Spring Trends

 

Above look from Valentino's Spring 2010 Collection.  Photo from Style.com. 

This Spring’s biggest trends are Nautical, Military, Clean and Crisp, Patterns and Prints, and Sheer Fabrics.  For most people, runway looks act as sources of inspiration and are not to be taken literally – a normal person would look like they’re wearing a sailor costume if they donned a striped shirt and pants, anchor necklace, and red espadrilles – and no one is advised to go out in a sheer top with nothing underneath.  The key is to take certain elements of your favorite trends and adopt them in your own way.  Be brave and have fun with them, but stay true to yourself.  Remember that fashion is supposed to be fun and give you confidence – so only wear what makes you feel good. 

NAUTICAL:

 

Above look from Chanel's Resort 2010 Collection.  Photo from Style.com.  

Red, white, and blue are the colors here.  Key pieces are striped shirts (like St. James’s classic navy shirts), espadrilles or wedges, white and khaki pants, and little navy blazers (buy one from the Gap and put on your own gold buttons).  A simple striped tee with white jeans and ballet flats is a great, subtle way to adopt this trend. 

MILITARY: 

 

Above look from Chloe Resort 2010 Collection.  Photo from Style.com.

Stay away from actual camouflage clothing and go for pieces in solid dark green and khaki.  The key piece here is the utilitarian jacket in one of these colors – Gap and J.Crew both have great, affordable options.  The jacket can be worn with jeans during the day or with a black sequin skirt and tee for a fun evening outfit.

CLEAN AND CRISP: 

 

Above look from Celine's Spring 2010 Collection.  Photo from Style.com. 

Classic looks are here to stay.  These are the simple, clean-cut pieces in neutral colors like black, navy, khaki, cream, and white.  Try well-tailored khaki trousers with a clean, crisp white button-down or white wide-legged pants with a simple navy blouse.  This is a “trend” you can really invest in, because classics will always be just that – classic.

PATTERNS AND PRINTS: 

 

Above look from Proenza Schouler's Spring 2010 Collection.  Photo from Style.com. 

This season’s runways showed mixed patterns and prints – everything from tie-dye to tribal, abstract designs and florals - in lots of color.  For a tamer version, try your nautical striped shirt with a patterned skirt - just make sure both pieces are in the same palette – or a patterned blouse with plain bottoms. 

SHEER FABRICS: 

 

Above look from Valentino's Spring 2010 Collection.  Photo from Style.com. 

Sheer blouses and dresses were seen everywhere for this Spring.  Many of the models wore little or nothing underneath, but I obviously don’t advise you to follow suit.  Instead, try a long-sleeved, sheer blouse over a camisole - it’s a nice way to bring this trend into your own wardrobe without feeling like you are showing too much skin.

Remember the basic rules in following trends: don’t wear any trend head-to-toe, stay true to your own style, and most importantly, have fun!

xx Ally

Original publication by BounceBack, LLC at www.bouncebacktolife.com.