This season, many designers are looking to the beach for inspiration and scuba gear is emerging as a major fashion trend. Here is how to make this sporty look work for you.
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During his Resort 2012 fashion week presentation, Michael Kors described his tight neoprene dress, which resembles a wetsuit, as “Surf Jackie.” That would be Jackie O., of course. Although it is doubtful that Jackie O would embrace such intensely bright and sporty silhouettes, there is a simplicity and elegance to the clean, architectural lines that she would have adored. Kors was just one of a handful of fashion designers showing scuba-inspired attire on his runway. Marine sportswear emerged as a major trend during the resort season with Donna Karan, Derek Lam and Rachel Roy all embracing the style in their runway collections. As resort fashion trends often lead in directly into spring, it is no surprise that scuba wear also made an appearance on Spring 2012 runways. Alexander Wang and VPL both presented sporty neoprene silhouettes complete with wetsuit-like paneling and oversized zippers. This fashion trend may just be the closest thing to workout gear you can wear outside the gym…but when it comes to sporty garments, there is still a possibility it will look more active wear than city wear.
Fashion tip: Embrace bright colours
While you don’t have to embrace intense neon yellows and pinks like Michael Kors, stylish scuba-inspired items will most likely be a bright colour of some sort. For example, Derek Lam’s Resort 2012 runway collection focuses on vivid shades of blue and Rachel Roy’s on bold orange. If the thought of head-to-toe colour seems intimidating, then opt for colour-block garments, where brights are paired with neutrals for a not-so-loud statement.
Fashion tip: Get comfortable with the idea of a skin-tight silhouette
With stretchy neoprene being the preferred material for most scuba-loving designers, things will get a little tight. But if you are used to wearing leggings and skinny jeans, then the slim cigarette pant with an exposed front zipper from VPL’s Spring 2012 runway won’t be that much of a stretch. And if there is a Azzedine Alaïa or a Hervé Léger style bondage dress hanging in your closet, then a teeny sleeveless Michael Kors Resort 2012 “Jackie O” shift dress will feel right at home. However, if tight is not your fashion game, choose looser jackets like Alexander Wang’s Spring 2012 as your go-to scuba garment.
Want more tips on how to wear this trend? Keep reading on to the next page...
