Time for the seasonal must haves list now that Spring collections are in full swing and Summer is on the horizon. This is the best Spring season I’ve seen since moving to the US a decade ago. The assortment is large, the items are quite practical, and we have more freedom than ever to interpret the trends our way.
As far as colours go, remember that shades that flatter your complexion and make you happy never date and are always in style. Pastels are trending at the moment, but wear brights, muted tones, earth tones, jewel tones and neutrals if that’s more your thing. It’s all good.
With a nod to the look for 2014 here is the list of must haves that work for all body types, lifestyles, budgets and ages. It’s a question of finding the version that works for you.
- Fluid and Oversized Fits: If there is one way to make your look more current, it’s wearing your clothes a little looser all over, and I can’t stress this point enough. Fluid fits, which are a little more structured than oversized fits, are an easy fit to wear and extra forgiving. Oversized fits are trickier but very doable when worn with just enough structure. And tailored fits are always in style, but do not confuse them with tighter body con fits.
- Knitwear: Knitwear (or sweaters), are the top to pair with bottoms both as a layering piece or standalone item. As the weather warms up, think pullovers in cotton, silk and linen blends in both chunky and fine gauges. There is enormous knitwear variety this season and truly, the silhouette and fabric options seem endless.
- Pastels: We’ve talked about pastels at great length. They are a lot more versatile than you might expect. Choose your pastels and wear them with neutrals, brights, earth tones or with tones of the same colour. If a pastel clothing item is too much of a commitment, wear a pastel bag, belt, scarf or pair of shoes.
- Boyfriend Jeans: They are the trending mainstream denim silhouette. Choose one in a slim-fit silhouette, or opt for relaxed skinnies if baggy and slouchy styles are not your thing. Size up in straight leg jeans to get the same effect if you’re particularly narrow on the hips and thighs. Cropped versions are great for Summer. Here’s a guide on how to pair boyfriend jeans with footwear.
- Midi Skirts and Dresses: If you like to wear skirts and dresses, wear them at midi length. Midis can just cover the knee, cover part of the calf, or cover the entire calf. They can be pencil, flared, high-low, trumpet or avant-garde in silhouette. Skirts with lots of movement look particularly fresh.
- Non-Black Moto Jackets: The moto jacket is a classic that can be paired with just about anything these days. Remember that motos are totally work appropriate if you choose a more refined style. And think beyond leather and beyond black. Think knits, Spring tweeds, twills, quilted cottons, pleather and mixed media fabrications.
- Cropped Pants: This is one of the biggest trends of the season – AGAIN. Here are two ways to wear cropped ankle pants in flattering ways.
- Wide Pant Legs: There is life beyond skinny and straight leg silhouettes. Wear jeans and trousers that are tailored on the thigh but flare out from the knee down, like bootcuts and bell bottoms. Wear trousers and jeans that are wider on the thighs but taper back at the hem, like silky track pants, harem pants and boyfriend jeans. Or wear trousers that are loose and wide from thigh to hem.
- On Trend Footwear: Pairing new style footwear with items that are several seasons old is an effective way of refreshing their look. Pointy toes, which includes almond toes, in both heeled and flat styles are top of the list. But there are plenty of options if pointy toes aren’t your thing. On trend Spring and Summer footwear styles include loafers, d’Orsays, slipper flats, flat oxfords, slip-on sneakers, booties, shooties, cut-out booties, peep-toe booties, ankle strap pumps, and high-vamped sandals.
- White: Lighten, brighten and soften your outfits by incorporating wardrobe items in all shades of white into your outfits. Think white jeans, cropped pants, skirts, dresses, tops, knitwear, jackets, footwear, bags, belts and sunglasses in shades of white.
- Dark Blue: Dark blue, from light navy to deep ink, is a softer alternative to black, and looks great paired with black and shades of white. I’ll go so far as to say that ink blue is the new black, and for some, a better black. Modern and refreshing.
- Cropped Boxy Jacket: A roomy moto jacket is one way of interpreting this trend, but so are extra short pea coats, Chanel-esque jackets, trapeze jackets, roomy tuxedo jackets and bomber jackets.
- Clutches, Bowling Bags or Satchels: Choose one of these styles and you’ve instantly refreshed your look for the season.
- Wild Card: Add to your wardrobe an item that is atypical for your style persona, but that speaks to you in some way. Just for fun.
Further trends that might tickle your fancy include mules, garments with sheer panels, Birkenstocks, shift blouses, overalls, jumpsuits, Spring tweed, crop tops, sporty luxe (like upscale sweatshirts and haute baseball caps), tuxedo striping, new short sleeve styles, round shoulders, pattern mixing, upscale backpacks, bucket bags, short shorts, mixed media, utility jackets, Spring coats, culottes, slouchy trousers, patterned pants, florals, neon, fit-and-flare dresses, avant-garde pieces, sleeveless jackets (gilets), two-piece dresses and front vented pencil skirts.
If you’re concerned about how to create flattering proportions for your shape and height, refer back to the updated inverted triangle, apple, pear, rectangle and hourglass body type posts.
How does the list look? Which trends and items resonate the most, and how are you going to update your wardrobe for Spring and Summer?
