The 10 Best Looks from Fashion Week, Part 1

By Chris Frey
October 11, 2011

With Fashion Month now officially over, editors and bloggers are breathing a quick sigh of relief, unpacking their suitcases, then dashing off to reflect on the weeks that were. We've looked back at Spring 2012 Fashion Weeks in New York, Paris and Milan and come up with our short list of the ten best looks from the thousands that marched down the runways. These are ensembles that will set the trends, show up in the magazines and appear in the closets of those who can afford them. From a season that brought fierce minimalism as well as some of the most feminine designs we’ve seen in years, these outfits are at once total standouts and indicative of the major trends. See below for looks one through five—the more casual half of our list. Then check back tomorrow for five additional dressier (a.k.a. even more fabulous) designs.

LOOK 1: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Phillip Lim

(photo by Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images)

Why We Love It: Lim’s minimal designs came to life with a palette of dusted pastels and simple yet refined silhouettes that are, in a word, pretty. Here, Lim reinvents our notion of the suit with a structured but easy jacket, shell top and bias cut trousers in soft silk. The vibe is polished and relaxed at the same time.

Roll over items for details

New Lavender Tank Top

(buy it now price, $24)

Stella McCartney Trousers

(buy it now price, $98.45)

New DVF White Cropped Jacket

(buy it now price, $175)

New J Crew Suede Platform Heels

(buy it now price, $119.99)

The 10 Best Looks from Fashion Week, Part 1

LOOK 2: Isabel Marant

Isabel Marant

(Photo by Patrick Kovarik/AFP/Getty Images)

Why We Love It: The sheer trend is unavoidable for spring. Here, Marant takes her turn with a bohemian lace/crochet dress that, depending on your underpinnings, is perfect for the beach or an evening out. Accessorized with elegant barely-there sandals, drop earrings and wrist bangles, it epitomizes the “rich hippie” look that can be difficult to master, but never really seems to go out of fashion.

Sheer Caftan Maxi Dress

(buy it now price, $199.99)

Sergio Rossi Python Heels

(buy it now price, $399)

New Isabel Marant Wrap Bracelet

(buy it now price, $200)

New Navy Romper

(buy it now price, $149)

LOOK 3: Prada

Prada

(Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)

Why We Love It: Miuccia Prada put her avant-garde spin on the retro romance of her spring collection. A vintage inspired, pleated (pleats were everywhere for spring), nip-waist dress is made modern with abstract pattern and bold black. Balanced with cat eye shades, drop earrings and lady like peep toe sandals— straight from the 1950s—we find this look irresistibly feminine and quietly glamorous; completely covetable yet totally doable.

Cat Eye Sunglasses

(buy it now price, $45)

New Zara Pleated Chiffon Dress

(buy it now price, $69.99)

Miriam Haskell Drop Earrings

(buy it now price, $69)

Pierre Hardy Peep Toe Pumps

(buy it now price, $49)

LOOK 4: Jason Wu

Jason Wu

(photo by Thomas Concordia/Contributor)

Why We Love It: Wu, among others designers, showcased vintage 50’s/60’s inspired looks. We loved his two-piece bathing suit as well as this boy short and sheer blouse ensemble in a graphically delicate watercolor print. Pairing the look with tough sandals keeps it modern and sexy.

YSL Platform Sandals

(buy it now price, $366.66)

New Vuarnet Sunglasses

(buy it now price, $109)

New J Crew Printed Shorts

(buy it now price, $39.99)

Tucker Floral Blouse

(buy it now price, $175)

LOOK 5: Chloe

Chloe

(Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

Why We Love It: We can’t resist white in spring and summer, and this look from Chloe feels classic but contemporary. The subtle pleating on top and a floaty hemline just below the knee make it sexy in a demure way. After seasons of wide waist belts, it’s refreshing to see the hip belt making a comeback, especially on such a feminine look. The metallic booties add a subtle futuristic touch that serves as the only statement accessory needed.