New York Fashion Week wrapped earlier this month and as usual with plenty if frenzy. There was a time when the bi-annual runway shows were exclusive to a select group of insiders in the fashion industry. Images from shows wouldn’t be released for weeks and product was never available to the public until the next season.  With the increased presence of fashion bloggers and social media, everyone around the world has gained access to seeing images from the runway shows in real-time. In fact, the majority of runway shows were streaming live online.

So it’s only natural that more designers are beginning to adopt the ‘see-now buy now’ strategy.  It seems consumers want instant gratification. The idea of seeing a collection and having to wait several months to purchase it is being reevaluated.  Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, Alexander Wang and Tommy Hilfiger are among the designers who chose to make pieces from their spring collection available for sale immediately after the runway presentation. Because of that their collections had items suitable for the current fall season like heavier knit sweaters and coats. I’m not sure if this will catch on with all designers, but with competition for retail sales I believe eventually most brands will adopt this idea.

As usual there were a few trends that stood out from the many on the runways for next year. Here is a summary of 7 key trends for spring 2017.

Yellow

My favourite colour was spotted in a number of collections for spring in variety of shades from mustard to canary to sunflower. This bright colour lifts the moods of everyone like a ray of sunshine. The happy colour especially  looks great on sunkissed skin.

Stripes

Stripes were everywhere. From bold bright primary colours to muted tones of gray and charcoal, everyone looks geeat in stripes. Stripes are often associated with a nautical style, but for next season there is so much more to this classic look.

Ruffles

Everything from light and flouncy to structural shapes, ruffles seemed to be everywhere. Pretty off the shoulder details, flowing skirts and blazers with ruffles added the pretty feminie touch for spring.

Flowers

Nothing says spring like a bunch of fresh flowers. Floral patterns always seems to be in style for spring. They’re a timeless classic you can count on for day or night.

Western Glamour

Ralph Lauren was among the designers who made his collection available to buy after the show. He went all out shutting down the street outside his flagship store on Madison Avenue for the runway show. In true American fashion he showed us how cowboy/cowgirl, western style can look glamorous. Meanwhile, Anna Sui gave her bohemian style cowgirl with floral mix, fringe and off course topped with cowboy hats.

Bathrobe Style Jacket

This laid back look is not only comfortable, but also refreshing. Not sure what to wear? Just toss your stylish robe over it. There was everything from casual to fancy robes on the runways.

Shoulders Out

The shoulder has become a focal point again. With either both or one is shown off with strategic cutouts or slung off the shoulder. Even tailored shirts like the ones in Monse collection were cut to show off the shoulder.  Some styles are more relaxed and reminiscent of the eighties amd early nineties.