Haute Right Now
by Danny McCarthy and Tara Rudomanski
Photo Compiled by Kate Radin
In April, spring has finally sprung. Sure, there might be occasional days when you’re unprepared for the cold and gusts of wind (or even hail showers, this is New England), but for the most part, bluebells are bursting into season and your fashion game—dormant for months during winter—has similarly bloomed. Congratulations. Now, it’s time to balance chic with utility.
Women’s Trends:
Stripes, stripes, stripes!
Perfect for spring, this nautical style is making a comeback. The way to pair it this time around is with other patterns. If you wear wide stripes, match it with a large print; if your stripes are skinnier, you can pair it with almost any print. Try this trend in baby steps with an oversized stripped tee paired with a high waisted skirt, skinny jeans, or a mini skirt. If you’re feeling particularly bold, make stripes the main statement with striped culottes.
Boho style
It’s no surprise that the bohemian style comes back into style just in time for festival season. As impractical as they may seem for festivals, flowing maxi skirts, floral prints, wide brim hats and long beaded necklaces are staples this time of year. Celebrities to look out for inspiration include Vanessa Hudgens (the queen of Coachella), Nicole Richie and Blake Lively.
’80s style will survive
Unlike the more relaxed Boho style, this trend full of crazy colors and loud prints is an attention-grabber. Patent leather, velvet and geometric jewelry are just a few ways to incorporate this trend into your closet. The best part about it is you can probably borrow authentic pieces from your mom’s closet or find great deals at thrift stores. This style is best kept simple. Otherwise, you will look like you’re wearing a Halloween costume. Lean more toward Christopher Kane’s ready-to-wear show than Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.”
Men’s trends:
Baseball caps
Baseball season is upon us, so embrace it. Ditch your ratty team caps—the Red Sox can handle it, we promise—and invest in some grown-up baseball caps. Upgrade the fabric to wool or twill and avoid logos. Hats are a quick fix for a bad hair day, or if you’re running late. A baseball cap is so casual and “not trying hard,” so a cinder-gray wool cap with your outfit tells the world that you’re effortlessly stylish. Plus, no one will be able to clock that bedhead.
Clear frames
Trade in your traditional colored frames for futuristic clear frames. It’s a small change, but one that makes a big difference. In the warmer months, swapping out for a clear frame really lightens your frame and neutrals are in for the spring-summer season. If you’re afraid of being boring, even with the “clear” descriptor provides a wide variety, like true-clear or frosted. As an alternative, consider silver or soft blue frames. Check out Warby Parker. They have awesome customer service and allow for an at-home try on—completely for free!
Backpacks
Remember in middle school how the kid with the sick roller backpack was king of the castle? That’s not back in style. But backpacks with metal accents and in materials like leather or canvas are. This isn’t a murse situation: backpacks are casual, useful and trendy. They fit a lot, from books to laptops to snacks, and add another layer to your outfit. J. Crew, Everlane and Herschel make beautiful bags. And don’t be scared of the price tag. A well-made bag is an investment piece, rather than a throwaway trend.
Bandanas
No, this isn’t Boy Scouts, nor is it your audition for 5 Seconds of Summer. Bandanas are a cheap, easy and fun way to add personality in your wardrobe. A bandana tied loosely around your neck, like a modern day Fred Jones, complements any outfit. With the trend leaning towards monochromatic and neutral, adding a bandana—a bold red against blue denim, or forest green with camel—is an easy way to distinguish you from the crowd without stepping into clownish territory. Avoid making it too tight or flouncy, otherwise you’ll risk looking like a ’70s dandy.
Fashion News
Kylie Jenner Puma Campaign
Not long after Rihanna’s collection with Puma launched in February, Puma announced that Kylie Jenner would also collaborate with the brand for their Spring/Summer collection set to launch this month. She will be featured in the Spring/Summer training campaign titled “Fierce.” In an Instagram post that gave a sneak peak to the collection, Jenner describes the featured shoes as “a lightweight trainer with zero excuses.” This announcement was made not long after her brother-in-law Kanye West tweeted that she would never collaborate with the brand given that his collection with Adidas is a direct competitor. Your move, Kanye.
Primark to open in Milan
A new brand is making its way to one of the world’s fashion capitals. While Milan is known for its high-end fashion weeks and designer apparel, discount chain store Primark is coming to town. Founded in Dublin, Primark is known for its bargains and stylish clothing inspired by it’s far more expensive counterparts. The store is set to open April 14. This news comes after the announcement in July 2015 that the brand planned on opening 3 stores in Italy.
Like mother, like daughter
A new face appears on the cover of April’s Vogue Paris along with supermodel Cindy Crawford—her daughter, Kaia Gerber, an up-and-coming model. This is Gerber’s first cover for a high-fashion magazine. The photo was shot by Mario Testino and features the mother-daughter duo looking natural and windswept. Crawford and Gerber say this will be their only cover together so that Gerber, who is signed to IMG, can focus on her own career without constantly being in her mother’s shadow.
Caitlyn Jenner’s MAC Lipstick
Another Jenner has an exciting collaboration to be realized in April. Caitlyn Jenner partnered with MAC Cosmetics to release a new shade of lipstick titled “Finally Free.” 100% of the proceeds of this edition will be donated to the MAC AIDS Fund Transgender Initiative with the hopes of improving transgender communities. Jenner’s lipstick will be released April 7.
Fashion Events
April 1-10
This event encourages the Boston public to appreciate every area of design—from interior design and architecture, to fashion, graphic design and photography. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or just need something to do, there will be something to look at.
April 29-May 2
Join the Museum of Fine Arts for their 40th annual art festival. A combination of floral arrangements and fine art, this event includes demonstrations, walking tours, tea and a Community Day hosted at the MFA. Get inspired by Boston’s (surprisingly) vibrant art scene.
April 15, 8 p.m.
Boston University’s Fashion and Retail Association’s semesterly fashion show is back. Come support BU student designers and models in their spring 2016 show, ‘Hollywood Glam.’ The event will also feature giveaways and a raffle. Tickets are $10 and on sale now.