LINCOLN CENTER — Runways aren't the only place to spot the hottest new trends this Fashion Week, as the sidewalks and steps around Lincoln Center are a runway for fashionistas headed for the tents.
Bright colors and loud, bold prints have been all the rage at Fashion Week this year, including loud candy-colored shoes, multi-hued bags and vibrant pants. Fashion personalities are saying they want to wear anything but black, donning instead bright blues, purples, oranges and yellows. The splash of color stands as a highlight, jumping out against a palette of more neutral colors.
Sheer clothing has also been one of the most striking trends of Fashion Week - ranging from ghostly and gothic to bold and color blocked to diaphanous and floral. The trend is showing up in varying fabrics, from silks and silk blends, to rayons to superfine nets and knits. The silhouettes are simple as the fabric choice itself makes a major impact.
And with fashion editors, stylists and bloggers becoming fashion personalities in their own right, eyes and lenses are focused on their outfits as they enter the fashion shows. While the runways are a portal into Spring 2012, spectators rock what is currently in fashion for fall.
Some dressed up in high heels and high-end brands with polished hairdos. Some went the hipster route, mixing boyish shoes with carefully selected vintage clothing. Others found a middle ground and paired uptown and downtown, such as pairing a Chanel jacket with pants from H&M.
For the men, huge man bags are in, as is color blocking. There was also a sense of timelessness as many drew on inspiration from different eras with fitted suits, brimmed hats and even suspenders.
Regardless of who's runway show is on, the fashion pack is dressing for the occasion.
Get all your fashion news on the Fashion Week 2011 page.
