Spring Fashion Is Here!

We've got you covered with the season's hottest runway trends.

spring 2016 fashion trends
Backstage at Stella McCartney’s spring runway show

Finally! Spring fashions are starting to trickle into your favorite stores, just in time for warmer weather. Before you go shopping, here’s a breakdown of the top 10 looks that will be vying for your attention.

PHOTO COLLAGES BY INGA LIM.

spring 2016 fashion trends

Balenciaga and Alexander Wang

1. Bedtime Stories. Lingerie-inspired duds are all the rage this spring. From slip dresses in luxurious fabrics, to silky pantsuits that feel like your favorite PJs, these bedtime-worthy looks are comfy and sexy at the same time.

 

spring 2016 fashion trends

Oscar de la Renta and Alexander McQueen

2. Latin Love. Many designers have added Spanish sizzle to their collections. Look for fiery shades of red, tiered Flamenco ruffles and other fiesta-ready fashions.

 

spring 2016 fashion trends

Prabal Gurung and Nicole Miller

3. Cold Shoulders: As Donna Karan once said, if there’s one part of the body every woman feels comfortable flaunting, it’s her shoulders. This season offers many shoulder-baring options, from strapless and one-shoulder dresses and tops, to strategically placed cut-outs.

 

spring 2016 fashion trends

Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini and Erdem

4. Feminine Frocks: Pretty, lightweight fabrics and playful details are working their way into your warm-weather wardrobe. Nothing says “spring” more than a floral chiffon blouse or a sheer, flowing dress with sheer panels.

 

spring 2016 fashion trends

Tom Ford and Loewe

5. Flash Dance. Sequins and shiny finishes take center stage this season, for both day and night. Look for reflective leathers, lamé and crinkled silks—especially in futuristic silver.

 

spring 2016 fashion trends

Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana

6. Vintage Mashup. You’re no stranger to vintage. But this time around, designers encourage you to throw together a hodgepodge of trends from a variety of eras, concocting a retro style that’s all your own.

 

spring 2016 fashion trends

Stella McCartney and Emporio Armani

7. Sassy Stripes: Every spring, nautical stripes seem to make a reappearance. But these vertical visions are bolder than ever before, in unexpected color combos that suggest “circus” or “amusement park” more than “sailor girl.”

 

spring 2016 fashion trends

Chanel and Marques Almeida

8. Distinct Denim. By now, we all can appreciate that skinny jeans are taking a hiatus. But after a season of 1970s flares, watch for slouchy, high-waisted, ’90s-inspired denim. Patchwork details and floor-grazing skirts are especially on trend.

 

spring 2016 fashion trends

Valentino and Altuzarra

9. Dye Job. No longer just for T-shirts, tie-dye is the latest street trend to be revived on the runways. Expect to see a kaleidoscope of tie-dye seeping its way into everything from sexy evening dresses to silk blouses.

 

spring 2016 fashion trends

Wes Gordon and Victoria Beckham

10. Big Plaid: Designers are serving up supersize versions of this iconic print, infusing the look with fresh colors and larger, more abstract patterns. Finally, a slightly uppity classic rocks a decidedly downtown vibe.

The One Fashion Staple Every Woman Needs

It's classic, versatile and goes with almost everything in your closet.

perfect white shirt

The white shirt has been a mainstay in women’s wardrobes for decades. From 1070s-inspired menswear versions to frilly, neo-Victorian styles, over the years this classic has topped everything from boyfriend jeans to ballgown skirts. And this season, the style makes its biggest comeback ever.

“I love white shirts because they feel like a security blanket,” designer Carolina Herrera told Vogue a few years ago. “You can wear the white shirt with anything—the most important thing is the fit. If it fits well, and you like the way it looks, you can accessorise it with diamonds or with nothing. It’s up to you.” Herrera has been churning out her signature white shirts since 1981 and said she isn’t stopping anytime soon.

While the white shirt never truly goes out of fashion, occasionally it makes a notable splash on the runways. This season, designers like Tory Burch, Oscar de la Renta and Michael Kors sent models down the catwalk in many different interpretations, employing sheer fabrics, lace and other frilly details to punch up the pure hue. So whether you prefer a classic tailored style with a menswear-inspired collar (a la Carolina Herrera) or a ruffled-collar, puffy-sleeve silhouette that would make Queen Victoria (or the cast of Seinfeld) proud, there’s a white shirt for you right now.

