Dress trends

“If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” said Percy Bysshe Shelley. Indeed, a while ago we were talking about what to wear in cold weather, and now it’s already time to prepare for spring. Here are the top trends that define the season, from romantic Spanish and lingerie-inspired silhouettes to foolproof materials such as knits and denim:

Images: IMAXTREE

1. Spanish Fever

Oscar de la Renta | Roberto Cavalli | Louis Vuitton | Michael Kors

Colorful blossoms, flamenco ruffles, high-collar designs and puffy sleeves take centerstage, filling the spring runway with an exciting Spanish flair.

2. Lingerie-Inspired

Givenchy | Alexander Wang | Calvin Klein | Burberry

Naked dresses had their time on last year’s red carpets, and now it’s time for slipdresses to shine. Created from silky fabric and intricate lace, these lingerie-inspired dresses look inadvertently sexy when matched with a tailored jacket and slip-ons.

3. Cold Shoulder

ADEAM | Derek Lam | Givenchy | Jason Wu

The off-shoulder neckline continues to dominate the fashion scene. Meanwhile, it’s the X-shaped halter neckline that’s really gaining momentum. The shoulder-baring design is often accompanied by breezy ruffles in lightweight chiffon or rayon around the décolletage.

4. White Shirt

Zac Posen | Amanda Wakeley | Issa | Michael Kors

Oxford white button-downs are transformed into various silhouettes, from shirtdresses to shawls and wrap coats. They also go particularly well with denim.

5. Plaidtitude

Marissa Webb | Stella Mccartney | Suno | Victoria Beckham

Check out the large black-and-white plaids a la picnic style, reinvented in easy, breezy blouses, wide-leg pants and draped dresses.

6. Marled Knit

Creatures of Comfort | Jason Wu | Michael Kors | Wes Gordon

Lightweight knitwear serves as an ideal transitional piece for spring. Layer on a white or chambray shirt to go preppy, or wear it alone to take advantage of its slouchy, feminine form.

7. Blue Jeans Babies

Cushnie et Ochs | Jil Sander Navy | Opening Ceremony | Suno

Warm-weather denim and chambray continue to be a designer favorite. The down-to-earth material comes in shirts, dresses and skirts, injecting a serene and neutral mood to everyday wear.