Animal Prints Carrying Over Into Spring
Spring is just around the corner and it’s time once again for our Semi-annual List of Must-Haves for the Fashion Savvy.
So far we see three main trends developing for the new year. The first (actually a hold-over from Winter 1996) is animal prints.
You’ll be among the fashion forward if you go all out with a leopard jumpsuit or simply tie on a tiger-striped scarf.
We continue to see sweaters and jackets with detachable faux fur collars and cuffs so you can remove them when this trend eventually dies down and still have a usable garment.
The second trend developing is a 1940s look, combined with a Latin influence, thanks to the popularity of Madonna’s new movie, “Evita.”
Look for peplums on jackets, square-toed chunky high heels with straps and dark red lipsticks.
The third element coming on strong this season is a trend toward anything sheer and clinging.
When we say sheer we mean “The Emperor’s New Clothes”-sheer. Some designs we’ve seen leave absolutely nothing to the imagination.
John Galliano is showing a silk dress in the spring collection that doesn’t feature enough fabric to make a decent dust cloth. The price tag for this little beauty is $8,364!
To add to the absurdity, almost all top designers are going with very body-conscious apparel. Tight tops, straight skirts and flat-front pants are being seen on the runways in New York and Paris.
So, how does the average size 14 woman deal with styles that show more than she’s willing to reveal? Improvise!
To gain the look of sleek lines without giving up food altogether, remember the guidelines for appearing slimmer:
Wearing a single color from top to bottom always makes you look thinner. Start with a body suit and tights in a dark color and top it off with a sheer wrap-around dress, skirt or oversized shirt. This gives the appearance of being revealing without showing a thing.
Another idea is to choose a black jumpsuit and add a vest made of nylon, or silk animal-print scarves. Presto! You have the runway look without baring all or spending a fortune.
For information on how to make your own scarf vest send $1 and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the address below.
MEMO: Shanna Southern Peterson is a Spokane writer and home economist. The Clothesline appears weekly. Ideas for the column may be sent to her c/o The Spokesman-Review Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210, or e-mail shanptr@aol.com.