How to wear it? Accessorize it with a lady tie for a chic daytime look, pair it with a textured skirt and embellished cropped jacket for a holiday party, or wear it casually over your favorite worn-in jeans for running around town. But remember: When it comes to the LWS (little white shirt), rules are there are no rules.

To see how some of our blogger friends are wearing the look, and to find out where to buy the perfect white shirt, check out Red Typewriter’s Pinterest page.

the classic white shirt

The Great White Way: White-hot fall 2015 runway looks from (left to right) Carven, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Rodarte, Tory Burch.

Wrap a loose "lady tie" around your white shirt for a classic look. Photo courtesy of Racked.com.

Wrap a loose “lady tie” around your white shirt for a classic look. Photo courtesy of LesMechantes.com.

the classic white blouse

Jerry Seinfeld immortalized the Puffy Shirt. PHOTO COURTESY OF NBC.

the classic white shirt carolina herrera

Designer Carolina Herrera believes a crisp white shirt should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe.

Mama Wants a New Pair of Shoes!

The top footwear trends to step into right now.

footwear trends fall 2015
These boots were made for strutting. Over-the-knee white leather boots by Vionnet.

Yes, you can find somewhat practical footwear this fall. For instance, lady loafers and block heels are offering a more comfy way to go retro, and platforms—everything from office-friendly maryjane versions to club-worthy concoctions—give you a more stable boost under the season’s flared pants. But if you’re looking to draw real attention, here are eight trends to watch. This is the footwear to pull on when you want to make a statement—and maybe just a little trouble.

Fashion collages by INGA LIM.

1. Naughty By Nature. Maybe it was the influence of Fifty Shades of Grey that inspired all the bondage-inspired details that appeared in many ready-to-wear collections last year and are now punching up footwear. Look for chains, ropes, skin-revealing cut-outs and boots that lace to way up there. How to wear it in real life: Tame a sultry ankle or knee-high boot by pairing it with a more restrained outfit such as a wool skirt or tailored A-line dress.

footwear trends fall 2015

Clockwise from left: Giambattista Valli, Monique Lhuillier, Gucci, Emilio Pucci, Roberto Cavalli.

 

2. A Hairy Situation. We didn’t know whether to smile or run when furry, Muppet-like coats came down the runways last year. Either way, we shouldn’t be surprised that our shoes are now growing beards. Furry shoes aren’t particularly wearable, but they are conversation starters. How to wear it in real life: It doesn’t matter what you wear these puppies with, because they will steal the show. But we recommend limiting the fur to your tootsies, and avoiding the rain—because who wants feet that resemble drowned rats?

footwear trends fall 2015

Dusty lavender fur mules by Maison Martin Margiela.

footwear trends fall 2015

Clockwise from left: Salvatore Ferragamo, Vionnet, Dolce & Gabbana and Tibi.

 

3. Head Over Heels. From lipstick tubes suspended in Lucite to metal angles worthy of Frank Lloyd Wright, the details are in the heels this season. So whether you’re sporting one of fall’s minimalist pantsuits or a rocking a flashy ’80s-inspired dress, quirky heels add serious interest at ground level. How to wear it in real life: Pair the shoe with a likeminded outfit—a mod maryjane with a ’70s-inspired mini dress, for instance—to avoid mixing metaphors, and keep themes and architectural elements to a minimum.

footwear trends fall 2015

Center: Versace yellow slingbacks. Left, top to bottom: Maison Margiela, BCBG, Roberto Cavalli, Monique Lhuillier. Right, top to bottom: Dolce & Gabbana, Jason Wu, Simone Rocha, Salvatore Ferragamo.

 

4. New Kids On the Block. Color blocking reaches a pinnacle this season, with suede patchwork, ’70s-ispired color combos and geometric patterns all competing for your attention. You’ll find this vibrant look on everything from ankle booties and block-heeled loafers to thigh-high boots and pumps. How to wear it in real life: While designers showed these blockheads with rainbow-patterned coats and other kaleidoscope-worthy ensembles, we suggest restricting your outfit to one or two hues and limiting the multicolored look to your tootsies. The effects will be mesmerizing but not maniacal.

footwear trends fall 2015

Clockwise from left: Fendi, Miu Miu, Prabal Gurung, Just Cavalli.

