Wisconsin Fashion Week: Trend Watch

In fashion, everyone has a point of view.

In their June issue, Vogue encourages readers to punctuate ensembles with an eighties Day-Glo palette of accessories.

Or take Harpers Bazaar, which tells us to buy jeweled belts, keep around the tribal and graphic prints we already own and store the western wear and empire styles for another time.

And if you bring Elle — the younger cousin of the two — into the mix, you’d read that layering bangles and mixing patterns are “cool” and if you wanted to try sporting socks with high-heeled sandals and a skirt, you wouldn’t be too far off the fashion mark. Yes, it might sound ridiculous, but in the world of style — ridiculous is merely a matter of opinion. 

Last Saturday, Wisconsin Fashion Week proved that even though it’s smack in the middle of Fashion Weeks in NYC and LA, the Midwest can arrive spot on with the trends while still maintaining our own unique point of view. Below, you’ll find two trends that particularly stuck out during Saturday’s shows.

The first trend — belting — certainly has been around for a while, but this season, fashionistas are encouraged to be more creative. Pop a jacket or blazer with a chunky belt over the top, as seen in the look from Twigs. Or as seen in the others, use one to amp up a flirty summer dress.

The key is to experiment with patterns and textures. While matchy-matchy is acceptable, as shown in the looks from 20/20 Vintage and S&T Clothing, the belt isn’t necessarily required to match perfectly, like Fred Boutique has done. It works as long as it compliments the ensemble.

Second trend to note is the maxi dress. Sure, they were around last summer — didn’t we all have an encounter with one at Target and then think, Hmm, I’m not sure if that’s quite my style?  Good news! It’s mainstream now – stores like J. LaMore and Twigs, and the designers from Sable & Sky showed off their full-length dresses, all with a comfy, boho vibe to boot. 

And while there were plenty of trends to choose from at Wisconsin Fashion Week, these are two simple and accessible trends you can work into your spring/summer wardrobe.

Way to go Wisco. You’ve proven that cheeseheads truly can look fabulous on the runway.