Calm, sincere fashion trends for spring

DALLAS — Value continues to be the new reality in the world of fashion, but designers and clothing manufacturers aren’t letting spring 2010 come around without a few fresh ideas.

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Spring trends

→Tunics and caftans.

→Tie dyes, ombre dip dyes.

→Skirts.

→Zippers, buttons, ruffles.

→Cropped jackets.

→Architectural details.

→Controlled volume.

→Shorts, Bermuda and short-shorts.

→Lace and cut-outs.

→Draping.

→Sheer and voile.

→Bold prints.

→Bright colors.

Gregor Simmons of Gregor Simmons Ltd., a buying office in New York, calls spring a season of calm changes — a quiet evolution rather than radical revolution.

That was the message at the Dallas Market Center, where retail buyers from dozens of states gathered to place their clothing and accessory orders for spring.

Superficial and cheap effects have no place in this new reality. "Fashion becomes more real, closer to us and our needs … more sincere, more honest,” she said.

Dresses, knits, cardigans, all types of shirts and tops, and tunics grab much of the attention. Skinny jeans and pants are becoming more mainstream. Shorts of all lengths seem a given when the weather turns warm. Jackets play a supporting role unless they’re of the biker boy or boyfriend style.

"Fashion will be classically inspired, but with a touch of sex and skin,” Simmons said.

More obvious examples are corset details and sheer fabrics.

Much of what’s in store for spring will be familiar, but it’s served up in new colors, prints and texture. Think full skirts in bold florals; skinny and wide-leg khakis, shrunken leather jackets; industrial zippers on sleeveless dresses; ruffles, bows and origami appliques; and crop jackets cut closer to the body with a more defined shoulder line.

"Dresses remain the dominant trend with a definite underlying retro feeling — call it the ‘Mad Men’ influence,” said DeDe Benham, owner and general merchandise manager of Balliet’s, 50 Penn Place. "The trend is soft and ladylike, with lots of draping. There’s plenty of color with melon and turquoise showing up, with shots of bright as well. And cargo pants looked strong.”

Nancy Warehime, owner of Nancy’s in Northpark Mall, said she found great tunics and tops, along with pieces that will appeal to working women who prefer separates to suits. Leggings keep hanging around, and knits ooze comfort and feel-good qualities.

"We love casual dressy pieces,” she said.

Other trends include cargo pants and peasant tops, maxi dresses and controlled volume, and preppy influences and prints.

With stores in Edmond and Stillwater, Tiger Lily owner Jackie Spring always keeps her college-age customers in mind. Denim reigns with denim leggings, skinny jeans or the looser boyfriend cut, both in shorts and jeans.

While the tunic is the perfect topper to skinny bottoms, what makes it look different are the handkerchief hems and hems that stretch longer in the back than the front, she said.

Color can make any item look fresh, modern and happy, and spring fashion obligingly takes a dip in the crayon box. Royal blue is on its way to becoming the hot color. Other shades that show up often are sand, ecru and beige tones, melon, rosy pink hues, limes and yellows, purple, green, gray and white.

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