The Nevada Sagebrush

Walanya Vongsvirates

Designers such as Marchesa and Diane von Furstenberg debuted an array of gorgeous yet semi-intimidating  originals last week during New York Fashion Week, and I’m not just talking about the haute couture designs.  
Want to know how to get the looks from the 2012 New York Fashion Week without looking over the top or breaking the bank? Follow these simple guidelines and you will have doable, designer ready-to-wear inspired looks in no time.

ORANGE IS IN
Orange is the popular color of the season, appearing on garments such as Vera Wang dresses and tops paired with lace and sheer covers. It is definitely a bold color, so take a tip from Vera and pair the color with soft, feminine fabrics.
The color was also seen on sweaters, bubble skirts and blazers during Fashion Week. (Rule of Thumb: Wear the color on only one piece of clothing or accessory. You do not want to go overboard and look like, well, an orange.)

BRIGHT IS RIGHT
Other eye-catching colors this season are magenta, bright red and yellow. Try adding these into your look with simple, bright V-necks or switching it up with a nice pair of bright skinny jeans.

FLORAL ON FLORAL ON FLORAL
Floral patterns have always been in, but this season is about being three-dimensional and layering different flowered patterns. Oscar De La Renta presented a gorgeous floor-length dress that popped with blue flowers.
This look might be a bit much for some.
Try hair accessories

Garrett Valenzuela /Nevada Sagebrush: Columnist Walanya Vongsvirates pairs a black blazer with bright red skinny jeans in order to make the look more wearable and subdued. She suggests adding a floral hair accessory as a statement piece to spice up any outfit.

Add headbands with flowers, or any floral accessory in general, to a floral print dress or shirt this season. It’ll give a refreshing pop to the traditional look in a subtle way.
Add a floral print cardigan of a lighter color to stay warm, but still have that “straight out of the garden of fashion” look.

QUIRK IS KEY
Don’t worry if you’re not one to wear eccentric clothing; it’s all about the prints and patterns this season. Take a cue from Marc Jacobs and add modern prints to traditional pieces of clothing.
Brightly colored plaids, Aztec patterns, polka dots and retro prints all have been seen on the runway.
For a simple look, wear a patterned T-shirt and jeans with vibrant shoes. For the daring, try some printed pants or tights with a top of a different pattern.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns this season — stray from the norm.

It’s all about the “classy meets quirky” trends this season. From Betsy Johnson to Vera Wang, you can see combinations of lace with bright colors, floral on floral outfits and  classic shapes with eclectic patterns.
This season is all about fun and revamping traditional pieces.

Walanya Vongsvirates studies journalism. She can be reached at opinion@nevadasagebrush.com.

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