As we shake off the winter doldrums and look to the spring, there is a lot to be joyful about in the fashion world. And thankfully, none of the spring 2019 fashion trends are so geared to the youth market that we can’t embrace it.
Cheerful Color
This year’s colors will definitely lift us out of the doldrums of winter. They include marigold yellows and oranges, lavenders and lilacs, fuchsia and cherry, and greens. Wear them with the new softer neutrals like khaki and beige that suit a lot of skin tones.
Lafayette 148 New York Fitted Leather Jacket, $1,298
Mother The Pitter Patter Raincoat, $300
Noa Cut Out Detail Blousesoft Green, $240
Anthropologie Artemis Dress, $160
Anthropologie Mallory Lace Blouse, $98
Classic Prints
This past year has been the year of the print and we’ve seen lots of florals, botanicals, Liberty prints, and the ever-popular leopard print. But textiles are taking a more playful and classic turn now with polka dots and classic scarf prints paired with nautical themes. That’s a very Chanel-type combination that can look quite sophisticated and classic.
Escada Talaranto Daisy Jacquard Ankle Pants. $795
Akris Punto, Half Dot Lace Pleated A-Line Skirt, $695
Joie ,Jeanee Floral Tie-Waist Dress, $398
Anthropologie, Echarpe Blouse, $120
Everlane, The Clean Silk Relaxed Shirt, $110
Everlane, The Shrunken Cotton Shirt, $55
Working It
Another trend is the carpenter pant and utility jacket look. That means: pockets, pockets, pockets, (love our pockets) belts, and khaki-like colors. These tend to be a fairly sporty and “natural” style. But they are being re-imagined in softer textiles than you typically find for that style of garment, which makes them more feminie. Pair them with other neutral or matching pieces, add a colorful tee and ankle boots and you’ve got a chic and fashion-forward look that works for both laid-back and more sophisticated occasions.
Frame, Linen-Blend Cargo Jacket, $395
Sabri, Sheer Utility Detail Blouse, $320
Re/Done, High-Rise Cargo Twill Pants, $260
Anthropologie, Wanderer Utility Pants, $78 (On Limited-Time Sale from $98)
Circles and Squares and 70s Redux
In handbags, there has been a lot of whimsy on the runways: actual boxes, miniscule minaudieres, fanny packs (yes, the 80s are back) and see-through vinyl totes. Unless you are still quite slender, I don’t recommend the fanny packs. They tend to bob up and down on your belly and often draw unwanted attention to your waist. But there are some less quirky trends that are fun: stiff and boxy, squishy and round, or bohemian.
If you have a more theatrical or classic style, try a more structured take on the boxy look. If you have a more romantic style and outlook, try one of the soft and marshmallow-y fold-over bags.
Circular bags are everywhere, and are, well, “cute.” (There’s that word again.) Also square bags with circular top handles are a fun take on the theme. And since there’s always going to be some retro reinvention, fringe is back. If you saved your fringed bag from about four years ago, well, break it out now as a nice counterpoint to a moto jacket and jeans.
Loeffler Randall, Indy Circle Crossbody Bag, $395
Tory Burch, Farrah Fringe Phone Crossbody, $222
Ted Baker London, Madddie Stab Stitch Leather Circle Bag, $219
Anthropologie, Bailey Rattan Crossbody Bag, $88
& Other Stories, Woven Straw Crossbody Bag, $59
Sole Society, Arwen Vegan Leather Crossbody, $59
M&F, Western Fringe Shoulder Bag, $55
Daring Pant Lengths
Pant legs on denim and trousers keep getting shorter and shorter. Two years ago it was all about ankle length, then came the wide-hemmed “crops.” When paired with long tunics and topper jackets actually make those shorter pants look rather chic.
Piazza Sempione Floral Culottes, $550
Lafayette 148 New York, Manhattan Slim-Fit Step Hem Pants, $398
Paige Jeans Nellie Crop Stripe Culottes, $219
Joie, Dicra Crop Polka Dot Pants, $149 (Limited-time Sale from $248)
Bermuda Shorts
The 80s throwback continues, with workout wear trends inspiring knee-length spandex shorts. They’re shown with long tunics and topper jackets. I don’t know about you, but I don’t see a lot of us wearing spandex Bermudas this year. But the bermuda-length in tailored shorts is a comfy way to stay on trend this summer when golfing, gardening or vacationing….and they’re not really that much shorter than a skirt suit!
Simone Rocha, Belted Tailored Shorts, $790
Lafayette 148 New York, Manhattan Bermuda Shorts, $268
Vince, Coin Pocket Bermuda, $165
Editor’s Note: All items in the feature image are available from Lafayette 148 NY.
