Spring Into Patterns: Fashion

The season is shifting: what was once a collection of dull days and dreary skies is slowly becoming vibrant. Winter is fading; the world is changing; and spring will soon arrive. Fashion therefore will no longer be dominated by heavy fabrics and dark colors, a reliance on fleece. It will instead provide the whimsy all individuals have been craving.

Patterns are common for every spring — international collections have forever used them to capture the essence of the season, to spice all wardrobes with visual appeal. But 2011 is proving to be bolder than the years that came before it, however. It’s instead offering geometric shapes, animal prints and surreal textures: with designs layered against each other and subtlety (happily) forgotten.

With the launch of Fashion Week (which featured clothing from Milan, London and beyond), the collections of 2011 are offering individuals truly unique sensibilities. Patterns are wild — with polka dots, stripes, flowers, prisms and more all tangling. It’s an excess of color and it’s shared by many designers: such as Roberto Cavalli, the House of Givenchy and Mary Katrantzou. Never before have such uncommon collections been featured; and the masses are certain to respond. This is the ideal way to battle those winter anxieties.

A modicum of caution should be offered to this trend, however. While patterns should never be refused, they are not always applicable to daily life. Some may only generate confusion when offered to the typical routines. It’s vital to remember moderation — rather than filling an entire wardrobe with these. Choose a scattering of dynamic pieces to complement the rest of your clothing. This will ensure a greater appreciation of style and keep you from becoming overwhelmed by it.