New York Spring 2008 Trends

Lingerie Inspired
Designers borrowed from the boudoir this season but left behind racy bustiers in favor of daintier, more feminine pieces. While some of the more transparent looks—such as Rodarte’s filmy frocks—would be difficult to wear without any additional underpinning, Max Azria, Marc Jacobs, and others transformed the provocative into effortless separates.

Ombré
Ombré, the distinctive dip-dye fabric, in which colors gradually intensify from dark to light, glowed during the New York shows. Diane von Furstenberg and Adam+Eve’s Adam Lippes tapped into the material’s bohemian vibe with their fuss-free, travel-ready dresses. When applied to any shape or separate, the result is a bold yet breezy look, one that hardly needs accessorizing.

White Suits
Tailored white pantsuits brightened up the New York runways this season. Some—like those from Michael Kors and Rag & Bone—came with a strong dose of Saturday Night Fever–inspired sex appeal, while Erin Fetherston’s dropped-waist version recalled the subdued glamour of Marlene Dietrich and her peers.

One-Shoulder Dress
Attention all dancing queens: The asymmetrical-strap dress—a Studio 54–era staple—makes its return for spring. Michael Kors turned up the volume on the season’s ’70s vibe with his glittery, disco-ready dress, Gwen Stefani offered up a graphic, neo-Grecian style in her L.A.M.B. collection, and Cynthia Steffe showed a simpler, monochromatic version for those wallflowers not yet ready to steal the spotlight.

Tie-Dye
In keeping with the season’s laid-back vibe, tie-dye resurfaced in many designer collections. The revival of this hippie print is far from being a free-love fashion extravaganza; instead, designers such as Narciso Rodriguez and Antonio Berardi used the pattern to create tiny, controlled explosions of color. Look for a tie-dyed piece to add a burst of energy to your spring wardrobe.

Art Class
Whoever said fashion is not an art was certainly proved wrong this season, as runways included many a museum-worthy style. Ladylike pieces covered in Crayola colors, brush-stroke patterns, and whimsical scrawls played a big role in Anne Klein and Thakoon collections, while Mondrian’s colorful paintings played muse to Catherine Malandrino.

’70s Safari
The sultry heat of the Sahara and the 1970s infused many spring collections, as designers recalled an era when both cosmopolitan and exotic locales were more untamed than they are today. Derek Lam whipped up leopard-print dresses, Rag & Bone paired khaki shirtdresses with panama hats, and belted pantsuits—just the thing for traipsing through today’s urban jungle—could be found on the DKNY runway.

Nude Gowns
Simple nude gowns, in buff, beige, or tan shades that elongate the silhouette, will surely emerge as a key look during the upcoming social season. The draped versions—like those from Donna Karan—came with a hint of Grecian elegance, as if found in Aphrodite’s closet.

Ruffles
For spring, the dramatic flamenco-inspired trim takes a charming turn, thanks to delicate floral blooms, pastel shades, and airy silk chiffon. Ralph Lauren outfitted his English roses in multitiered gowns, Zac Posen transformed a simple white dress into a layered, statement-making frock, and Jennifer Lopez served up flirty dresses with a dash of sass.

Boyish Blazers and Girlish Skirts
A new Victor-Victoria look will dominate during the weekdays this spring, according to New York designers including Proenza Schouler, Ralph Lauren, and Jill Stuart. The 9-to-5 uniform will be composed of a boyish, cinched-waist blazer and swingy, girlish skirt. Consider Sunday blues a thing of the past, as rarely has the working girl’s wardrobe looked so chic.