Spring has sprung, and it’s time for you to take a cue from Mother Nature and lighten and brighten up. Warm up to bold colors, fun prints, and styles that range from boho to beachy, preppy to “Palm Royale.” If you’re unsure how to make your wardrobe spring to life, the best place to start is by going through your closet and doing a little spring cleaning. Once you’ve eliminated those pieces that are dated, no longer fit, or don’t bring you joy, fill in the blanks with items that are sure to put a little spring in your step.
Take A Bow
Bows are back in a big way and tie any outfit together beautifully. If you think grown women can’t pull this look off, think again. There’s a way to incorporate bows into your wardrobe that is more sophisticated than schoolgirls. Try a blouse with a loose bow at the neck like this polka-dot Anaya Top from The Reformation. Or, take the bows to your toes with these adorable 3-D Bow Sandals by Jeffrey Campbell.
Florals, Flounces, and Fringes – Oh My!
Yes, we know, we know, florals for spring aren’t “groundbreaking,” but they are everywhere, along with flouncy hems and flirty fringes. The vibe is a little softer than Barbiecore but just as feminine because girls just want to have fun! Think outside the garden with this blue and white Floral Tiered Cotton Midi Dress at Nordstrom, featuring a flounce in the flowy hem. For something a bit sexier, we love the Black Tricot Fringes Long Dress by Adriana Degreas at Tuckernuck for its sleek upper-body silhouette that gives way to peek-a-boo fringe at the bottom.
Get Totally Prepped
If you are a woman in her prime, chances are you remember “The Official Preppy Handbook” circa 1980s. Well, welcome back, like totally! But before you gag with a spoon, you should know you don’t have to go head to toe. Pick a pretty plaid skirt like this Satin Midi Slip Skirt from Vineyard Vines, and then pair it with a solid, slightly slouchy sweater. Or go country club chic with this Green Hutton Polo Dress with contrasting navy and white trim from Tuckernuck. While preppy has never truly gone out of style, when it comes to this iteration, we blame the pickle-ball aesthetic that has everyone seeing pink and green. But whatever the reason, we’re here for it – again!
Sparkle and Shine
Sparkles and sequins used to only come out at night, but thanks to some of the season’s top designers, they are having their moment in the sun. The trick to this trend is picking one area to shine the spotlight and then keeping the rest simple. We love how J. Crew has paired this Collection Layered Sequin Tank Top in one of the season’s hottest hues with plain, olive cargo pants for an unexpected contrast.
Stripe it Rich
This season’s stripes are big and wide and make a bold statement that borders somewhere between workwear and whimsy. Try the classic cut of the Shirley Oversized Button-Up Shirt by Frank & Eileen in crisp green and white. Or, for a more tailored look, the blue and white Logan Top in Poplin from Draper James leaves you looking instantly pulled together.
Ballet is Back
While there will always be a place for spring sandals (what better way to show off our fresh spring pedis?), this season, we are making room for ballet flats, too. What makes this year’s version of the classic really dance is the use of interesting detail and unexpected fabrications. We are loving The Day Ballet Flat in black mesh from Everlane that combines the look of the traditional flat with a light, breathable material. Try the Zuri Ballet Flat by Sam Edelman in the natural, woven style with crisscross straps and a petite bow on the toe for something even more seasonal.
Dare to Bare
Sheer is here, but if showing some skin isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to wear the trend—you just need to decide what you dare to bare. If your arms are your strongest asset, a sheer sleeve can draw attention right where you want it. If you’ve got great gams, consider a skirt with a sheer panel at the bottom to kick things up a notch. We like this Sheer Slip Skirt from Vince for its sheer overlay that embraces the look without revealing too much. Pair it with a cute tee, cardigan, and flats for a springy daytime style.
Wrapping It Up
When upgrading your seasonal wardrobe, remember that a trend is a passing fancy. To turn it into something stylish, you must know how to make it your own. Rather than copying an entire look straight from a magazine, be inspired by it and incorporate elements of it into your wardrobe so that they look as though they’ve been there all along. Most importantly, know your body type and wear things you feel comfortable and confident in because the ultimate hack to looking good is feeling fabulous.
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