Spring forward

By TEDDYE SNELL

Due to the recent cold snap, it may be difficult for some to envision themselves in flip-flops and shorts and the lighter, airy fabrics of spring.

Fortunately, those people are in luck, as experts who’ve witnessed the latest fashions for spring say heavier fabrics and odd pairings - shorts with snow boots - are all the rage this year.

Former Tahlequah modeling coach and Precious Formals Creative Director Crystal Miller has spent countless hours at shows in Houston, and was amazed at this year’s offerings.

“If I had to pinpoint a style I would say that fashions have taken a leap to the year 2050,” said Miller. “It’s all about texture and details. I’ve seen wild trends across the board this year with decadent fabrics including brocades and corduroy, as well as strange ways of using silks and taffeta.”

According to Miller, brocade, corduroy and taffeta are all fabrics traditionally reserved for fall and winter. Miller also indicate standard spring and summer fabrics such as denim and simple cottons were on the wane.

“Denim and cotton are out,” she said. “Well, denim still plays a major role, but it has to very, very detailed. Pants are ripped, bleached, sequined and dotted with rhinestones. It’s all in the details when it comes to denim.”

Miller said skinny jeans and dark denim remain popular, but harsh starching - complete with a detectable starch line down the leg - were a must.

According to a recent report by USA Today, TV - particularly shows like “Dancing With The Stars” - has played a large part in determining this year’s spring fashions, as well.

Kimberly McDonald, editor and publisher of the online magazine Beauty News NYC, told USA Today the growing popularity of yoga has also played a large part in determining what’s hot this spring.

Big-name designers such as Vera Wang and Michael Kors drew from the dance realm when creating their lineups this year, with models donning leotard tops, jersey-wrap skirts, rehearsal sweaters, ballet-style flats and tutu-like skirts.

Miller noticed an odd trend in shorts, as well.

“You’ve heard of the bubble skirt?” she asked. “Well, this year, bubble shorts are all the rage. I had a hard time distinguishing whether they were shorts or not, but after a thorough look, found that’s exactly what they were. It’s just strange.”

College trends for the spring indicate plaids and animals prints dominate offerings.

Allison Siminovsky, freshman, prefers plaid the best.

“It’s a way of taking something classic and traditional and incorporating it into a modern outfit. It can also dress up an otherwise casual look.”

Colors this spring are also more subdued, according to Miller.

“I’ve seen lots of greens, plums and much more gray than brown,” she said. “But it’s more about the fabrics - lots of burnt-out velvets and iridescent fabrics and odd pairings - heavy with light and boots with shorts, things you wouldn’t have ever thought of pairing together in the past.”

Miller also indicated off-the-shoulder blouses were a closet requirement this spring.

“All the attention is on the back,” said Miller. “Lots of detail - whether it be a blouse, shorts, a dress or slacks, much attention has been paid to detailing the back.”

Local college student Matthew Tucker is fashion-forward for the most part, and looks forward to spring clothing.

“I’m going to wear more green and white,” he said. “Not because of NSU, but because it looks good together. I like following fashion trends, but I tend to put my own ‘Okie’ touch to it. Puma clothing is big this year for guys, too.”

According to www.askmen.com, green would be a good choice. Color, and lots of it, is making its way into men’s closets.

While color is popular for men this year, avoid brights, according to askmen.com. Pastels accentuate a sharp, clean look. Patterned shirts paired with trousers seem to be at the top of the “sharp-dressed man” look this spring.

Tips for guys include adding sweater vests as well as lightweight, form-fitting V-neck sweaters.

For those who prefer the patterned button-down shirt, askmen recommends avoiding wearing a patterned sweater or vest on top of it, as well as adding sweaters in light gray, camel and black to a wardrobe.

And for those of you men who love those cargo-type pants, you’ll be needing a wardrobe overhaul. According to askmen, gone are the days of bulky, baggy pants. Straight legs, lighter fabrics and fewer pockets are the rule.

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