Spring 2013 Fashion Report

One of the most prominent trends of the season is the bold and graphic use of black and white. This pairing is as classic as peanut butter and jelly or Simon and Garfunkel. But designers this season are revamping this sophisticated look with modern use of prints and silhouettes.

Marc Jacobs, creative director of both Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton, set the tone this spring when his 60s-styled muses marched down the runway in shimmering black and white checkered shifts. Chanel’s chunky spring jackets were polka-dotted with white costume pearls. Oscar de la Renta played with the print trend, presenting a classic satin ball gown—only instead of the classic floral vision, he rendered the look in a punky black and white pinstripe normally associated with business suits.

Julianne Moore rocked this look at the Golden Globe Awards, in a black Tom Ford gown punctuated by wide white color blocking along the back and waist. While Emma Stone recently stunned in a Balmain diamond-print suit dress in the latest issue of W magazine.

This season black and white will easily make its way to the streets, with interesting vivid prints. It can be tempting to use that “pop of color” trick the world adopted a few years back, but this season opt to keep the outfits sophisticated in this fullproof pairing.

This season the girly flounce is being reinterpreted through a very womanly perspective. No longer are ruffles a sign of girlhood princess passions, but instead offer sleek billowing cascades that emphasize and exaggerate the feminine form.

This season, Gucci’s sleek gowns’ shoulders were rimmed with gentle ruffles, creating a striking, slightly marine-inspired look. While J.W Anderson took a sporty route, adding soft ruffles to a jersey-knit tennis dress.

Amanda Seyfreid displayed this trend at the premiere of Les Miserables in a black Balenciaga gown with a curled and ruffled hem, supplying her the swaying hips of a cha-cha dancer. Kate Beckinsale looked sleek and pretty in a Gucci pink gown with subdued ruffles around the bust.

This trend can appear on any garment this season, from a fitted top with a gathered peplum, or at the end of maxi dresses for that extra bohemian bounce. Bring this feminine look to the ballroom with these dresses!

The monochrome clean whites of last winter are now transitioning into a sweetly pale and subtle spring pallet. From fondant pink and frosty violets to baby blues, designers are keeping this spring refreshing and dewy.

Dior Haute Couture’s spring line offered clean monochrome looks with delicate beaded baby blossoms. Clustering at shoulders, or floating angelically on gossamer sheer gloves, these flowers aren’t the bold “look at me!” prints normally associated with the dawn of spring. No. These buds whisper a gracefully girlish tune last heard in the 1940s.

Ruffian offered his own punk rock spin on the tune. The collection he presented for spring was inspired by Marie Antoinette’s rococo sweetness mixed with Brooklyn’s hipster punk vibe.

Nicole Kidman donned a pale iridescent Elie Saab gown with delicate beading and pink satin belt on the red carpet, while Emily Blunt stunned in a sleek blush business dress by Emilio Pucci.

It’s easy to feel as fresh as a new budded daisy with these gentle tones! These shades won’t stay just on flowing sweet dresses, but will take a more youthful turn and be featured on denims, blazers, and chunky heels.

Bring this demure and feminine look to the dance floor with these dresses!