As Belk prepares to open a North Texas flagship, its trend expert opines about hot new fashions
BRACE YOURSELF | Men’s trends for spring and summer include vibrant shades of blue, as well as throwback accessories like suspenders, updated for a modern look.
J. DENTON BRICKER | Contributing Writer
The iconic Saks Fifth Avenue façade that has made up the Dallas Galleria skyline will now wear another name as Charlotte-based Belk moves into the prime location (petal logo and all), opening its doors on March 29, ahead of an “official” grand opening on April 9 — just in time for the new spring/summer fashions to make their silhouettes known.
Even if you’re not from the East Coast, you may recognize the retailer from the most recent season of Project Runway: They’ve been the accessory wall sponsor that Tim Gunn warns designers to use “very thoughtfully.” Belk offers sophisticated, modern styles for the Southern shopper.
Though 14 other stores currently exist throughout Texas, the Galleria location will be a flagship store, which promises space for additional high-end merchandise and designers. Some of the featured designers include DKNY, Michael Kors, Pink Tartan and Nanette Lepore, in addition to exclusive private brands such as Cynthia by Cynthia Rowley, Chip & Pepper and even local designer Lucy Dang.
So, what are the big trends as Belk sees them? We went to the source: Arlene Goldstein, the store’s V.P. for trend merchandising and fashion direction.
“What goes around comes around, and for the new generation re-emerging styles are a new experience. It’s all about relativity,” she says. “Not only the bowtie but the reemergence of suspenders, the Oxford and the gingham shirt all present opportunities for customers to experiment with.”
Of course, these fashions from the past also have a modern edge or twist that aids in transporting them to the 21st century. “Color, pattern and even fit is how we dip our toes into the sea of fashion without making too much of a commitment,” says Goldstein. “For example, there are some soft, unexpected blues that will catch your attention this spring. It is also what makes them so fresh and appealing.”
After years of people asking her about the hottest trends of the season, she decided to put together a Most Wanted list online that would allow people to refresh their wardrobes. It looks like the American flag (and in our case, the Texas flag, too) will serve as inspiration for designs at the top of her list for us this summer, both when their elements are combined together or alone.
“Americana has really unfolded — I am talking about vintage American flag prints, stars, red, whites and blues in varying tones and the all-important continuation of stripes,” says Goldstein. White especially will sweep the summer season. “It will be extremely important this summer for men and women alike — white with white, white head-to-toe and white accessories.”
The other popping trend of note is shorter hemlines on men’s shorts. “The Bermuda length short isn’t going away but that shorter short near tennis length can look so sharp in white, a watery blue or even a faded red,” Goldstein says.
Partnering with Project Runway’s viewership taps into the modern, social media-conscious consumer, but Goldstein believes that versatility is the key to smart shopping.
“I don’t like clothes that work in one particular time of day or venue but work as hard as you do because it increases their value. If you only own one thing in your closet to wear with what you’re buying, why would you purchase it?” she asks. And she practices what she preaches.
“I’ve been told I get a lot of wear out of my clothes — I don’t know whether to take it as a compliment or not, but if I love something I will wear it to death,” laughs Goldstein. Versatile items make up the building blocks of a solid wardrobe like a crisp, white button up shirt or a neutral jacket that fits you really well, but there is more to it than just a solid foundation, and that is you.
“Dressing up is less about the trend or particular look but more about personalizing it with accessories that speak to you and your personality.”
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition March 21, 2014.