Trends are transforming this season, taking bits of old and making them fresh and new again. Embellished collars hit the streets last summer, making the look feminine and colourful. This season collars are still in, but they have taken a more conservative tone – with longer sleeves and loose tailoring. Whether minimalistic or pattern crazy, the conservative collared look is hitting the shelves. Green fashion designer Mary Katrantzou, known for her electric and busy patterns, created a loose fitting long sleeved collared dress. The pattern of the dress features blocks of purple gold and green colliding into each other. The blouse sleeves contrast the busy fabric with a more traditional look. American designer Diane von Furstenberg, famous for her wrap dress, has several collared pieces in her collection. The first is a navy blue and white piece. The high collared neckline and long sleeved silk piece features white piping around the hem of the dress. The piece also features a deep navy sash tied around the waist, giving the relaxed fitting dress more of a structured shape. Diane also included a suede collared shirt dress in her collection. The piece has some safari details, with camel colouring and large oversized cargo pockets. The collar is offset by a deep-v in the front of the bodice, creating a more modern appeal. German fashion designer Jil Sanders, known for her minimalistic style, created a black collared three quarter-length sleeve dress. The bodice is typical traditional style with a blouse cut, but the skirt of the dress features subtle pleats and a reverse hem, giving a more charismatic feel to the single color dress. And lastly, classic American designer Ralph Lauren created a form fitting black dress with an oversized large white collar. The piece is classic and timeless, with few modern embellishments. A multitude of celebrities are embracing the trend and infusing their own style. British actress Michelle Dockery, known primarily for her role on the hit BBC show Downton Abbey, wore a black long sleeved top with a silk white collar. She paired with ankle length flared trousers and black satin pointed shoes. For a dash of colour, she painted her lips bright red. For a more modern approach, German actress and model Diane Kruger wore a Derek Lam coloured dress. The red embroidered collar contrasts the lace applique over the fitted knee length dress. She paired with double ankle strap pumps with a slightly vintage feel. The British beauty, fashion designer, former Spice Girl, mother, and wife to world famous football player David Beckham -- Victoria Beckham -- has several collared dresses in her own collection: ranging from sky blue, to mocha brown, to stark black. The key to this trend is balance. If you have a high neckline and long sleeves, contrast with a shorter hemline. If you have a longer hemline, create depth to your ensemble with bright fabric or fashion jewelry. That’s the fashion scoop for this week. Got a thought? Trend? Style you hate? Send it my way. Rachel Breaux is an American living in Rwanda.
