FASHION What to wear when you're really tired of winter

Resort wear is aimed at winter vacationers.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
Resort wear is "a nod to how tired people get of winter weather," said designer Dana Buchman from her loft in blustery New York City. "It's a reminder of the nice weather ahead."
Kelly Clayton, owner of Pam Kelly in West Knoxville, Tenn., added, "At this time of the year, women are ready to see something new, something fresh."
Resort wear is aimed at fashionistas who take winter vacations.
Although they love the tweeds, leathers and menswear suits of fall, these women need lighter pieces when they get away from it all. The clothes hint at the spring collections that will soon fill the racks. However, the designs are more than spring previews, exuding a playful personality.
"It's just more fun," Clayton said. "The fabrics are pretty; the colors are bright. In spring it will be more serious. Resort is not serious at all."
However, it is serious business. Many designers offer resort collections, from Marc Jacobs and Carolina Herrera to Prada and Oscar de la Renta.
"We have always thrown in a little resort for this time of year," Buchman said. "We've done very well with it."
The resort groups aren't as vast as the spring and fall collections. For example, Buchman created about 30 pieces for the season.
Colorful
They may be small, but they pack a lot of punch color wise. Buchman, a Memphis native, is a fan of sunny yellows and vibrant greens.
"We are in the midst of a major cycle," she said," "which I love. Color is always a great picker-upper."
Clayton emphasized pink, one of fashion's hottest colors, and shades of blue.
Neutral black and white are important, as well.
Also, a number of prints are thrown into the mix -- from florals to polka dots.
Pieces run the gamut: jackets with three-quarter-length sleeves, tees and soft blouses, cropped pants, skirts (mini, knee-length and ankle-grazing) and shorts, which will be one of the hot items of spring and summer. Halter dresses and soft suits work for dressier affairs. In addition, women get their first glimpses at the latest swimsuits and cover-ups.
Although much of resort wear is meant for toastier climates, some of it has year-round functionality. Buchman did a black-and-white, polo-style sweater in viscose crepe that can be worn in spring or winter. She also noted that resort clothing should be comfortable and "great for plane rides."
Transition pieces
Clayton described some of the items as "transition pieces," saying they are similar to the early fall pieces that always tempt shoppers.
"You know it's still hot outside, but you are dying to get that first fall piece," she said. "It's the same with resort."
Buchman agreed, and noted some women buy resort even if they are not going on vacation. Clayton had a customer with no travel plans who spent about $2,400 on resort.
"It's a psychological resort," Buchman said. "It's more of a mindset. It makes you think, 'Oh, my gosh, it (spring) is coming."