Flashes of pink, Sarah Jessica Parker's glowing smile and the catchphrase "Enjoy being a girl" make the Gap a great place to be in the springtime. In a few weeks, after the snow disappears, a decidedly feminine Spring will take over women's wardrobes.
The feeling this time around is that spring doesn't have to be a time of high-buttoned cardigans, nor a season overwhelmed by Technicolor polos. The ads for the coming season's campaigns reveal fashion's softer and sassier sides.
Even the industry's powerhouses — such as Roberto Cavalli, known best for his sometimes outrageous and always heavily beaded jeans and dresses — have bought in to this philosophy. This season he presents a ruffled, floor-length white cotton halter dress with lemon tree print that is clean and beautiful.
Here's a rundown of my picks for this season's top trends for women:
The Coverage: The Trench
A traditional part of the Burberry collection, now re-imagined in blue gingham and red floral. New cuts, such as a slightly oversized version with three-quarter sleeves, will be perfect for romping around during spring showers.
Consider Old Navy's cute, colorful and inexpensive trenches (on sale now for $20-$35).
The Print: Floral and Jacquard
Most 2005 spring collections are carefree, but these ladylike trends are reminiscent of dressing up in Mom's clothing. Try Banana Republic's Silk Garden-Rose Dress ($168): its fitted bodice and full skirt will flatter any body type. Try it with the Floral Brocade Topcoat ($198), which is vibrantly colored with delicate gold threading details.
The Cut: Knee Length Skirts
Simply stated: the perfect solution for anyone (read: me) who hates shorts. Both amazingly feminine and no-nonsense at the same time. Ideal for class or casual job interviews. DKNY's collection includes beautiful Aline skirts, very 1950s in style. Try Zoe, whose broad range of designer wear guarantees you'll find the perfect skirt.
The Style: Attention to Detail
Many fashion houses have worked extra hard this season to add those oh-so-special final touches. For example, Bottega Veneta, a high-end handbag and outerwear supplier, expands on the nautical theme by adding brass buttons to coats. Louis Vuitton, always a style leader, introduces a new cherry monogrammed bag line, adding a spunky touch to an old standard. Also check out Gap, which will be offering a variety of metallic braided belts, jeweled Capri sandals and jeweled moccasins.
The Kicks: Playful Shoes
When it comes to fashion, shoes are both the best medium for expression and the accessory you can have the most fun with. Marc Jacobs produces lust-worthy shoes year after year, and this season is no exception. His stack-heeled Mary-Jane is available in three different styles: a two-tone spectator design, sequined and metallic. It's the shoe of the moment. And while they may be out of most students' price range, it's a great source of inspiration. Kate Spade also has a shoe to match every trend, from ballet slippers in crochet or snakeskin, to wedge heels, to cocktail shoes with feminine grosgrain bows. They're classic, comfortable, and spruce up the most casual summer outfit without effort. With this season's emphasis on the bohemian and goddess themes, sandals from Jack Rogers or Bernardo are also perfectly trendy.
The Wild Side: Snakeskin
I've never understood the seductive power of reptiles. As a friend of mine remarked, gazing at a pink reptilian bag, "No snake is that color." Yet this season, the serpent reigns with snakeskin shoes from Cole Haan and Jimmy Choo as well as reptilian dresses and hats from Dolce and Gabbana and a crocodile and ostrich bag from Gucci.
The Palette: Red, White and Black
The hottest colors in every collection, perhaps because of their usual exclusion from the spring pastel ranks: red, white and white. Try J. Crew, who reliably stocks monochrome cotton pieces at reasonable prices.
Overall, have fun with details, have fun with color, and most of all: enjoy being a girl.
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