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Spring 2007
Read Fashion Secret Archives Here...
Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered...
Step Brightly into Spring 2007.
It was a long, dark winter, and I’m not talking only about the weather.
Black, black and more black — that’s what they wanted us to wear all season. Toss in a little brown, a smidgeon of red and that was about it. But, enough about the dreary past. Things brighten up for spring in more ways than one.
Let me get it out of the way by saying that black and white are still hot. If you watched the Academy Awards, however, you saw the most fashion-forward colors – soft, elegant pastels. Thankfully, those are not the only colors around. Brights, and I’m talking jewel tones, are hot. Even navy blue is making a comeback. If you’ve been in a color funk since last August, I was hoping that this season would rouse your spirit and get you in the mood for spring. Sadly, while the promise of color was big, the reality is that black reigns and color still takes a backseat.
Bewitched:
• Dress for Success: The dress is back. It has been missing in action a lot longer than color. More like 15 years, with the exception of an occasional shirtdress or summer sundress. Unlike past seasons where we had one choice and it either worked for you or it didn’t, this spring we have a plethora of options. Try a wrap (or mock wrap), empire, sheath or shift dress. There is even a lovely Grecian look with soft, drapey fabric often covering just one shoulder (we saw lots of that at the Oscars). It can be fun to experiment with outside of the office.
You will notice that most of the dresses come in prints rather than solids. Some of the prints are very bold, geometric prints that can easily be overwhelming. If you choose a bold print, be sure the predominant color(s) is one of your most flattering and definitely note the contrast level—too much can also be overwhelming.
This year many dresses actually have sleeves so you do not necessarily have to have a jacket or sweater handy, and some sleeveless dresses come with matching sweaters. Someone finally woke up and gave us dresses that are functional and professional as well as pretty and trendy. Add one or more to your wardrobe and maybe designers will get the hint. We really don’t want to wait another 15 years for the dress to resurface.
• Polka Dots are Hot: I have not always been a fan of polka dots, but this season they seem fresh and pretty. Even the most cautious dresser can add a little hint of fun with polka dots in a charming feminine blouse, a pair of sandals or a canvas handbag. And, it actually doesn’t take a lot more bravery to wear a polka dot dress. It’s a matter of choosing the right color and size of the polka dot. If a polka dot dress or skirt is feels like too much, try a pair of wedge canvas sandals with polka dots — charming for summer! Have fun with it!
• Say It With Shoes: If you are a classic kind of gal, keep your clothing simple and add shoes for pizzazz. There is no shortage of options and many of them are delicious. From cork heels to wedge sandals (they are still around from last year and hotter than ever) to ankle strap flats (a girly shoe that doesn’t require walking on your tip toes), to pretty peep toes and polka dot pumps. Even platforms are still around. Go crazy!
Top it all off with an oversized bag, and you’ll look fabulous. While the bag can be fun and very functional, resist the temptation to fill it with everything in your overnight bag!
Bothered
While we are seeing a resurgence of the mini especially worn with leggings (think American Idol), most women have the common sense not to go anywhere near the office (or even out of the house) in one.
Thankfully, many of the truly wearable dresses this season hit at or below the knee so they are very office-friendly.
Only the very young or very trendy will venture into the land of babydolls (think carefully about the implications of this one (the same goes for those cute puffy short sleeves they are pushing on us)), smock dresses (very retro and can easily fall into the category of “what were you thinking!”), and mini dresses over leggings or slim jeans (This is a roll your eyes look and must be accompanied by a youthful, devil-may-care attitude that only a teenager or early twenty-something can pull off if they must).
Bewildered
The bubble skirt didn’t last long so now they are trying to get us to go for gathers and bell shaped minis. What’s up with that? Adding width at the belly and hips! It’s possibly one of the stupidest looks I’ve seen. I cannot think of one person over the age of 8 who I know will buy one.
There is a menswear trend this season which is fine except they keep wanting us to add bizarre layering over it that looks like you woke up late, reached into your closet in the dark and emerged dressed but questionably so. It’s great that we have a variety of pant styles and widths, but can we at least look like we made an effort to coordinate the outfit?
• Ankle straps: I am not really bewildered by this trend. Ankle straps are lovely. I just want to interject a word of caution (and maybe I’m just envious because it is not a trend I can wear easily). If you have thicker ankles, the ankle strap can make them look even thicker so choose wisely or avoid altogether. Also, if you are petite or have short legs relatively to your body length, ankle straps will make your legs look shorter. There are many other shoe styles that elongate and slim the ankles and legs.
• Life & Death: The skull and crossbones motif is on everything this spring. As a result, I have learned that it is actually a symbol of life but somehow it’s not something I want to wear emblazoned across my chest (or any other body part for that matter).
All in all, this is a very trendy season (which is often more true in the spring/summer than fall/winter), so shop wisely. It is hard to say how many of these styles will stand the test of time. Resist the urge to buy everything all at once. Shop early, buy a little at a time, discover your favorites and go back for more.
To purchase Ginger's book "Fashion Secrets Mother Never Taught You," please click here.
Copyright 1998-2007, Total Image Consultants - All rights reserved.
Fashion Secret 2007 is written and produced by Total Image Consultants.
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To purchase Ginger's book "Fashion Secrets Mother Never Taught You," please click here.
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