The countdown is on for the glamorous gala event of the year. Not the Oscars . . . not the Grammies . . . Princeton houseparties! As you prepare to walk Prospect's red carpet — or red brick — here is your ultimate guide to the hottest spring and summer fashion trends of 2002. Keep the following in mind as you plan your attire for the biggest social event of the school year.
For the ladies . . .
Formal
Top haute couture designers are calling for a return to glamour. Intricate beadwork, lace borders, and rhinestone embellishments are adorning the gowns this season. Eveningwear is echoing a broader trend towards accentuating lines and curves with fitted bodices and soft silhouette fabrics. Spice things up with gold lame or opt for urban chic with monochromatic black or even a feminine take on the tuxedo. Strapless necklines reflect classic simple elegance, while cutout details, crochet work, and sheer black gathers add an edgier, more unique touch of flavor. Take cues from stars like Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie and stand apart in a stunning fitted pantsuit with a plunging neckline. Seal your look with a crystal clutch.
Semi-Formal
The effect is delicate and romantic — skirts just below the knee with tiers of ruffles, full prairie-style circle skirts with frills, or skirts with ties and hem detailing. Pair any of these with a tailored corset top or a bustier. Flowing classic dance-length dresses in chiffon with asymmetrical necklines and hemlines have dotted the runways this season and copy the look for any semiformal event. The hottest accent: a butterfly. The hottest color: white. Makeup should be fresh and natural: accentuate either the eyes or the lips, but never both.
Lawnparties
This season's dominant daytime theme is the peasant or bohemian look. The goal is to create pastiche, a patchwork collage. Eyelet cotton fabrics, suede or leather perforated materials, fringes, and gauze peasant blouses capture the steamy summer look. Floral patterns are large and bold with minimal accessories. Colorful vertical stripes and large polka dots add a whimsical feel. Embroidery is all the rage on shirts and wide, low-slung belts. The base shades are neutral: browns, nudes and a range of whites. For skin, achieve a sun-kissed glow with bronzer and nude lips. Leather accessories are Santa Fe-inspired in warm, dyed hues. A fringed or buckled hobo handbag is the accessory of the moment. Designers are draping runway models with turquoise and coral jewelry and framing their faces with chandelier earrings. Sunglasses are oversized with rimless tinted or reflective lenses. The 1970s aviator shape has also made a resurgence. Strappy sandals with ties up the leg paraded across the summer catwalk propped on wooden and wedge heels, and may be the perfect piece to accompany your lawnparties dress.
And for the gentlemen . . .
Formal
Classic styles will ensure that you always look absolutely fabulous. Traditional cummerbunds and bow ties are timeless. As an alternative to the bow tie, designers are choosing a larger diamond stud. The vest in a three-piece tuxedo adds a channel for creativity. Simple vests in basic colors and geometric patterns are sleek. Tone-on-tone textured fabrics evoke a sense of understated elegance. Wear a three or four-button black suit with a crisp white shirt, full-length solid black satin tie, and cufflinks for modern Hollywood charm. As a rule of thumb: with a stainless watch, wear silver studs and cufflinks.
Semi-Formal
For tall men, the 2002 suit has three buttons, but only the middle button is fastened. Both singleand double-vented jackets remain popular for spring and summer, although double-vents minimize wrinkling when seated. GQ is showing spread-collar shirts rather than angled collars to avoid a "droopy" appearance. Broad ties (wider than three and a half inches) are reserved for guys with more massive physiques. Dress pants are unpleated this season and predominantly cuffed.
Lawnparties
Plaids and checks are en vogue for collared shirts. Button-down shirts with seersucker textures and rolled up sleeves epitomize relaxed classic. A chino safari jacket in worn khaki is this summer's most versatile piece.
Regardless of your choice of attire, dress with confidence and a smile. Allow your clothes to mirror your inner creative sense of beauty and you will be guaranteed a place in the house of style.
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