The days are longer, birds are chirping and warm weather is on the horizon. It’s spring, and it’s time for a wardrobe change. Here’s a rundown of the latest trends in women’s spring fashion and a guide to transitioning your winter wardrobe to spring!
Go denim:
There are certain wardrobe staples every woman should have, from the little black dress to the perfect pair of jeans. Trade your down coat for a spring essential: the denim jacket. Since it’s not quite warm yet, find one with a looser fit so you can layer some light knit sweaters underneath. Also, choose a faded wash because it adds that perfect touch of lightness to an outfit. Denim jackets can be worn with almost anything, and never go out of style.
Pastels:
During the winter, color is often hidden under puffy down coats, so spring is when we can let our colors pop. Judging by fashion blogs and shopping websites, this spring’s color palette for women involves pastels. Pastels are a great transition tone from winter to summer because they’re more subtle than summer’s bright and loud colors used in floral patterns. Trade your go-to black or gray shirts and oversized sweaters for some pastels. They also lend themselves to a clean, tailored look.
Loosen up:
While skinny jeans and pants are found in every female wardrobe, relaxed pants and looser fitting jeans (think boyfriend jeans, but more flattering and fitting for the female body) are gaining popularity among fashion blogs and celebrities. A previous attempt to bring back MC Hammer’s harem pants fortunately didn’t take off, but instead harem pants received a bit of a makeover with tighter inseams and somewhat tapered legs. When buying pants or jeans with a looser fit, you want to make sure that you still retain shape within your legs and behind. If you are going for a bold pattern, don’t pair it with a bright-colored top. Choose a pastel to make for a clean, classy look that shows you’re ready for the warm days to come. Also, cargo pants are a hit this season and because of their pocket details, they make more of a statement than just regular pants.
Not too-short shorts:
If it’s 60 degrees out and you choose to wear shorts, please, for the love of God, do not choose high-waisted Levi’s cutoff shorts that have your butt cheeks falling out. It’s unattractive and unflattering. Stores like Madewell and Gap make great, comfortable shorts that are both flattering and fashionable. This season, relaxed is in, which is good because if it really is hot out, you would rather be wearing something loose than clothing that sticks to your body.
Skater is in:
The skater skirt/dress is very in right now and will continue to be throughout spring and most likely summer. The skater cut, based off of the cut of ice skaters’ dresses, is flowy and perfect for spring. Even if you have to pair it with tights, the swing adds flirty fun that embodies everything spring is supposed to be. Also, what’s great about skater skirts and dresses is that they work well in a lot of different colors and patterns. But unless you’re really good at it — and I mean really good — don’t mix prints because it will look like you walked out of Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” music video.
Refine your tops:
Slouchy, cotton T-shirts are also very in and great for spring and summer. For blouses, chiffon is a really great material because it’s chic and lightweight. H&M has really great long-sleeved blouses and some really great sleeveless tunics. Other blouses to consider are thin-strapped camisoles in either chiffon or a satin blend. A thin-strapped camisole looks great under a blazer, jacket or sweater and can make the transition from day to night. If you’re not willing to give up your knits, opt for a loose-knit sweater. The holes will allow you to breathe and not feel so constricted when temperatures rise after you leave your dorm room or apartment.
Spring in your step:
For shoes, try the Chelsea boot in a brown or tan hue, or a low-cut biker boot. The Oxford shoe continues to prevail, so if you have yours from last year, by all means recycle your footwear. If you’re looking for some variation on the Oxford, try a sandal or weaved version, which can be found on Zappos.com or in Urban Outfitters. Canvas shoes like Keds or Vans are also great for spring. White Keds offer a crisp, clean look to any outfit and go with virtually anything.
If you’re looking for more spring fashion inspiration, check out fashion blogs Who What Wear, Song of Style or The Chriselle Factor. For places to shop, try H&M, Target, Madewell or Cotton On, an Australian clothing store import. Good luck ladies, get shopping!