No doubt as you watched the 2016 Oscars, you were taking notes of the latest fashion trends. As spring comes on, along with the promise of summer, the sidewalks of New York will be reflecting fresh colors and looks. Here are our picks for the best of the red carpet, and how to track it down this spring in New York City.
Red Carpet Fashion Trends NYC: Pastels
From dramatic dresses embellished with feminine ruffles to straight silhouettes and flowing gowns with asymmetrical shoulders, there were certainly lots of pastels turning heads on the red carpet this Oscars. Both Heidi Klum and Cate Blanchett wowed crowds in their pretty pastel gowns. From lavender to pale yellow and pistachio, the sherbet-inspired colors offered a delicate, innocent look.
Chanel Pink Boucle Spaghetti Strap Dress at A Second Chance Resale
With pastels being so classic, fashionistas should explore luxury consignment shops like A Second Chance Designer Resale Boutique—a family-run New York favorite that offers Celine, Prada, Hermes, and other highly coveted labels. A Second Chance has two locations: SoHo at 155 Prince St. (West Broadway), 212-673-6155; and the Upper East Side at 1111 Lexington Ave. (btw. 77th & 78th Sts.), 2nd floor, 212-744-6041. You can also shop online at asecondchanceresale.com.
Even workaday destinations such as Forever 21 will have variations on pastels. The chain offers a tailored, ribbed dress in pale yellow and pale pink. Nordstrom also offers an extensive array of pastels for prom, or for women heading out for a gala or other extravagant affair. From tiered chiffon styles to seamed crepe sheaths, there will be lots of pastels showing for spring and beyond. Forever 21, 50 W. 34th St., 212-564-2346, forever21.com; Nordstrom Rack, 60 E. 14th St., 212-220-2080, ShopNordstrom.com
Red Carpet Fashion Trends NYC: Whiteout
Ladies can spring into summer mode with a contemporary look inspired by the fresh white gowns that were all over the Red Carpet. Lady Gaga made quite a statement in a white strapless look, as did Priyanka Chopra, who dazzled in a sheer white dress adorned with a leaf and floral motif.
AQ/AQ Tanx Midi Dress at Bloomingdale's
Since nothing says summer quite like white, look for pristine dresses, gowns, and even pants at major department stores such as Bloomingdale’s and everyman retailers like Gap. For minimalist, highly tailored looks, opt for the AQ/AQ Tanx Midi Dress at Bloomingdale’s. For a lacier look, slip on a feminine, more frilly cutout lace dress by Lucy Paris from Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Ave., 212-705-2000, bloomingdales.com
Downtown girls can get the look at the Gap. The chain's eyelet and mesh shirtdress offers a stylish yet relaxed silhouette with a scalloped hem. 1466 Broadway, 212-382-4500, gap.com
Red Carpet Fashion Trends NYC: Metallic Shoes/Sandals
With all of the dramatic black and white looks on the Red Carpet, there were lots of variations on the metallic shoe and sandal. From the sexy, strappy sandals Charlize Theron rocked in metallic gold with a soaring heel to the Giuseppe Zanotti sandals flaunted by Taylor Swift in her plunging black dress with daring side slit, shimmering metallic was everywhere.
Giuseppe Zanotti, metallic leather winged flat thong sandal, at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Taking cues from Swift’s winning look, fashionistas can browse Saks Fifth Avenue for some hot metallic styles that look as though they just strutted down a catwalk. For a more casual vibe, check out Giuseppe Zanotti’s metallic leather winged flat thong sandal. Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave., 212-753-4000, saksfifthavenue.com
Budget-conscious glamour girls can browse the more affordable offerings at Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW). It offers a range of styles, from metallic silver gladiator sandals to the Jessica Simpson Claya pump, which is embellished with shiny rhinestones. 213 W. 34th St., 212-967-9703, dsw.com
Red Carpet Fashion Trends NYC: Interesting Backs
From plunging gowns that exposed women’s backs to open-back dresses embellished with interesting strap details and cape-like reverse sides, lots of A-listers flaunted this revealing look. Charlize Theron illuminated the Red Carpet in a radiant red open-back Dior gown while Olivia Wilde donned a pleated cape on her ultra-feminine look.
Explore the opened-back designer offerings at Century 21—a New York City fashion icon for more than 50 years. Renowned for designer brands at discount prices, topnotch options here include Dolce & Gabbana, Les Copains, and Badgley Mischka. Two Manhattan locations: 972 Broadway (btw. 66th & 67th Sts.), 212-518-2121; 22 Cortlandt St. (btw. Broadway & Church St.), 212-227-9092; c21stores.com
Zara strappy back dress
Other trend-driven chains such as H&M and Zara also offer variations on the backless dress. Look for Zara’s open-back take on the look, with delicate criss-crossing spaghetti-straps. For more formal affairs, try H&M’s tailored dress with decorative straps at the back, which form an open diamond design that shows some skin. H&M, 558 Broadway, 855-466-7467, hm.com; Zara, 580 Broadway, 212-343-1725, zara.com
