Monochrome
The fashion world is no stranger to monochrome colour schemes and Givenchy’s Spring 2016 collection took advantage of this simple palette to transform silk and lace from sleepwear to daywear. This unusual pairing pays homage to gothic undertones, another prominent theme present at New York Fashion Week. The monochrome trend allows for a wide range of experimentation with textures, layers, fabrics, and accessories while still keeping the pieces relatable. A great addition to this look showcased at Givenchy’s show was a classic pointed heel with an lace-up panel to add structure to the front of the shoe. Not only are such outfits easy to transition from runway to campus, they’re also easy to match on days when you’re running late for class. Moreover, the unique texture and feel of corduroy is a good starting point to become comfortable with the different structures and materials showcased in this trend.
Off the shoulder
Proenza Schouler’s collection at New York Fashion Week highlighted the brand’s versatility. The use of asymmetric structures and textures in their Spring 2016 collection welcomes ruffles and polka dots back into the spotlight. The collection also continued the trend of incorporating elements from traditional East Asian garments such as the Chinese cheongsam and the Korean hanbok. One of the prominent trends in the collection plays on fashion’s obsession with shoulders. Should cutouts have been seen in previous years, ut this season is the pinnacle of the full off-the-shoulder trend. For this piece, as well as many others in the collection, designers McCollough and Hernandez incorporated ruffles inspired by traditional Spanish garments. A loose off-the-shoulder top or dress with bell sleeves can give any outfit a ‘70s impression, but a tight off-the-shoulder crop top is a modernized layering staple. Even as Montreal heads into the colder months, the off-the-shoulder trend can still be transitioned to long-sleeves—an easy tip for students attempting to mirror this look.
Longer the better
Trench coats have always been a classic staple, but this year they’ve shown up full-length, billowy, and Sherlock Holmes-esque all over the runway. At his New York Fashion Week show, Calvin Klein Collection designer Francisco Costa threw a velvety trench coat over a loose-fitting silk slip dress for an edgy yet refined look. Costa also introduced eye-catching florals that bring to mind a modern East Asian flair. This infallible combo is comfortable, and looks great even when paired with sneakers (as Costa proves) and the intricate and minimalistic stitching on certain pieces ads a subtle curiosity to his creation. Contrasting and combining the richness of fabrics with the simplicity of the outfits is what made this collection memorable.
Long trench coats are a great trend because they are very open to interpretation. A student budget might not accommodate a brand new trench coat, but thrift stores offer a wide range of sizes and colours. Channel a casual Winona Ryder at the 1987 screening of Amazing Grace & Chuck by slipping on a pair of pyjama-looking printed pants underneath, or imitate Audrey Hepburn’s timeless glamour by pairing your trench with some sleek black heels.
Shorts on shorts
For his 10th anniversary collection this season, Alexander Wang not only threw the best, most extravagant party of New York Fashion Week, but he also displayed a groundbreaking collection. Wang has consistently paved the way for creating wearable trends with an unusual twist. With defining figures of this generation— from Kanye West to Nicki Minaj—filling up his front row, it was only fitting that Wang’s collection represented this generation’s rebellious, adventurous mindset. His pieces evoked an urban jungle vibe, and one look that stood out was the two pairs of shorts stacked on top of one another. Any pair of baggy jean shorts will take on a whole new persona on top of another pair of colourful shorts. There is a nonchalant, careless feel to every piece that Wang has ever presented, and perhaps that’s the key to his widespread popularity. Whether opting for some worn-in cutoffs with a pair of adidas basketball shorts, or a polka-dotted number over neon spandex, this is a way to break out some clothes hiding in the back of your closet. This whole look is about the confidence to try something different and it is an innovative way to break the conventions of how clothing should be worn.
