NYFW Trend Spotting

Since I am, for the most part, a menswear journalist (if I can’t wear it, why cover it?), I let the ladies give me their feedback each season on what they think is the new, next thing. This season I was blessed to have Charleston’s own Stacy Smallwood, owner of Hampden Clothing as my go-to gal. Here is what she had to say after seeing countless shows and attending all of her buying appointments:

 

The trends have not changed dramatically since last season. With the current economy, that can be a good thing. Women don’t have to revamp their entire wardrobe. 

 

White. I saw it everywhere from Bermuda shorts to blazers. 

 

Prints on prints. I saw lots of designers showing printed tops buttoned all the way up with a great printed pant. Nautical striped bottoms with a wacky print top were hot too. 

 

Leather was big on the runway, which is hard for Charleston, but our girls could do a leather tank top with white shorts and pull it off perfectly. 

 

Men’s loafers were big for women with high-waisted shorts and silky blouses. There were lots of flats, which is refreshing!

 

Pencil skirts were important on the runways, as was layering with sweatshirts, giving the girl a cool, sporty luxury look.

 

Big colors for next season were peach, mint, and fuchsia.

 

Keep a look out for Stacy’s accessories boutique (named “James” after her great-great-grandfather) to open in December next door to Hampden Clothing with exclusive items from Rachel Comey, Castaner, Lizzie Fortunato, and a shoe designed especially for the store by Jerome Rosseau.