Fashion designers always show the next season in their shows, so we have all winter to be preparing for the spring.

As the editors of all the big fashion magazines run from one show to the next, savoring their invitations to the best shows in town, we less-than-fortunate commoners get to sit back and let the trends, colors and excitement of another season in fashion come and go. With New York and London fashion weeks over, Milan and Paris remain to show us what we must wear next spring. Remember, fashion designers always show the next season in their shows, so we have all winter to be preparing for the spring.

This is quite important as the Milwaukee fashion season is soon approaching. When rubbing elbows with the important Milwaukee social set, it is important to show that although you may not have the budget for the top names, you sure as heck know the styles through and through.

The biggest shows to put on your calendar are the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s annual Run Up to the Runway, featuring local designers and boutiques, as well as their big to-do, Symphony Style, featuring looks from the Bill Blass collection as this year’s big name designer. Faye’s and Faye’s at Play, a local Mequon and Brookfield boutique will also be putting on a show October 22.

Now, it is important to keep in mind that although these trends are labeled spring/summer, there is no reason why the hot trends cannot be applied to fall/winter. As anyone who reads the fashion rags has noticed, several trends will be dominating this upcoming season. The first look has less to do with clothing as it focuses on shoes – actually, one shoe in particular: the bootie.

Not quite your standard heel, but not quite a boot, the bootie is the fun hybrid for winter/spring. You might have also noticed that the toe is more rounded and less dangerous-looking than previous seasons’ pointy toe look. Do not overreact and throw out all your pointy-toed shoes, however, because the point is not at all passé.

We’ve seen hints of this trend for a little while now, but the high-waisted look is one to embrace this winter and spring. High-waisted skirts can really accentuate a woman’s figure, enhancing her curves, and high-waisted wide-leg pants evoke a sense of chic power.

Pair this look with a collared shirt and a chunky, gray sweater, and you’ve got a look that will keep you warm and make sure nobody messes with you. Make sure you tuck it all in; otherwise, how will everybody know you are embracing such a hot trend?

Finally, do not forget about all the fun we had with dresses this past summer. If you layer them with a turtleneck and cozy stockings, dresses are the perfect (and warm) look for this winter/spring. Stockings really are a hot trend, so do not feel bad about sporting them.

Remember, winter is a six month long season in Wisconsin, so you might as well have a little fun dressing your way through it.

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