Campus chic

At spring 2008 shows, the biggest hit was the use of prints of all sorts — super-structured florals graced the Balenciaga runway, and Dries van Noten incorporated many wild prints into each piece. At Chloe, paint strokes across dresses dominated the runway, and Prada emphasized ethereal, fairy-tale art. A common theme throughout most designers’ shows was to give clothes a retro appeal by using electric colors, sheer, loose fabrics, high-waisted, wide-legged pants, and even floor-sweeping dresses for day.

Architecture sophomore Alex Legrady celebrates the warm weather with a vibrant paisley skirt. Always fit for casual yet delicate days, skirts of all different shapes, prints, and cuts serve as the perfect centerpiece for any outfit.

“One of my favorite designers is Alexander McQueen — he’s brilliant,” said Legrady, who mirrors the designer’s influence in her style.

Like McQueen, known for designing and mixing outrageous, loud, and unconventional pieces, Legrady complements her green skirt with a cropped purple cardigan to tone the outfit down. A simple black top and scarf keep her look clean and allow her skirt to be the focus of the outfit.

On the other side of the spectrum, “safari chic” also made a huge dent on spring runways, with designers like Phillip Lim (creative director of the label 3.1 Phillip Lim) reverting back to clean-cut, neutral tones that stand out in warmer days. Khaki dresses and lightweight, feminine trench coats paired with earthy sandals were the most popular, and such pieces have already hit stores and are available at any price-point.

A fan of 3.1 Phillip Lim, sophomore design major Alexandra Woolfson shows off her interpretation of some new spring trends. She gets her inspiration from fashion blogs like “The Sartorialist” (