I am a big fan of Joe Zee. He is the the Creative Director of Elle Magazine and hosts “All on the Line”, a fashion series on the Sundance Channel. I feel like he has his finger on the pulse of what works and what is next so when I saw that ABC did an interview with him I wanted to share the highlights. I thought you might like to see the suggestions in some plus sizes.
TREND #1: LACE
Torrid Nude And Black Lace Splice Tank Dress – On sale now $39
Torrid Red And Black Lace Tube Top – On sale now $32.98
Lace was huge on the runways for spring. Valentino, Giambattista Valli, Bottega Veneta and Burberry were some of the best examples. It is definitely a return to delicate, feminine dressing. I love the idea of lace detailing on skirts, pants and coats. Lace tops are great to pair with a structured blazer to offset the sweetness. A super easy way to integrate the lace trend into spring is a lace tight! Joe Zee
TREND #2: JAILHOUSE STRIPES
Graphic prints like stripes and checkerboard were huge on the spring runways. Most notable were the Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton shows, both designed by Marc Jacobs. Strong prints were sent down the runway in all silhouettes, from gowns to minis to suit sets. The best way to integrate this into your spring wardrobe is piece by piece. A strong jacket or blazer pairs well with a dark jean or cropped pant where as a skirt or pant goes well with a classic button down or a super soft t-shirt in black or white. You can keep your whole outfit graphic and on trend without turning into an optical illusion! Joe Zee
TREND #3: 90′s GRUNGE
“90’s grunge is rough and girly with a great mix of patterns and proportions. It’s about a balance of texture and toughness.”
I am about to add rhinestones going the other direction on this DIY Size 4X top, and you cannot really tell that the shoulders have lace on them. This is a top I found in my drawer and decided to use for studding…affinity
For spring, layer a great knit over a delicate dress and add a great boot. Mixing prints like floral and plaid with a solid in between is also a great way to step into this trend! Joe Zee
In Joe Zee’s Own Words: Four Wardrobe Must-Haves
1) A black leather moto jacket. This is an Elle wardrobe staple for all seasons. Leather adds great texture and toughness to almost all pieces of a woman’s wardrobe. Cool with jeans, pencil skirts or over dresses. We saw spring-weight leather at many shows this past season – always a great investment piece. Joe Zee
Simply Be Leather Look Biker Jacket – $105
Michael Kors Biker Jacket – $399 – only in 1X
Inc. Non-leather Jacket – $99.50 (plus 15% off code) size to 3X – I find this brand runs large. If I needed a jacket, this is what I would try and I am a 4X…affinity
IZOD Leather Moto Jacket – $129
Very difficult to find this late in the season most of the plus size biker jackets I looked at were sold out…affinity
2) Skinny dark jeans (slim cut). Denim finds its way onto every runway season and it’s why it’s on our trend list each season. Dark denim is seasonless and a necessary addition for spring. Pair it with a blazer or leather and add accessories to go from day to night. Joe Zee
Torrid currently has 67 versions of skinny jeans
3) A blouse or skirt with ruffle detail. Ruffles and romantic details were huge this spring! Tone it down with a ruffle detail on a blouse for a bit of romance without being overwhelming. Joe Zee
Torrid has a wide selection of items with ruffles
I had a more difficult time finding just ruffle detail on the edge of a collar or just down one side of the skirt. Maybe those are not yet in plus sizes…affinity
4) A structured blazer. Another major trend this past spring was suiting. We love the idea of breaking up a suit to still keep it cool! Pair it with jeans and a t-shirt to keep the ease. Joe Zee
ASOS Curve Blazers – Size 22 = about a size 26 US
Blazers are everywhere this year, Avenue, Lane Bryant, Jessica London, etc. I have tons from my many years of working in the corporate world so I will not be buying any…affinity
PEACE…affinity
Hi Affinity,
I have been enjoying your posts so much. Love Joe Zee, too.
I would like to suggest that for anyone who does not sew and is having trouble finding current fashionable details such as ruffle or lace edging a collar, or if you want an item that cannot be found in your size, a good tailor or seamstress would be a great help.
I really only mend but I bet I could put a little lace on a collar, good idea Cheryl. I love my tailor but it does make things more expensive. Thanks for your input Cheryl and of course I am thrilled you are enjoying Affatshionista.
Love the look for the younger set. I am of a much older age and like my clothing a bit … more boring…lol.
I am 64 but for some reason I have always dressed a little younger. But many of the suggestions like lace and and bold stripes will show up in more conservative clothing also. Thanks for reading and contributing Judith.
Cheryl, great suggestion about tailor / seamstress.
Most of these sound reasonably fun, but I’m *really* not sure about floral with plaid. I remember the floral dresses of the 90s, and I remember the flannel plaids [and rocked those!] Together, though? Meep. 😛 Perhaps someone will be able to convince me otherwise, LOL.
I think 90s grunge, will look more like hippie chic has. For me that means taking the parts I like, like safteypins, etc. and dress them up. We will see how much floral/plaid actually shows up on our friends. Did you notice in my year end blog you were my most avid reader and commenter. Thanks for all of your support Ali Baba!
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