What’s in the forecast for kids in spring/summer 2013? Editorial Correspondent and apparel trend-forecasting expert Carole D’Arconte reveals the top four trends in her crystal ball so Members of The Trend Curve’s subscriber family are ready for action when 2013 arrives.
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On the color front, Blue-Cast Greens are coming for kids. Both girls and boys will look for lightweight versions of loden to continue from fall of 2012. Girls will pair it with mid-tone peach or blue, while boys will use tans and white. Boys will also gravitate toward emerald, especially teamed with bright navy. For girls, make it jade, and keep it in the company of aqua and flame, a yellow-cast bright that sits between orange and red.
Orange is a focus color for girls, appearing in a number of types and personalities. Beyond bright flame, look to both the warm and cool sides of saturated coral (think coral orange and coral pink), and to a smoky-yet-sweet mid-tone that looks great with incoming ecru. Boys like middle-value oranges, too. But instead of embracing complexity, boys settle on straightforward oranges with no hint of gray or blue.
An Abstract approach to pattern is on-trend for girls. Start with animal-skin prints spliced into, trimming or coordinating with splashy tropical florals (tropical looks are still incoming for décor). Contrasting packed, small scale spots against lush flowers with lots of breathing room will be one of the best ways to update beach-inspired florals 2013.
Nautical looks wake up with an abstract approach to red, white and blue brights. Mix contrast-colored lines into meandering rope designs, sprinkle stars where they are least expected and overlay graphic designs onto stripes to get things going. Dots will also get an abstract makeover. Beyond bold, color-on-white versions, watch for quirky adaptations like multicolored dots with textural variations and trendy dots of different or declining scales, and positive/negative coordinates.
Boys like abstracts, too, but in toned-down color stories that make them feel more sophisticated. For example, graphic cartoon characters in gray/white/brown/black neutrals still stand out, but they feel more refined. This toned-down approach is also the foundation of Urban Safari. Think fedoras and utility boots in a trend that brings together subdued loden, gray and khaki with wall-street banker’s navy blue.
Street-wise denim works with expedition-hearty canvas, cotton and twill. Refined-knit accents play off utility details like button flaps, clips, webbing and leather straps.