5 spring 2014 fashion trends you can wear now

Wordplay.

Not so much slogans as statements, the trend of plastering words across everything from clutch bags to knits continues into spring / summer 2014. We suspect it doesn’t matter much what you say, as long as you’re saying it loud and clear. The aim is to draw eyes and generate interest: never was there a better conversation starter than a boldly lettered article of clothing.

Alexander Wang’s clever Parental Advisory message stuck in the mind, Undercover’s bold letters were even glow-in-the-dark, and Christopher Kane opted for a softer take (‘Petal’). Kenzo went environmental with their messages.

Wear it now: you’ll already find slogan prints galore on the market. The key here is the more interesting and witty, the better.

Inverse shirt buttoning.

It’s so simple it sounds almost crazy, but the simplicity of it is also its genius. Rather than leaving the top few buttons of your shirt undone, invert the process. Button up the top few, and leave the rest to float open wide.

As the spring 2014 runways would have it, it becomes like wearing a crop top in reverse, baring some midriff in an inventive little twist. Alexander Wang did it, Rodarte did it, Diesel Black Gold did it… that’s enough mounting evidence to call it a trend. Other designers (like Sergei Grinko, Trussardi and John Richmond) did the same with dresses. There’s no requirement to keep it to shirts.

Wear it now: if you’re in part of the world facing autumn / winter, get to layering. That open triangle doesn’t have to let the world peep your belly button, simply layer an open shirt or jacket over another top or two. You’ll be well ahead on this one.

Cowgirl mashup.

Urban cowgirl. Showgirl cowgirl. Bra-bearing Rosie-the-riveter cowgirl. Squeezing Western elements into outfits in unexpected ways kept thematic overkill at bay, and signalled a little sub-trend rising up in cowboy boots and embroidered shirts and low-slung oversized belts. Donna Karan, Rodarte and Alexis Mabille respectively brought the aforementioned urban/showgirl/wartime interpretations, while Louis Vuitton’s embellished jeans and Miu Miu’s use of fringing and suede added to the suggestion of a growing spring 2014 fashion trend.

Wear it now: this one is perfect for the fall / winter season as well as for spring, so you can get on it from anywhere in the world. Keep it cool and effortless in slouchy denims, plaid shirts, chunky belts and boots. For a sexier interpretation, mix Western elements with femme fatale ones: an embellished crop top, slinky dress or silk trench coat with dusty cowgirl boots, say, or a pair of denim overalls with heels.

Fringing

Fringing takes on a broad range of styles for spring 2014. On the runways, it wasn’t just cowgirl and it wasn’t just flapper; I guess you could say it just was. Spanning eveningwear to casual, fringing and tassels swished onto the scene and found new ways to make a mark.

Wear it now: leather, silk, beading… if you can find a piece that works some fringing into the equation, invest.

Le smoking.

They’re not quite a traditional smoking jacket or tuxedo, but a number of spring 2014′s pieces took inspiration from them. Shawl collars and luxe fabrics give off a tux vibe while bright colours and cuts with twists break from the mould.

Wear it now: Blumarine made theirs fresh in spring yellow and white; Pucci’s was electric blue. In warm weather you can channel this fresh and bright take already; for fall opt for heavier fabrics (velvet, even) and work them into your layering.

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