Spring 2016 Trends ~ Straight from New York Fashion Week

Now that the holidays are over we can all get “somewhat”  ready for Spring 2016 as store racks are starting to get some early shipments of Spring merchandise.  The New York runways lit up with beautiful fashion, trends and colors you will love come March. But in the meantime we have to be patient and plow through an Austin winter before we can peel off the layers.

My trip to New York Fashion Week back in September was probably the most fun and exciting trip to date. It was also memorable because of all of the Austin connections to make it even more special. Photographer Gregg Cestaro and Brittney Scheeres accompanied me and Team Fashionably Austin took on a huge fashion week schedule. With the Fashion Week venue moving from Lincoln Center to two new, and separate, locations, we divided and conquered and covered more than 30 shows.
Fashion Week brings out lots of celebrities but we enjoyed seeing our hometown designer celebrity

Ross Bennett showed his collection for the first time at New York Fashion Week. We also connected with Austin Design Lab owner Linda Asaf for a glass of wine while she was in the City. We also assisted Telemundo Style Reporter, Christian Ramirez with backstage photography for several of his assignments and Fashion show producer Melissa d’Attillo granted us some amazing access to the Naeem Kahn show and Carrie Underwood’s athletic collection call CALIA.
From our press pit vantage point and after all the photos were posted, the trends started popping up and here are a few to get you excited for a beautiful, romantic and amazing Spring fashion season.

Fringe and Lace: Both are already a huge trend for Fall, and both will move right into your Spring wardrobe. As for lace, you will see all kinds of lace. Sheer, geometric shaped, layered, and then there was embroidery on top of the lace to add even more texture. While it sounds a bit much, it is a welcome change to just a simple lace top or dress.

Color: Crisp white! Nothing says casual elegance than white. For Spring you need to wear it from head to toe for the latest trend. Layer your look, mix it up with textures and you can beat the heat in Austin in style.   As far as the other colors that will play out for Spring, Pantone is showing more shades of blue and green than ever before.   A beautiful Coral called Peach Echo will pair nicely with the blue shades, Serentity and Snorkle Blue and a vibrant green called Green Flash will brighten up your wardrobe for Spring.
Prints: Prints always have that love or hate status, so get ready to sound off in your own way this coming season. Huge florals, not the sweet, quaint kind, the kind of floral print that will be noticed were seen very clearly from the end of the runway. Graffiti prints were also strong on the runway. Abstract, fun and a print you can mix and match with other prints to make it even more interesting.

Metallics: For Spring, silver has moved gold off the top podium spot but not by much. I did see other metallics come down the runway but put Silver in front for Spring. Flat, silver t-strap sandals are a must have in your closet!
Asymmetrical Lines: Certainly one of the most flattering lines in a garment is the ever-forgiving diagonal line. The asymmetrical treatments from the designers ranged from casual cut tops across the bodice, sloping lines on the hips on a skirt or jackets closures where one side was slightly longer than the other. If you want to hide a few flaws, the asymmetrical silhouette is your go to for Spring.
Gowns: There is nothing more exciting than seeing the finale gowns come down the runway. It felt like the designers were on their own, “out design the other challenge” for best finale dress in show. Full ball gowns in amazing prints and fabrics were strong, with flowy chiffon frocks with fabric for days. Gorgeous!
*as seen in Austin Woman Magazine – November 2016 issue.