The shows recently wrapped up in Paris, and the trends coming off the international runways couldn’t be clearer. London, Milan and Paris shared much more than their international status as fashion capitals. The shows were playful, ladylike, as most designers seemed to say ‘it’s time to lighten up’ with their collections.  If you want to plan ahead, here are our tips to staying in vogue this spring:

White Hot

Osman

Pull out the sunglasses, because stark white clothing is going to be huge this spring.  It was surprising to see so much black on the spring runways, however the more interesting colour trend was bright white.

White featured heavily in London, at Osman, Charles Anastase, Graeme Black, and Julien Macdonald.  Take a direct cue from the runway by wearing all over white, like ivory blouses and blazers paired with skirts and trousers.  To keep on trend, without worrying so much about dry cleaning bills, ease into the trend with just one feature item, like an off-white blazer over skinny jeans.

Pretty Pastels

Burberry Prorsum, Luella

Staying with colour trends, brights were everywhere on the international runways, but I preferred London’s more subdued take on the colour wheel.  Girly pastels were featured in Matthew Williamson, Vivienne Westwood Red Label, Christopher Kane, and Luella.

A light and airy colour palette for spring, pastels work best when mixed in with neutrals in small doses.  All over pastels are not for the faint of heart.  What looks fashion forward on the runway can easily look clownish in real life.  Look for ruffled blouses in light pastels, and mix them in with khaki and beige basics.

The Mini

Dolce & Gabbana, Versace

As the temperature rises, so do the hemlines, but no more than ever this spring.  I recommend a serious regime of squats and lunges this winter to prepare yourself for the itsy-bitsy skirts that will debut after the snow melts.

Legs, legs, and more legs were centre stage in Milan at Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Emilio Pucci.

Playful Suits

(from left) Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Stella McCartney

A new take on suits featured all over London, Milan, and Paris.  So many designers, with so many takes on the new shape of suits – it’s hard to narrow the examples to just a few.

Some of the best include Bottega Veneta, Prada, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, and Chanel (well of course).

When you think ‘suit’ this spring, don’t think about matronly, boxy numbers with oversized shoulder pads, but rather sleek and youthful shapes and tailoring.

Prints

(from left) Giambattista Valli, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Stella McCartney

Bold, graphic, and complicated prints were an unmissable trend dominating the international shows.  To work this trend into your wardrobe just pick any print that catches your eye – the sky’s the limit.  From pretty florals, to abstract graphics, to sexy animal patterns, the theme running throughout was bold, stand-out and notice me prints.

Some of the best examples this season were Giambattista Valli’s contrasting animal prints, Ann Demeulemeester’s caged birds, Dries Van Noten’s tribal inspiration, and Stella McCartney’s subtle nod to military camouflage.

Minimalism

(from left) Karl Lagerfeld, Yves St Laurent, Celine

Moving to the opposite end of the spectrum, Minimalism was a crucial trend this season, executed beautifully by many designers.  So if bold prints aren’t your thing, take refuge in the simple detailing and tailoring of minimal dressing this spring.

For inspiration look to the Paris shows of Rick Owens, Givenchy, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Yves Saint Laurent, Celine, and Chloe.

Ladylike Touches – Ruffles, Sheer, and Lace

(from left) Valentino, Chanel, Fendi

With the exception of a handful of collections giving a deliberate nod to Goth culture, the feeling dominating the international runways was that clothing this spring is feminine.  Whether tailoring is challenging and complex or beautifully simple, the effect is decidedly ladylike.

Ruffles were seen at Stella McCartney, Giambattista Valli, YSL, and Valentino.  Lace was a common detail at Chanel and Alberta Ferretti. Sheer fabrics were everywhere, from Fendi and Prada, to Valentino and Chloe.  And lingerie inspired pieces took to the runways in styles ranging from the subtle and soft, to the glaringly obvious.

Whatever your flavour, there is a trend to satisfy every fashion lover this spring.

by Heather Loney
all images by Style.com