NOVA students dress in costume for the Mardi Gras Masquerade themed Homecoming Dance at Annandale campus. From left: Patrick Osborne, Michelle Pankow, Xenia Park, Chase Gallant, Diana Reeves. / Photo by: Kama Storie

Masquerades have been historically known as a social rite of frivolity and debauchery, as well as being a catalyst and forum for showcasing popular trends of the time. While today’s masquerades have taken on a more casual approach and occur less frequently, Northern Virginia Community College students were recently treated to a masquerade at the Annandale campus, as a night of socializing and fun with their peers. With the tradition of pushing style up a few notches in events like these, there was a large sampling of not only creative masks but of attire that alludes to the spring trends as well.

Whether your persuasion is sequins, feathers or even fringe, there was room for every interpretation, with attendees’ masks taking on dramatic flair with embellishment and bright colors.

Interviewing several wearers of these masks, the consensus of where the masks were purchased lies mainly with one’s own hand-crafting or the old craft store standby. Accompanying each mask was a distinctive look with the variety needed to make a masquerade dynamic.

The length of the women’s dresses was veering on both sides of the spectrum, with styles falling just below the thigh, to floor-grazing ball gowns that were more traditional in their appearance. This will be true for ready-to-wear pieces for the spring as well, with both loose menswear-inspired shorts and flowing, ethereal long skirts that mesh with the relaxed and natural silhouette that is a go-to in warmer weather months. Expect to see pastel and light floral tones in these pieces, as well as basic solid colors for mix-and-match separates.

Patterns and creative flourishes were apparent in many gowns and suits seen at the masquerade, with the use of lace and artful directional and all-over prints. Animal print made an impressive showing, with crouching details, which will make a strong safari-styled impression this spring, as well as bright neon pops of patterned floral, that evoke youthfulness instead of the predicted dowdy curtain look.

Remember that, while patterns can be worn in more than one piece of an outfit, it is important to consider the scale and color of the prints before putting them together, as nothing can turn from tasteful to trashy faster than a mish-mash of eccentric patterned pieces.

Whilst on the dance floor many attendees’ dresses had the benefit of free movement, with easy flowing garments that upped the comfort level as well as the level of style. These loose-draped silhouettes seen in the crowd were unforgettable. Be sure to remember them well when getting style cues for spring. Draping is going to be key, even with throw on pieces that require little effort, which will up the appeal significantly. Loose dresses and bottoms fall into neutral territory, with soft grays and whites as well as tones of beige. Be sure to pick up a few of these loosely constructed items, as they will become a staple in the coming summer months.

By: Stephanie Tipple

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