A look back at New York Fashion Week 2011

Whether you’ve followed New York Fashion Week for years or this is your first time hearing about it, it is cause for excitement.

Ralph Lauren Spring 2012 White sequin dress with feathers (Photo by Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week)

NYFW happens semi-annually and is the mother of all fashion events. This week determines what you’ll wear in spring 2012 because it’s what the stores will be selling. Of course, most of the looks scene in the runway shows will be changed to be more mainstream and acceptable to a wider range of people. Different parts of the country will also get varying takes on collections.  For example, what NYC or LA gets will be different than what we get (I wish it wasn’t so).

Let’s talk about the trends for spring 2012 that the designers showed at NYFW. Keep this list handy because next spring you can use it to compare with the fashion for sale in our area.

(Caveat: sorry men, but this will be mostly for women. NYFW is predominantly female clothes but there were a few men’s looks that I’ve included so you don’t feel entirely left out.)

Sheer – A variety of different garments shown in sheer fabrics were seen in the majority of designer collections. Beautiful sheer prints and solids made the rest of the outfit feel breezy and easy. Just remember, when you wear something sheer, you must wear a camisole or tank top underneath so you’re not exposed. If it’s a skirt, a slip is non-negotiable. If you’re not feeling it, don’t wear sheer clothes.

Custo Barcelona Silk colorful dress Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week) Custo Barcelona Spring 2012

All over prints – These aren’t your granny flowers. These are either geometrical, impressionistic designs or whimsical animal prints (like birds or cats). The whole outfit is a print which looks incredible. If you can’t deal with all over print, pick one garment of your outfit with a print and have fun with it. Step out of your box.

Peplums – Peplums were huge in the 1980s and every self-respecting Madonna fan wore them regularly. A peplum is a short overskirt attached to a fitted jacket or shirt. I love peplums that can cover a multitude of sins but if you’re hippy, pick one that’s small, not oversized.

Carolina Herrera Spring 2012 Green and yellow sheer dress Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week)

Colorful – Aqua, pink (bright and pastel), sunshine yellow, red and of course black; it was so refreshing to see so many colors on one outfit (going back to the overall print). It’s great to see pretty, vibrant colors instead of neutrals or black. Try them all (within your color season).

Flowy/frothy – This is a very pretty, sometimes lady-like quality of a garment. Much of the time, sheer fabrics are flowy or frothy (like the top of your cappuccino). They swish around you with beauty and grace. Start with one and you’ll want more.

Sequins/Bling – Let’s face it, sequins and bling have been seen in many fashion seasons for many years, but there seems to be more of it this season than what we’ve seen in the last few. More designers are taking an “enough of the recession” mindset and bringing back fun and frivolity. I personally love sequins and bling so this trend is near to my heart. These aren’t golden girl sequins; these are refined, chic and ready to take on the world. Bring it on!

Diesel Black Gold during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2012 Iridescent jacket and shorts Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week)

Fringe/Feathers – No, this isn’t western, yee-hah, thick, flappy fringe meant for range riders. This is sleek, sophisticated, very small fringe that almost looks like feathers it’s so finely done. It was shown in all different fabrics and made the piece interesting and fun. Feathers, too, were shown with fun and abandon.

Remember that not all trends are for all people. Choose only the ones that fit your body type, color season and personal style. Working within those guidelines, try one you wouldn’t normally pick and have fun with it.