Despite the gloomy El Niño weather here in Los Angeles my mind is constantly drifting off to the warmth that spring quarter will bring in a few short months and with it a new season of trends. The elegant spring 2016 collections of designers’ ready-to-wear runway looks are far beyond the reach of a modest collegiate’s budget, however, we can look to these collections for inspiration in our own wardrobes. Particularly the Rachel Zoe spring 2016 runway show.
Dubbing the trend, “Nouveau Boho,” Rachel Zoe has outdone herself with this year’s spring line. Bohemian and Moroccan influences set the stage for flirty ruffles, swinging fringe and delicate beading. Zoe goes out of her comfort zone with a palette of pastels and warm, tropic colors. However, she holds true to her signature black and white work, but in similarly whimsical styles. Romantic tops are paired with structured or wide leg trousers, and the dresses look as if they are straight from a fairytale. Something about the stark neutrals paired alongside highly textured fabrics and carefree, loose cuts creates a fresh version of the traditional white on black ensemble. Rachel Zoe, alongside designers such as Michael Kors and rag & bone, favors off the shoulder tops this season, and so it has been declared the flattering style will continue to remain a wardrobe staple throughout the year. The makeup for this season’s runway show is a natural girl’s dream. Peachy nude lips, gentle waves in a soft middle part and retro brown eye shadow create the perfect no-makeup look.
For this look I wanted to mimic the way the collection combines playful textures into otherwise sleek outfits. I chose a flutter sleeve, off the shoulder top reminiscent of many of the shoulder baring cuts seen in Rachel Zoe’s line. Pairing it with a classic black pencil skirt creates the contrast between a streamlined silhouette and ruffled details we see on the runway. Inspired by the lace-up, leather slides worn with the collection, I am sporting my peep toe and Steve Madden heels. For the first time since I watched Friends and attempted to recreate “The Rachel,” my hair is parted down the center. Despite some initial hesitation I enjoy the classic symmetry of the middle part alongside this look. I’ve kept my makeup relatively simple by wearing shadows from my Too Faced natural matte palette, and applying NYX’s matte lip cream in Stockholm. This look is perfect for spending the day pretending you can afford to window shop on Rodeo Drive or a girls night out in Santa Monica.
Get My Look: 1. The tula top and this drapey top from Free People will frame your collar bones with dramatic shape and delicate fabrics. 2. A classic black pencil skirt is essential, but for a more striking look try this plaited faux leather skirt. 3. If peep toe slides and booties had a love child these would be it. 4. For a budget friendly alternative to Rachel Zoe’s runway line check out the Modern Boho shop at Anthropologie.
