Ladies, I’m going to assume that most of you, like myself, do not have the time, budget or desire to invest in every trend that hits the block as seasons change (To my East Coast followers, I promise Spring is indeed here). We want to keep our looks updated while not throwing on every trend that’s popular at the moment. This can be an exhausting task, particularly if shopping isn’t your cardio. To make spring shopping easier, I’ve done a little research to discern the top trends this season that are 1) actually wearable and 2) actually stylish and will likely continue to be stylish in future spring seasons. If you’re looking to punch up your spring wardrobe with a piece or two, this short and sweet guide should help.
Gingham
Did you know your favorite picnic table cloth print is actually quite stylish? Designers certainly do, and that’s why they put gingham on everything from dresses to shoes. This trend has returned to prominence this season, and it’s more feminine and fun than ever.
How to wear it: You can never go wrong with a gingham print or midi skirt paired with a solid-colored top and warm weather accessories like flat strappy sandals and a structured bag.
Delicate Jewelry
According to my favorite fashion blog, Who What Wear, ostentatious jewelry is out and delicate gold jewelry with lady-like details is in. Fortunately, my personal favorite, gold chokers, fall into the delicate category.
How to wear it: Delicate gold jewelry looks good with anything, but it looks best layered against solid white, black or denim clothing. Check out this post to see how I styled my choker necklace.
Abstract florals
Itsy bitsy flowers will always be beautiful, but abstract florals in fun, bright colors shone bright on runways this season. It’s a modern update to the print we’ve all come to love.
How to wear it: You probably have several floral dresses and skirts, right? Right. Challenge yourself to wear abstract floral prints on unexpected items, like sweat pants and cropped blazers.
Subtle 70s
Believe it or not, the 70s are back in a BIG way this season. But don’t break out your momma’s bell bottoms just yet. Subtle is the key word here. Think: fringed accessories, flared jeans, or wide-cut culottes. Oh, and suede. Lots of suede.
How to wear it: Start with the item from this trend category that’s easiest to style: flared jeans. For a transitional look when you’re dealing with crazy weather, pair denim flared jeans with a slouchy the easiest way is to pair slightly flared jeans with a denim shirt and . Unless you’re tall, it’s best to wear heels with flared jeans so you look elongated and not stumpy. If you REALLY want to feel groovy, throw on some platform sandals (yup, those are back too).
Stripes
Ok, this technically isn’t a trend since stripes never go out of style. However, stripes were all over the runways (and now retail stores) in variegated styles. Rather than stick to the safe-but-blah combination of a striped tee and jeans, challenge yourself to mix you stripes with another pattern, like gingham or florals! It’s an easy way to maximize use of a style you likely already have.
How to wear it: Pair a striped white tee with a floral or gingham skirt with similar colors. Quick tip: It’s easy to mix prints if you stick to pieces with similar color families or if all the items in your outfit have at least one color in common.
Pastels
Oh, pastels — the girly-girl favorite and faithful spring trend. Pastels will always, always be on trend for spring, so you’d do well to invest in at least one pastel-colored item. Trust me, you’ll get your money’s worth because pastels, when styled correctly, can be worn year round.
How to wear it: Combine pastel items — like a pastel pink blouse and a pastel blue pants — foe a delightfully fun look that isn’t too saccharine. You can also combine pastels with white for a distinctly feminine and chic outfit that’s perfect for the season.
Gladiator Sandals
Gladiator sandals return to prominence so frequently they should be considered spring/summer staples. Sky-high gladiator sandals with complicated laces ruled the runways, but thankfully there are simpler versions for women to wear in real life. If you’re tired of flip-flops, consider getting this fun sandal instead. Don’t be intimated by the laces; it’s actually a very versatile and the easiest way to add style to a laid-back, breezy outfit.
How to wear it: With a flowy white dress and neutral accessories or with cropped jeans and white button-down.
Image Sources: 1 l 2 l 3 l 4 l 5 l 6 l 7
Your turn to sound off: Which trend from this list would you actually wear? Are you any other spring trends?
The Comments
Elizabeth
This is my struggle! I love style so much and keep up with all the new trends. However, I can’t afford to go out and buy every new item for spring. I try to buy things that I think will still be in style later on or something that I know that I’ll wear plenty of times this season. Because, let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than buying a trendy piece, only get to wear it a couple of times, and then find that it’s completely not trendy by the time the next year rolls around! Seriously, I face real heartbreak when that happens lol But I agree with your assessment, you’re safe with gingham, stripes, pastels, etc. Maxi skirts/dresses are also a good investment for me because I could wear them every day 🙂
Elizabeth
> ElizabethI hear ya, girlie! It is seriously heartbreaking when items go out of style within a year. Nobody has money to waste like that! That’s why I stopped shopping at F21. Have you ever used Poshmark? That’s where I sell clothes I no longer wear, and it has helped me earn a nice chunk of change. If you got some clothes that are in good condition that you’re not wearing, I highly recommend giving it a try!
Elizabeth
> ElizabethI have an account on there, but never shop. It’s kind of hard to use because it’s hard for me to narrow things down. And a lot of the listings don’t have that much of a description, like measurements. I need to get on there again, though! I do a lot of Ebay.
lanae bond
I would wear all of them because they do not seem difficult to pull off plus all can be done and still be modest!
Elizabeth
> lanae bondAgreed, my friend! I KNOW you can pull these off. 🙂
Alecz
I absolutely LOVE gingham and stripes! They’re two of my favourite prints to wear, because they’re both ridiculously versatile, cute, and fun. You’ve chosen some awesome pieces here!
https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
Elizabeth
> AleczAgreed, Alecz! They are so easy to wear and even mix together (for those of us who dare). You know I’m a fan of how you incorporate both into your outfits!
Margaret
I just brought a new pair of bell bottoms or “trouser jeans” and a new pair of gladiator sandals! Great looks!
-Margaret
http://happyinheels.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth
> MargaretThanks, Margaret! Those are the mega IT items this season. Where did you get your gladiator sandals, btw?
Carmilla FaShih
Love this! Thanks for sharing. I’m totally loving gingham, stripes AND florals! … I’m not heading shopping anytime soon either. Absolutely love classic, timeless pieces that can be worn again and again.
Elizabeth
> Carmilla FaShihHaha, I agree with all points my friend. Thanks for the love!
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished
This is SO great! Loving the gingham and sandals!
Elizabeth
> Daisy @ Simplicity RelishedThanks, Daisy!
Lori
Love these styles! My favorites are the florals & the stripes. I need more of both in my wardrobe! Happy Spring 🙂