Shutterstock

Stephanie Tipple
Fashion Columnist

While people may think that charity and fashion don’t always mix, the Charity Fashion Show, hosted on the Woodbridge campus on April 6, shows that clothes and a charitable cause can work together for a successful conclusion. The event, hosted in the Woodbridge Theater on campus by Irene George, was put together to showcase spring trends while helping to raise money for the March of Dimes Foundation. The March of Dimes works to prevent premature births and support premature babies.

Local retailers like Dressbarn and the GAP in Potomac Mills mall donated clothes to the show, adding a community element. Dale Gearing, manager at the local Dressbarn, provided guests with pamphlets about the trends for spring and said that their Dressbarn location enjoys donating clothing to charity fashion shows around the community to help get the word out about many charities and causes supported in the area.

The fashion show was a blend of both men’s and women’s fashions, and the items displayed by models — who were Northern Virginia Community College students — helped to showcase some of the best trends for spring. The students were enthusiastic and ready to strut their stuff out on the catwalk.

There was a strong presence of bold and bright color for women, with saturated turquoise and yellow tones, along with pops of white for that often forgotten use of contrast. In addition to this show of color, there was also the return of the sundress for women, in a variety of lengths, though many of the styles showcased fell to the ankle or below the ankle.

Cloth shorts also made their way onto the runway, versus their denim counterpart, in a more modest length than previous seasons with a cuffed bottom detail and roomy pockets.

For men, the fashions were more subdued in their color scheme overall, with pops of yellow and blue mixed in to neutral tones. There were many pieces worn by the male models that were military inspired. These pieces, in khaki and olive drab, show how international events, like the troops coming home from Iraq, can truly influence fashion. There was also a large focus on hats for men this season with a relaxed feel that can help men to put together their spring looks.

With the help of local retailers, dedicated students and friends and family in the NOVA community, the fashion show was a great success and helped to raise much-needed funds for the March of Dimes Foundation.

By: Stephanie Tipple

Stay updated by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.