Who could forget the frilly white socks and the patent Mary Janes we all wore as little girls?  They were sweet, girly, and ever-so cute.  Well, judging by a trend that has grown over the last couple of years, it looks as if socks and heels have maintained some fans over the age of 8.  This look has be seen on the runways since about 2008, and is finally making its way into mainstream fashion.

This is definitely one of those styles that needs to be attempted with caution.  The shoes and socks have to be neutral enough to not be obnoxious, and the height of the socks need to be just right (either just above the ankle or knee high) so as to avoid stubby-leg syndrome.  I haven’t tried out this look yet, but the more I look into it, the more inspired I get to give it a go.  Take a look at some of the right and wrong ways to rock your socks!

The Right Way

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The Wrong Way

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Usually, we can look to the spring season for bright colors, beautiful florals, and light and flowing fabrics. While some designers maintained this seasonal stereotype this year, I noticed a strong trend among many designers of their tendency to stick with neutrals, namely black and white. Perhaps this change in color trend can be attributed to the struggling economy, or perhaps it is simply another shift in designer and consumer preferences. As we all know, you can never go wrong in black. Apparently, according to the runways, this spring will be no exception to that!

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An ahead-of-the-curve moto boot-clog hybrid

As you no doubt already know, one of the big surprises on the Spring runways was the resurgence of the clog. The wooden-soled staple of Scottish dancers and chefs and nurses the world over received a chic update from some unlikely sources, including Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. But credit Vera Wang with being ahead of the trend. A longtime believer in the backless shoe—she wears hers with leggings—the designer has given her Lavender Label clogs a tough-chic biker spin. And what’s more, they’re in stores now

Vera Wang Lavender Label Daisey hidden-platform clog, $325, available at Vera Wang, NYC.

Something I’ve been noticing on many style blogs and shopping sites (not so much around campus or on actual people in general) is the emergence of new and unique shapes in pants and trousers. For over a decade now it seems the bootcut has dominated mainstream fashion trends (at least for denim) and only recently have we seen the explosion of the skinny fit. However, could one of these silhouette’s be the next bootcut or trouser fit? And will you be daring enough to adopt them first?

This fall and spring will not be unlike the last couple of years in that belted and cinched waists will still be seen everywhere; from the couture runways all the way down to the streets of suburbia. Belts will range from huge statement pieces to barely-there skinny belts, but will all accentuate the natural waistline. Don’t toss out those belts you’ve been collecting over the last couple of years because they are definitely here to stay, though perhaps styled in a new way. Some of the looks off the runway that are featuring this trend:

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Many of the looks coming off the runway for Spring

2010 RTW see a play on proportion and especially volume on either the top or bottom half. A trend I saw (and LOVE) is voluminous, high-waisted shorts. Great for showing off those long legs and emphasizing a small waist, I can definitely see these shorts making a splash this spring.