It's time for a clean slate in fashion

Fashion, just like our new government, gets a clean slate. Filipinos demand transparency, accountability, authenticity and value in our government and leaders. Fashion is in an identical frame of mind. It is the time to wear who we are and what we believe in. Personality and individuality have become priorities when buying fashion. Fashion tendencies have become secondary when making purchasing decisions.

A degree of caution is also expected of our political leaders and fashion designers express the same sentiment in their collections. A sign of the times is the degree of restraint and simplicity in the latest fashion collections and accessories. Designers are very aware of the modern woman’s needs. Women now know what they want. They demand practical options that still have a degree of newness so they will want to go out and buy them. The new options are meant to enhance and extend their wardrobes.

Fashion is geared towards unique, neutral basics that are seasonal and seasonless at the same time. Designers are in for a challenge. And, this coming season, they didn’t disappoint. The current global climate has spurred designers to create innovative options to excite consumers. Classic styles get modern updates. Designs vary, from casual and comfortable yet understatedly chic to contemporary, romantic selections with an active urban vibe. Fashion houses give women what they want in viable designs from monastic capes, androgynous jackets, sheer lingerie layers and loose cardigans to bootleg pants, full skirts, relaxed evening gowns, tailored dresses, cropped tops, pleated minis and sleek suits. Simple yet desirable grownup dressing is what women want.

Summer’s pale neutrals continue to be next season’s preference in the latest collections. Skin or flesh tones, dusty blush, mushroom shades, oyster grays, nude pinks, muted tawny, smoky pearl and the lightest mauves show off the designs of Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Valentino, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, Bally, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michael Kors, Burberry Prorsum, Alberta Ferretti, Céline, Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Dries Van Noten, Chanel, Comme des Garçons, Costume National, Dolce & Gabbana, Giambattista Valli, Rodarte, Marni, BCBG Max Azria, Jason Wu, Derek Lam and Tod’s, to mention a few.

A clean slate, from khakis to camels, provides an ideal foundation for the trendy colors of the season. The new neutrals look so current when mixed with deep, saturated tones or vibrant, happy brights. The latest colors, from purple orchid, lipstick red, olive green, golden yellow, ocean blue, citrus orange and vintage pink to antique metallics — copper, gold, platinum and silver — express the current optimistic fashion attitude.

Modern minimalism makes a statement. Understated elegance is the modern woman’s answer to a responsible and conscious fashion statement. New neutrals, from dove gray, dusty pink, warm nude, rustic camel, fresh flesh and cool blush to icy salmon, dull beige, earthy sand, sweet honey and raw ginger update the latest basics. Get into the season’s clean slate and enhance your wardrobe.

• Complement the look with healthy skin. More than the value of the product, consistency is key to any beauty regimen. Modify your skincare to your budget.

• A clean scent will get you off to a good start.

• Makeup and nail polish also go neutral.

• Get inspiration from ballet dancer’s style of effortless layering and an almost-bare color palette.

• Understated bags in the new neutral palette will go the distance.

• The modern mix of the new neutrals with the season’s jewel tones is an instant update.

• If you are still afraid of strong hues, tone-on-tone, barely there shades are an alternative of-the-moment look.

• Invest in an impeccably tailored suit in the latest neutral palette.

• Floor-sweeping skirts are chic for evening.

• Flaunt those womanly curves with the latest cinched-waist options.

• Inventive yet wearable jackets are au courant.

• Light and supple fabrics are low-key yet sophisticated.

• Bows, ruffles and flowers provide a feminine vibe to the season’s nudes.

• Even shoes get practical with the comeback of sensible heels.

• “Easy yet glam” is the mantra for day and evening looks.

• Contrast lean silhouettes with soft layers.

• Subtly show off some skin. Pair a sheer top with a tailored suit for evening.

• Pair delicate dresses with androgynous jackets.

• Remember that perfectly cut clothes will transcend seasons.

* * *

Send queries and suggestions to jo@joyceorena.com.