The Fall 2014 shows mean a lot of pretty shots to flip through, but if you're anything like us, they're prime for studying, too. We looked back over all the Paris runways and found common threads uniting Isabel Marant with Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton with Giambattista Valli. And when it's all over, we're surprised to report . . . these Fall trends feel totally appropriate for Spring, too!
Want to read up on all the trends?
Fall 2014 Trends from New York
Fall 2014 Trends from London
Fall 2014 Trends from Milan
Skirts were uniformly short this season, hitting right at midthigh, and they belled out to a textbook A-line shape. While the volume keeps these styles less overtly sexy than minis that wrap or hug the hips, the hemline means there's nothing dowdy about them. Consider it the naughty schoolgirl look, all classed up for the real world.
After spotting soothing, white-infused shades back in Milan, we were happily surprised to see them again in Paris. The baby blues, butter yellows, and powder pinks are more often seen in Spring and Summer, but things are switching up in a big way. Expect to see floaty dresses and skirts but outerwear, too.
The Parisian embellishments we loved best were of the shiny, jeweled variety. Eyecatching rhinestones and crystals evoked the glamour of the best red carpet jewelry, and they're the lazy girl's perfect adornment: you don't even have to think about adding an accessory when it's already on your clothes!
Floral prints on the runway? Nothing new, you might mutter. But remember what season we're in . . . Fall. Fresh flowers are forever seen scattered through Spring collections, but it's the first time we've seen such a fat bouquet during this time span. They weren't all moody, either, but went for the normal joy we associate with blossoms. Bright pinks, purples, and reds were common and took center focus.
Spring's athletic trend looks poised to give way to something a tad subtler: quilting. The silky, slightly padded vibe evokes field jackets and other practical pieces worn with jeans and most definitely on days off. Designers have us rethinking that now, with skirts, pants, and statement coats that are chic enough not just for the mainstream but for the fashion world.