Fashion Week: Front Row Style

By Chris Frey
September 15, 2011

Spring 2012 Fashion Week wraps today, and the front row eye candy has been as riveting as ever: Hollywood ingénues and models off duty mingled with editors, bloggers and A-list buyers; Beyonce glowed in glamorous fashion looks that revealed her baby bump; and Nicki Minaj paraded into a number of shows donning looks that would put Rainbow Brite to shame. Amidst the high drama were a number of wearable fashion trends that we can’t wait to wear.

Black and White Pattern Mixing

Black and White Pattern Mixing

Model Jessica Hart at Betsey Johnson (photo by D Dipasupil/FilmMagic), Margherita Missoni at Zac Posen (photo by Paul Morigi/WireImage)

Margherita Missoni and Australian model Jessica Hart made bold fashion statements by pattern mixing black and white florals and prints with classic houndstooth. The strict black and white palette allows for a random mix that’s playfully graphic and totally works.

Roll over items for details

New Sass & Bide Silk Jacket

(buy it now price, $209.47)

Karen Kane Silk Blouse

(buy it now price $24.99)

New Ralph Floral Skirt

(buy it now price, $46)

Sequins for Day

Sequins for Day

Mandy Moore at Jenny Packham (photo by Michael Stewart/WireImage), Zanna Roberts at Alexandre Herchcovitch (photo by Paul Morigi/Contributor)

We love the stark black and white slinky tuxedo vibe that Mandy Moore and Elle Senior Fashion Editor Zanna Roberts Rassi channeled for Fashion Week. Rassi choose a tunic blouse with embellished sleeves, while Moore opted for a disco-era ombre sequin jacket.

New Black Sequin Blazer

(buy it now price, $49.99)

Lanvin Cocktail Jacket

(buy it now price, $499)

Black Sequin Trophy Jacket

(buy it now price, $102)

Shades of Nude

Shades of Nude

Renee Zellweger at Carolina Herrera (photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage), Byrdie Bell at the Barneys New York Fete In Honor Of Carine Roitfeld at The Westway (photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage)

Nude never goes out of style, but it was most certainly having a moment this Fashion Week. Byrdie Bell and Renee Zellweger embraced it from head to toe, including accessories. The subtlest shift in tones can add punch to the otherwise subdued color.

New Rebecca Minkoff Cupid Tote

(buy it now price, $350)

New Elizabeth and James Wedge Pumps

(buy it now price, $258)

Herve Leger Mini Dress

(buy it now price, $299)

'70s-Inspired Denim

'70s-Inspired Denim

Louise Roe at Tracy Reese (photo by Eugene Gologursky/WireImage), Meredith Melling Burke at Jason Wu (photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for FIJI Water)

In a sea of high fashion, it’s refreshing to see more relaxed looks during Fashion Week. Vogue Senior Market Editor Meredith Melling Burke and fashion television presenter Louise Roe both opted for easy 70’s-inspired, wide-leg denim trousers paired with flirty, feminine blouses.

New Vince Chambray Shirt

(buy it now price, $69.99)

Phillip Lim Silk Blouse

(buy it now price, $119.99)

NEW Seven for Mankind Jeans

(buy it now price, $79)

Modern Trenches

Modern Trenches

Joanna Coles near Lincoln Center (photo by Katy Winn/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Linda Wells near Lincoln Center (photo by Katy Winn/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week)

We love a classic trench coat but after spotting two Editor in Chiefs—Linda Wells of Allure and Joanna Coles of Marie Claire—wearing updated styles (the former in army green and the latter in sleeveless), we decided to explore new trench territory. Motocross and military details blend well with the polished tailoring of the original.

New Anthropologie Trench

(buy it now price, $169.99)

Derek Lam Buckle Trench

(buy it now price, $169.99)

New Michael Kors Sleeveless Trench

(buy it now price, $56.99)

Rock N Roll Trousers

Rock N Roll Trousers

Elettra Wiedemann at Prabal Gurung Spring (photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images), Erin Wasson at the Richard Chai Love (photo by Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic)

Although the skinny jean has become something of a new classic, we have a hunch that pants are about to get wild. Silk printed pants made an impact last season (and, it appears, going forward for Spring 2012) but let’s face it, not everyone can pull off the look. These rock n roll options worn by Erin Wasson and Electra Weidemann have us inspired (and not so worried about the silk pant jiggle factor.)