Another year, another declaration of polishing your style? Even though we are into March, it’s not too late to take the first step. Here are five chic ways to begin your 2010 French fashion overhaul.
Leather leggings
Second skin: Leather leggings from IRO.
Remember years ago when cargo pants were huge? Then denim fever took over. In 2010, get ready for leather—leather leggings. Seen on Balmain’s runway (which also ignited this year’s craze for military jackets, leopard print and shoulder pads), leather leggings scream hot, fabulous and French. Too shy to coat your legs in leather? Opt for a leather mini, leather hot pants or just a good old leather jacket—leather is oh-la-la à la mode this year.
Seen on the runways of: Balmain, Barbara Bui, Alexander Wang, Hussein Chalayan
Get yours: IRO, Gerard Darel
Harem pants
Loose hips: Harem pants from Maje.
If the second-skin leggings aren’t for you, go to the other extreme: bag out in harem pants. Fitted from the knees down, but potato-sack-loose around the butt and thighs, they’re perfect for looking chic but feeling totally comfortable—especially when done in jersey or silk. To balance the puffy silhouette, pair them with a slim-fitting top and/or a cropped jacket.
Seen on the runways of: Temperley London, Yigal Azrouël, LAMB, Ports 1961
Get yours: IRO, H&M, Maje, Isabel Marant
Drapey jumpsuits
Suit up this spring at Antik Batik.
Break out your one-pieces, ladies—jumpsuits, that is. Loose, billowy jumpsuits—in both solids and prints—promise to breathe a sigh of romance into your spring wardrobe. Belt them at the waist, wear them with boyfriend jackets (yup, hold onto those), do them for black tie, or just let them flow.
Seen on the runways of: Roberto Cavalli, Etro, Stella McCartney, Lanvin
Get yours: Antik Batik
Big, bold patterns
Going boldly: Lively prints at Vanessa Bruno.
Feminine florals will hang on for a while, but the fashion-forward are moving on to loud prints. Tribal, graphic, black and white, multicolor—there are no rules, especially when it comes to mixing prints on top and bottom. Not recommended for wallflowers.
Seen on the runways of: Etro, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Versace, Miu Miu
Get yours: Isabel Marant, Antik Batik, Paule Ka
Short shorts
Short circuit: Maje.
Like, how-short-will-you-go short. Even now, in winter’s cold grasp, the girls are wearing shorts with tights and booties. And come spring and summer, the tights will be banished and French women will flaunt their genetically perfect legs.
Seen on the runways of: Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Louis Vuitton
Get yours: IRO, Isabel Marant, Vanessa Bruno
Tags: Amy Thomas, Antik Batik, fashion, France, IRO, Maje, Paris, Shopping, spring, travel, trends, Vanessa Bruno, women
