Color calling Hunting down that solid-black suit may be harder than years passed. The suits' bright, sunny hues were reminiscent of the '60s or '70s, with noisy color combinations like pink and orange, Lee said. The glam-rock look of the '80s also is roaring back. Gold has replaced silver as the metallic color of choice, Lee said, and iridescent or shiny fabrics are abundant. Smith said she also noticed a lot of metal ornamentation, such as loop chains or fasteners.
Prints are in too, especially animal patterns.
Designers are also showing a penchant for paisleys, both Smith and Lee agreed. Some of those patterns have taken on a more exotic Middle Eastern tone, Lee said. Suitable fabrics Those who prefer textures to print have a variety from which to choose. Fabric treatments are allowing designers to be more innovative these days, Smith and Lee said. Designer Laurie Allyn, for example, used heat to create a bubbly surface on her suits for Premier Active Group.