For spring, pick a pattern.
There’s nothing wrong with solids, but if you want to liven up your look, wear a floral, geometric, abstract, patchwork or animal-print fabric. These motifs were among the choices swirling down the runway at a recent spring fashion show.
A half-dozen retailers from Larimer Square showcased women’s styles for spring in a show at the remodeled Magnolia Ballroom across the street from the Magnolia Hotel. Downtown businesswomen, meeting planners and other Magnolia clients were receptive.
“I can’t wait to wear spring dresses,” said publicist Dana Lauren Berry. “I loved the colorful silk dress with the leather straps from Mariel and the blue floral dress from Loft 22.”
And it doesn’t matter if the print is small and delicate, or big and bold and splashed all over a maxidress.
“I wanted to show lots of pattern and color,” said Britt Smith, the stylist who chose clothes from Larimer Square boutiques and jewelers for the show.
You can update with just a piece or two, Smith said. “Even if you don’t want to go out and buy a new dress, you can spice up your entire look for spring with a piece of bold jewelry or a handbag. You don’t have to get the whole ensemble.”
Among her top accessory picks for the season are oversized clutch bags and totes in patent leather or snakeskin, multiple bracelets and statement necklaces.
Smith, an independent stylist who used to be the Western division fashion director for Dillard’s, says Colorado women tend to be more restrained in their use of color and acceptance of fashion trends, another reason she was pushing them in the show. “My feeling is, you don’t have to stick to neutrals,” she says. “I like using color and pattern all year round.”
She’s also a fan of the maxidress, a style that is catching on with young women.
“You can wear one to a wedding or to lunch or with friends in the park,” Smith said. “You can dress it down if you wear gladiator sandals or ballet flats and then dress it up with strappy sandals or a wedge. They can be so versatile and are suited for all body types.
“I like dresses a lot for summer,” Smith added. “They’re a great trend because they are so girly-chic and feminine.”
Suzanne S. Brown: 303-954-1697 or sbrown@denverpost.com
