Spring/Summer Trends 2002

Just when it seems that we are all taking a giant step towards the newer techy looks, top designers are making us think twice about what to wear in these upcoming seasons. We are taking a trip back to the ages of the pioneers, coonskin hats and fringed suede bags. This old look seems to be making a huge come back in the fashion mainstream. You may be wondering how in the world you could pull off wearing a coonskin hat out in public. Well the big wigs at Prada sure seem to have pulled it off. A tiered skirt, possibly from Marc by Marc Jacobs, worn with your usual denim jacket, camisole top or white shirt will provide the right balance of the rugged outdoors and the city side. Or you could just rummage around the house for an antique-looking lace blouse-or any peasant-type top with gently poufed shoulders-should be enough to showcase your own little wild wild west.

Now moving away from the dirt roads and the old western saloons, we are going to make our way over to the runways of top designers such as Prada, Chanel, and Miu Miu. The mod look is making it's biggest stand since the London '60s look was revolutionized. While this trend seems easy to pull off, you have got to know when to draw the line. Concentrate on the silhouette-go for anything clean, neat and unfettered. If you're under 30 and in great shape, consider Gucci's sheer baby-doll dresses, zippered jeans and lacy tops. Otherwise, Prada has some of the best shift dresses around. Capes are also big on the runways this season. Go for something light and short, like Fendi's snow-white versions. And as with many trends, the safest way to update your style is with key accessories, such as Gucci's over-the-knee boots and Prada's graphic sunglasses.

Saddle Up! And Giddy Up on the new trend of riding. The runways were racing with new fresh Ideas from designers such as Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, and Chanel. Michael Kors-whose show opened to the sound of clomping hooves-led the charge, with riding boots, jockey stripes and saddle bags, while Ralph Lauren and Chanel added an urban twist to the equine equation. This is a fresh new sexy look that is sure to draw some attention. The pants are fitted snugly and the tops are professional and sleek looking. Avoid total looks at all costs: Except for the rarest (and thinnest) of exceptions, gaucho pants should be left on the runway. Michael Kors' graphic jockey sweater, for example, works best with well-worn jeans; his must-have Wellington boots can be paired with long skirts or city-smart trousers. For everyday life, mixing an equestrian accent or two into your regular wardrobe should suffice. Buy a casual tweed or twill blazer as a Fall staple; if you're in the market for new accessories, Christian Dior's popular saddle bag comes in tan distressed leather this season. And if you find yourself pining for time-tested classics at the end of the day, there's always Hermès: Their horse-bit foulards and leather bridle watches are beyond seasonal fads.

It's time to feel like a kid again! The teenage look is coming back in full swing. Due to all of the big hype on current pop stars, such as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, designers have seen the need to break this new look into the mainstream. Designers from Karl Lagerfeld to Marc Jacobs have gone for skimpy tops, down-and-dirty denim and youth club-friendly accessories. If you are a teen, then this is going to be the easier of the trends to pull off. The safest way to sample the teen spirit is via accessories. Yohji Yamamoto's collaboration with Adidas produced some of the best sneakers in recent memory, Bottega Veneta went for graphic bangles in primary colors, and Louis Vuitton can always be relied upon to provide good hair bobbles.

And that's a wrap for the Trends for the Spring and the Summer of 2002. As more Trends develop, you can be sure to see it up on here as soon as possible!