Knitch Magazine

With the official start of Spring 2010 just behind us, our attention is turning to the best ways for enhancing our spring wardrobes from previous years and being right in tune with the latest trends. Whether because of overcast skies and threatening storms or because of the continuing doom and gloom on the economic front, the designers are pulling out all the stops to help us experience brighter days ahead. And what is more fun than planning out all the little touches that can expand your wardrobe and turn it into a treasure chest of spring options?

Express Your Love of Great Art with Knitwear Inspired by the Masters.

From the Impressionist artists of 19^th century France to the abstract art of Picasso, fashion designers of all backgrounds have embraced the masters this season. From the Monet-inspired color swirls of Michael Kors to the polka-dot pop art of Marc Jacobs and Phillip Lim’s version of cubism, beautiful art-enhanced fabrics rule the runways and store aisles. And with so many designers fascinated by this trend, you have plenty of options from which to choose and combine with other great styles for your perfect look.

Explore Your Romantic Side with Special Feminine Touches.

Spring 2010 marks the return of the romantic look after years of the strong lines of menswear influencing women’s styles. Such well-known names as Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Dior show us just how sensationally the new romantic look can be. From subtle bows, trendy ruffles, open-work lace and fluffy tulle, these feminine touches are everywhere from tops to totes and from jackets to scarves. Also rediscover the versatility of the shrug and the bolero jacket this season. Perhaps because of their flattering, feminine shaping, the new romantic look often centers around these types of lovely cropped jackets.

Set Your Course for the Beach with the Nautical Look.

After a severe winter in North America, perhaps it’s understandable that so many designers have featured beach and vacation inspired themes in their Spring 2010 collections. But we are a bit surprised at just how prevalent the “Ahoy, Matey” look is this season. From cork-soled, high-heeled sandals to "uniforms" looking as if you're enlisting in the U.S. Navy, there are fashion styles to suit everyone's tastes.

Tommy Hilfiger leads the pack with oodles of tops, jackets and accessories incorporating lots of stripes, and Ralph Lauren runs a very close second with his more militaristic version. Lauren also features silver metallic overalls and denim dungarees for a wide variety of casual wear and beach attire. Then the Rebecca Taylor collection showcases nautical stripes along with the bag offerings of Eric Javits and Nautica adorned by various seaworthy motifs. Last but certainly not least, take a peek at the unusual and simply stunning nautical jewelry from Chanel.

Add Panache with Prints and Join Your Tribe.

Turning away from the animal prints so popular in past springs, haute-couture mavens find their inspiration from random patternings, geometrical shapes, tie-dye and batik fabrics, and multi-cultural designs from Africa, India and more. Especially watch for jacquards of all types, and notice the strong influence of the Missonis and others. So enhance your spring collection with the graphic contrasts of a Givenchy tribal-look tote, the groovy retro tie-dye look from Proenza Schouler, Thakoon’s multi-print dresses and even Converse tennis shoes adorned with vintage Missoni chevrons. But no matter which type of print you choose, go with the designs most flattering to your body shape and size, and let the print be the star of your outfit.

Flash Back to the 1940s for Classic Simplicity & Tailored Beauty.

For those who prefer more traditional offerings, the spring collections also have wonderful designs for you too. With this season’s flashback to the classic cut and tailored chic of the 1940s, fashion designers have created pieces reminiscent of Grace Kelly and Lauren Bacall. But these are the classic pieces of the 1940s with a more relaxed fit and excellent drape, and every designer seems to have a favorite garment: Chanel favors textured suits as usual; Burberry features double-breasted jackets and coats; Hugo Boss showcases flowing, luxurious silk pieces; and Ann Taylor excels with her lovely blouses and tailored slacks and skirts. Also watch for the return of summer tweeds, the abundance of monochromatic dressing and the resurgence of the tailored vest and the boyfriend jacket with plenty of room and deep pockets.

Bring Out Your Inner Athlete But Not Just at the Gym.

Perhaps it’s the remnants of Olympics fever, perhaps it’s a new version of California Casual or perhaps it’s just that fashion is trying to keep up with our desire to have our wardrobe multi-task, but this spring, sportswear is being showcased everywhere and for almost every occasion. (So far we haven’t seen a sweatsuit wedding dress, but who knows what might be coming next?) From the jersey sweat pants and tanks of Bottega Veneta to Donna Karan’s neon-bright biker shorts and from Alexander Wang’s body suits to the sporty zippered jackets of Balenciaga, you can definitely go from the tennis court to your favorite restaurant in style.

Embellish Your Wardrobe with Crochet, Lace, Metallics and Embroidery.

Even though the classics are back, and in many collections, simplicity seems the key this season, most of the haute-couture designers have incorporated various types of embellishments or accents for their favorite designs. Whether it’s the return of the classic scarf (notice the floral, silk headscarf featured in Ferragamo print ads) or subtle glitz and glamour from metallic embellishments, you will find the accents you crave this spring. Check out the metallic-enhanced fabrics used by Phillip Lim and Dior in their spring eveningwear, the embroidery and lace featured in the collections of Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi, and trendy crocheted tops and skirts from Catherine Malandrino and Alberta Ferretti.

Choose the Hottest Spring Colors for Your Fashions and Accessories.

For Spring 2010, fashion designers have an interesting mixture of versatile neutrals and exciting brights, just what we need to enliven overcast days and chilly evenings. Bringing to mind beach vacations, Tropical Turquoise, especially in turquoise gemstone jewelry of all types, and fabulous Amparo Blue are in all the department stores along with blooming Violet for a more romantic touch.

Then citrusy hues abound with yellow back in the spotlight with Aurora, that luscious golden hue you see with the sunrise. Add Fusion Coral and Tomato Puree and the color palette is almost good enough to eat. Of course, neutrals are still quite prominent and are especially marvelous for investment dressing in your classic pieces. Pink Champagne, Tuscany (tan), Dried Herb (khaki) and Eucalyptus (taupe) are the hits of the season and work equally well in garments as in accenting accessories.