For spring I am switching to navy as a dark neutral from my winter black. I really enjoyed my winter "Dark Romance" theme and decided to go for something similar for spring, with adapted colors, materials, etc. Since there wasn't a ready-made theme that is a juxtaposition on it's own, I have decided to go with two separate themes that I am juxtaposing on purpose to create what I am after. The themes are:
1) "Modernica"="Modern American Sportswear" inspired by mid-century styles of the past century ('40s, '50s, some '30s). These are styles very much inspired by work of Claire McCardell and Bonnie Cashin. There were a lot of relevant collections for both Spring 2022 and 2023. Lots of modern classics, with some preppy and nautical influences as well.
2) "Contemporary Romance"= a warm-weather version of romantic styles, the stereotypical examples would be pale floral chiffon pieces with ruffles.
So "Modernica" + "Contemporary Romance"= "Modern Romance". Not the most evocative name, as it misses the essence of the first theme, but wanted something relatively short. Feel free to suggest a better one.

Going into characteristics of both topics, separately.
For "Modernica" key points are:
Colors: it starts with red, white and blue, of course. Additions: emerald/kelly greens, some pinks, orange, plum, tan. Also lots of color-blocking.
Fabrics: Poplin (shirting material), cotton eyelet, nubby materials -tweed, boucle, (faux) leather, knits
Details: Wraps, drawstrings, stretchy panels at the waist, polo collars
Patterns: Plaids and checks in all shapes and forms, stripes, geometrical, flat florals, bandana prints.
Styles and silhouettes: Easy midi dresses: shirtdresses, fit and flare; wide leg pants (full length and cropped), flowy midi skirts, relaxed jackets - both cropped and longer, ribbed knits, sweater vests, button-down shirts, tailored long shorts, pleated bottoms, kimono sleeves
Denim: Relaxed styles, uniform washes, matching sets.
Accessories: Classic bags (e.g. vintage Coach).
Footwear: Lots of loafers -updated with lug soles and classic, pumps - slingbacks, mary janes, classic, square and pointy toes.

For "Contemporary Romance" we have:

Colors: White, cream, pale greys, nudes, blush, rose, lemon yellow, pastels in general (baby blue, lavender, lilac, mint)
Metals: Rose gold
Fabrics:, Satin, lace, silk, chiffon, eyelet, transparent, tulle, mesh, organza, pointelle knits, crochet
Details: Ruffles, peplums, flounces, embroidery, ruching, draping, bows, rosettes, 3D flowers, bows
Patterns: Medium/large moody florals, often pale, butterflies
Styles and silhouettes: Floaty blouses, high-neckline/Victorian blouses, swishy midi skirts and dresses, often ruffled, corsets, tiered skirts/dresses, voluminous/puffy sleeves, waist-definition
Accessories: Pearls, brooches, chokers, rosettes everywhere (on necklaces, bags etc.)
Footwear: Pretty delicate pumps with almond/pointy toes.

I have added some inspiration pictures for both styles below. Tory Burch Spring 2022 collection is an excellent representation of "Modernica".

Putting it together: I am imagining a sliding scale where both themes are on the opposite ends in their "clean" version, and in-between is mixing them in various ratios I can envision doing a full "Modernica" look, or a juxtaposed look with added one, possibly two romantic pieces. Personally, I would rarely do a full romantic look, unless it is a dress with short puffy sleeves that does not allow for toppers. I prefer some tension and juxtaposition. The easiest mix would be trousers and jacket from "Modernica" theme with a romantic/ruffled blouse. Also, interestingly, both themes independently feature eyelet, so wearing eyelet tops and dresses is a slam dunk for the juxtaposition.

I fill willow up this "Theory" post with a "Practice" post in a day or two, on how I am adjusting this for my own taste: narrowing the color palette, picking favorite shapes, styles , outfit silhouettes, key pieces and shopping list. I thought of making a single post but figured it would be extremely long. Thank you for reading!