During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York last week, designers showed off their new looks -- not for fall but for spring 2012. The collections were bold in every possible way and the designers are betting you'll be bold enough to wear them. Here's what we'll be seeing in the spring:
GO FOR LOUD PRINTS
Vibrant, swirling, head-to-toe patterns sashayed down the runways. Come spring, there will be plenty to choose from, including oversized florals, loud animal prints and futuristic patterns, such as this one from Derek Lam.
Flaunt your sporty side
From a trip to the race track to a jaunt to the gym, designers went sporty. Monique Lhuillier incorporated bright color and lace cutouts into a feminine collection and Alexander Wang, above, went for a mesh and motocross-inspired collection.
Turn up the neon
Hot colors couldn't be hotter. Fruity neons -- from orange to yellow to green -- will add pop to your wardrobe, whether mixed with more subdued colors or paired with one another. Nanette Lepore's collection, above, was one of the brightest.
Add a peplum
Flirt without saying a word in spring's peplum skirts, dresses and tops. These short, flared ruffles that sit at the natural waist add a little flair without taking away from otherwise minimalist lines, such as in Marc by Marc Jacobs' Bauhaus-inspired collection.
Float away
If wild, look-at-me hues and patterns aren't your thing, worry not. The designers at Fashion Week also offered subtlety. There will be plenty of sweet, light-as-air chiffons in flowing, drapy silhouettes. This Ralph Lauren pastel floral dress offers a fresh take on Daisy Buchanan from "The Great Gatsby."
Pick of the Week: SIMPLY VERA VERA WANG
jacket, $88; sleeveless tie-top, $48; jeans, $58; loafers, $65; and hat, $26.
Vera Wang designed Kim Kardashian's three wedding dresses, the dress Sofia Vergara wore to the Emmys -- and possibly your favorite fall outfit. The designer's collection for her Simply Vera Vera Wang line at Kohl's offers work-ready and weekend-worthy separates that are affordable and easy to mix into your wardrobe.
SATURDAY
Style Show Fever 8 The Greatest Show on Earth: This circus-themed fashion event will feature catered gourmet circus foods. Proceeds from ticket sales go to Coco's Heart dog rescue.
