From runway to driveway — spring fashion for soccer moms

Recent warmer temperatures and receding snow piles has everyone peeling off heavy wools and bulky boots, while store windows tempt us with spring’s palette and latest looks. But this spring’s trends of slim hip, high-waist, bell bottoms; mid-calf hemlines; vibrant orange, honeysuckle and stark white, open weave knitwear and bold nautical stripes may turn local mom’s anticipation into hesitation.

Don’t stripes just exaggerate every curve and angle? Can women in homerooms, and conference rooms, on the sidelines or pick-up lines of Fairfield County hope to find styles they can take from the runway to their driveway? It’s a challenge former Ford model Dianne deWitt ponders seriously when assembling fashions for the Wilton Woman’s Club annual April fashion show. Ms. deWitt, the show’s long-standing fashion committee chairperson, observed that by the end of winter everyone looks forward to the colors and gentler fabrics of spring fashions.
“But what impresses the fashion press might seem outlandish or inappropriate to my friends, office co-workers or fellow women’s club volunteers” she said.
Ms. deWitt recently collaborated with a team from Saks Fifth Avenue, the event apparel sponsor, on the right mix of spring 2011 styles to appeal to her local audience. Susan Peyser, special event coordinator, and Paulette Pitt, public relations coordinator, both of Saks Fifth Avenue’s Stamford store say they’re passionate about making seasonal trends accessible and adaptable for their Fairfield County clients.

Accessories are bright and colorful for spring.

“Our customers want versatile pieces they can get lots of use out of, whether for weekday work, kids’ carpools or comfortably stylish weekends” said Ms. Pitt. Ms. Peyser demonstrated with a trendy black and white, animal print trench coat and dramatically cut-out, striped tank that many might shy away from. “This new trench coat is a perfect example of a versatile, trendy piece. Combine it with a white tee, skinny jeans and Tory Burch ballet flats for your child’s school event; later pair it with a white or black shift, a stack of colorful bangles and heels for an evening in the city.” To soften the tank top’s drama, she added a coordinating solid color, button-less cardigan and trousers or a skirt to quickly create a look that can been worn to work, or grocery shopping.

Ms. deWitt, Ms. Peyser and Ms. Pitt know the outfits they select have to look stylish and practical to everyday, multi-tasking moms like the women’s club members who will be modeling them. Ms. Peyser recommends enjoying new trends by building on basic pieces for home and office, with a sales consultant you trust.

“There are many opportunities for women this season, in the flow of fabrics, bold colors, bohemian shapes and longer hemlines” she said. Whether putting it together with a sales consultant or on your own, a new skirt or suit with longer hemline and coordinating blouse with lace details will put your wardrobe firmly in style. But your own khakis, jeans, and skirts can be easily updated by introducing brightly colored Tory Burch shoes, or a clutch, and a textured crochet top. In addition, subtle details like a python printed cuff bracelet or belt, kitten heel dress shoes, or a quilted hand bag can transform an outfit without breaking the budget.