 

5. String Theory. This look has been stringing us along for the past few seasons, but now fringe has moved from ready-to-wear to footwear. You don’t have to be a cowgirl to love western-inspired ankle boots, mules that seem to have been adorned with party streamers, and other attention-grabbing looks. How to wear it in real life: Again, keep it simple and limit this detail to below your ankle. Head-to-toe fringe screams rodeo, not Rodeo Drive.

footwear trends fall 2015

Clockwise from left: Proenza Schouler, Rebecca Minkoff, Burberry Prorsum, Matthew Williamson.

6. Fancy Flourishes. If you’re one who likes to embellish, this is the season for you. Ornamental details like flowers, rhinestones, glitter and even plastic flowers can be found on everything from maryjanes to mules. Perfect for holiday dressing or date night, these adorable adornments can add some oomph to your wardrobe after a summer of flip-flops and espadrilles. How to wear it in real life: No limits here. It’s party time.

footwear trends fall 2015

Clockwise from left: Studded slingback from Tory Burch. Green velvet maryjanes from Dolce & Gabbana. Rhinestone embellished block-heels from Céline. Floral rhinestone maryjanes from Dolce & Gabbana.

 

7. The Skinny. Knee-high, over-the-knee and thigh-high boots were all the rage last fall, and they’re back this year, slinkier and more form-fitting than before. Gals with skinny calves rejoice, because this babies will finally stay put, and those with curvier silhouettes may also find the added stretch flattering. How to wear it in real life: Pair a sky-high boot with a midi skirt or skinny jeans, or punctuate a mini skirt with a more classic knee-high version.

footwear trends fall 2015

Clockwise from left: Calvin Klein black thigh-highs, Emilio Pucci black-and-white boots, Alberta Ferretti cinnamon suede thigh-highs, nude over-the-knee boots by Alexander McQueen, mod blue stretch boots by Bottega Veneta.

 

8. Cut It Out. Designers have been shaking their booties at us for the past couple years, but fall’s versions are hipper than ever. Taking a cue from the fun cut-outs we’ve been seeing on dresses and separates, these slip-on or zip-up looks run the gamut from casual to dress-up, but what they’ve got in common are carefully placed slashes and punch-outs that flash a little skin in just the right places. How to wear it in real life: Keep the look long and lean by rocking these booties with skinny jeans or allowing textured tights to peek through.

footwear trends fall 2015

Clockwise from left: Nicole Miller, Julien Macdonald, Gianvito Rossi, Sebastian.

The Top Fashion Trends To Rock This Fall

The looks may be all over the map, but the topography is fascinating.

top fashion trends fall 2015
Carpet Sweepers: From left: Chloe, Margiela, Marni and Dries Van Noten. RUNWAY COLLAGES BY INGA LIM.

If you think fashion is all over the place these days, just wait until you see what’s in store for fall. The decade surfing continues, with 1970s, ’80s and ’90s details competing for attention. Pants are both skinny and flared, long or cropped, loose or stretchy. Shiny metallics are in, yet minimalist monochrome is everywhere. The Far East is an inspiration, yet so are the Victorians. Confused yet? We say, don’t think too hard about it. Just go with the flow. Or with the cropped. You know what we mean.

Here, we break it down for you with the top 10 fashion trends of the season. //READ MORE

Coco Chanel On Fashion, Love and Work

Pearls from the late, great Parisian style legend

coco chanel's birthday

She gave the world the little black dress and the bestselling perfume of all time. She designed clothing that freed women from the constraints of the corset, with details—think rounded collars and quilted handbags—that spurred nearly a century of imitations. But Parisian fashion legend Coco Chanel also gave us some pretty damn good quotes. Here are 15 you’ll appreciate. //READ MORE

3 Cool Fashion Apps Inspired by Clueless

Download them in celebration of the classic flick's 20th anniversary.

clueless 20th anniversary

Ugh, as if we could let the 20th anniversary of our favorite teen cult movie slide by without celebrating the occasion.

Hard to believe it’s been two decades since Alicia Silverstone’s character, Cher Horowitz, attempted to transform a rough-around-the-edges classmate into an A-list high schooler, in a Hollywood twist of Jane Austen’s Emma. As for herself, the pampered, seemingly shallow Cher had everything a budding fashionista could want: 24/7 access to her father’s credit card, a killer wardrobe and, natch, a computer program to keep track of all her clothes.

In honor of Clueless, here are three new fashion apps that Cher and her friends would, like, completely be into. That is, once they got over the shock of the iPhone. //READ MORE