Spring/Summer 2013 Trends

If there’s one thing I noticed about the season 6 premiere of AMC’s Mad Men, it had to be the abundance of facial hair. Particularly, the variety of rumpled beards and ultra long sideburns, even on otherwise clean-cut characters such as Pete Campbell.

But I digress. I’m not here to talk about the abounding “manscapes” that are sure to become even more prevalent as the season progresses; I’m hear to discuss the clothes and accessories of the first episode. Naturally.

I will say that the slow migration toward the ’70s was ultra apparent in this season’s premiere, and not just because of the scruff and all those “dope” and “reefer” references.

Don and Megan’s Resort Wear

I’ll start at the beginning (though I will skip the weird CPR flashback…). We find Don and Megan lounging it up along the tropical beaches of Hawaii and both look fab in their resort wear digs. For the most part, Don adheres to his sort of stringent, stiff apparel, but we do catch him in a pair of seashell-laden red swim shorts. We also see him stray from his standard suit to wear a pale, avocado green number at the impromptu wedding he becomes a key player in.

It’s Megan’s fashion choices that made me swoon though. I’m just going to say it: the best look of the entire episode was worn by Megan on the beach as she snapped a picture of Don at the wedding. The bold purple and orange breezy number, her floppy lavender sunhat, carefree hair and those round, oversized sunglasses came together perfectly. And I may or may not be buying a pair of those sunglasses in the near future. I need them, okay?

Picture Perfect Joan

If I’m going in order of the show, the next outfit to highlight is the form-fitting, frilly purple frock worn by fiery-haired Joan. (Note – ruffles are so hot for SS2013.)

Though we only saw a few minutes of our favorite voluptuous character in this episode, Joan definitely made a statement while standing on the staircase waiting to have her photo taken. Even Roger, who’s forever dapper, muttered something about not wanting to follow “that act.”

Funeral Duds

This whole episode was rife with underlying, mysterious messages and nods toward death. Roger’s mother’s funeral was a more blatant moment in the recurring motif. And while somewhat dark, I couldn’t help but fall in love with another outfit, my second favorite of the episode: Jane’s black and white ensemble.

Roger’s second ex-wife made a brief appearance and, my heavens, she looked divine. Her raven hair was swept up tightly and hiding underneath a tall, off-center hat. The kind of hat that belongs on the cover of haute couture magazines. It was paired with the perfectly applied makeup, oversized pearl earrings and non-form fitting, funeral-appropriate sheath.

In my opinion, Jane has sort of always fulfilled the “on the cutting edge of fashion” role in this show. This particular outfit only furthers my point.

I must admit that I’m excited to see where this late ’60s fashion goes this season. I have a feeling that, in addition to the dapper apparel worn by the Mad Men, we’ll be seeing more of the gritty and gruff sides of fashion that the era was known for, as well. Can’t wait!

By Wendy Rose Gould

The spring and summer runways were rich with intoxicating prints, bold silhouettes and enough sex appeal to last for a decade. As you plan your upcoming warm-month ensembles, consider incorporating one or two (if not all) of the following trends into your wardrobe.

Iridescent Fabrics

If you really want to stand out in a crowd, partake in the iridescent fabric trend. This fresh new fabric choice is sure to turn heads and it certainly did so on the runway. Designers such as Jonathan Saunders, Christian Dior and Diane von Furstenberg all showcased this unusual fabric on the catwalk. When styling, pair iridescent fabrics with a neutral colors and minimal accessories to ground the look. Pictured here is a dress designed by Jonathan Saunders.

Jonathan Saunders SS2013

Peekaboo Skin

From tiny shoulder cutouts to ultra sheer fabrics, peekaboo skin is one of the hottest 2013 spring and summer fashion trends. Many designers have created looks that fuse conservative silhouettes with the element of “peekaboo” surprise, so don’t worry about looking too scandalous. Jason Wu‘s leather dress pictured here shows off the midriff, but is still chic and refined.

Jason Wu SS2013

Flats

This spring and summer, leave your highest heels in the closet and give your feet a break. Catwalk models sported flat shoe after flat shoe, including models belonging to Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs and Tory Burch. Tennis shoes, loafers, pointy-toed dress flats, streamlined sandals — even flip flops — are all on trend. Check out the flat boots designed by Victoria Beckham (queen of heels, mind you) and notice the peekaboo panel on the front of this white dress. White is also on trend for SS2013.

Victoria Beckham SS2013

Pencil Skirts

Nearly every single designer showcased at least once pencil skirt on the runway, including Oscar de la Renta, Prada and Alexander McQueen. Some were crafted out of boisterous floral prints, others neutral and resigned while others yet in loud colors. Pair pencil skirts with a bomber jacket or white blouse. Both are also on trend for spring/summer 2013. The pencil skirts pictured here were designed by Roland Mouret.

Roland Mouret SS2013

Neon

Embrace color with this flashy spring and summer 2013 fashion trend: neon. Whether you’re partial to lemony yellow, punchy pink or radioactive green, now is the time to buy and wear flashy neon garments and accessories. Designers such as Simone Rocha, Osman and House of Holland participated in this color trend. Pictured here is an all-pink ensemble crafted by Oscar de la Renta.

Oscar de la Renta SS2013

Source: Style.com

By Wendy Rose Gould