With hundreds of shows across four cities, sifting through the thousands of new fashion ideas in the spring 2015 collections is tricky to say the least. It’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you, with a cheat sheet of the trends that made the biggest impact on the runways in New York, London, Paris, and Milan. Whether you’re looking for pointers for your working wardrobe, or desperately seeking ways to up your festival-girl game next spring, here’s everything you’ll need to know about the look of the upcoming season.
Bohemian Evening
Heading out into the night just got a lot more romantic thanks to the likes of Valentino, Dries Van Noten, and Vera Wang. Even designer Joseph Altuzarra loosened up his signature curvilinear silhouette for a softer, diaphanous look.
Trouser Suit
Forget everything you know about traditional power dressing, the new trouser suit comes with whimsical touches, like the twine and cowbell belts at Céline or shimmering pinstripes at Chanel. You can leave the shoulder pads at home, but this season a cropped trouser is essential.
Gingham
Referenced on both sides of the pond, the gridlock pattern has a history that includes American barn dance and French bombshell Brigitte Bardot, who famously wore the tablecloth fabric on her wedding day. This season gingham covered everything from baja minidresses to mink fur coats.
Suede
With a vaguely seventies mood in the air, the look of suede was bound to make an appearance on the runways. Trench coats, A-line skirts, and classic boot-cut pants came with a soft touch.
And the Bride Wore
For anyone in the midst of wedding planning, the spring 2015 collections were brimming with fresh and new bridal ideas. The look of white lace was reimagined in beautiful ways, from thigh-grazing minidresses at Louis Vuitton and Chloé​ to a modern spin on Victoriana at Erdem.
Denim
The most American of textiles in more iterations (Dresses! Coats! Pants! Jumpsuits!) than you can shake a leg at; from dark wash to lace-up, bedazzled and more—it’s jean genius.
No Wallflowers
Never has the concept of florals for spring felt fresher: Big and beautiful or minute and abstract, this season, flower power is boldly feminine and here to stay.
The New Festival Girl
Give your cutoff denim shorts a rest. From Saint Laurent to Gucci, Pucci, and Dior, the festival-bound next summer will have something new to celebrate: Stretches of printed chiffon and “stolen from my boyfriend’s band” jackets, lacy baby-doll dresses, relaxed-fit print trousers, and long flowing vests that practically guarantee your backstage access.
Midriff Baring Evening
Who needs a gown? A crop top and ladylike skirt will do the trick—and never has a stretch of skin felt so revolutionary. Waist-whittling proportions and only the subtlest flash of flesh turn a tried-and-true evening option into something decidedly modern.
Fringe
A little shimmy, a little shake: This spring is all about movement—start with the runways’ ubiquitous flapping, swinging fringe. Go get your Josephine Baker on.
