plato’s closet if you’re looking to make a few bucks. You’d be surprised at how much you can get rid of.

Try thrift stores before hitting the mall. Styles get recycles all the time. Goodwill may have exactly what you are looking for at a quarter of the price.

Subscribe to a fashion blog or magazine. This will keep you up-to-date on all new looks, and you can check it in between classes, taking very little time from your day.

Fashion is all about making a statement, so be sure no matter what you wear, that it reflects who you are. There’s no fun in looking like everyone else around, mix things up a little. It can be a small signature item, or an ever-changing array of pieces. Whatever you do, make it your own. It will mean so much more to you.

Rachel is a sophomore studying communications, editing, writing and media. You may contact her at rla10d@fsu.edu.