Spring Has Sprung!
By Becca Smith
This spring is all about renewal. The transition from winter to spring is particularly exciting as we anticipate the end of colder days. We just experienced the spring forward with daylight savings time. The days are a bit brighter and longer, and pedicures and bare legs are a reality. It’s not hard to get caught up in the heat of the moment and splurge on new spring things for your closet.
Spring also feels like a reawakening. This season’s runways offered a series of wake-up calls by way of unique pairings, new approaches to femininity and dramatic looks.
In this Real Style Issue I share 10 items you will need to get your closet warm-weather ready:
Boxy, Cropped (Non-Moto) Jackets – Yes, your fall wardrobe-staple moto jacket will still serve you well in the spring. The boxy, cropped silhouette can come in a plethora of prints and textures to pair easily with a fit-and-flare or body-con dress, tailored trousers, office-ready skirts, and (of course) your go-to jeans. A girl can never have too many jackets.
Contrast-Collar Button-Downs – The crisp, menswear-inspired dress shirt enjoys a makeover with inventively cool, contrasting color and/or textured collars and cuffs. This elevated wardrobe essential is perfect for sneakily kicking up your work outfit (just make sure to button up all the way!).
Wide-Leg Trousers – Easy to wear and ultra-chic, billowy wide-leg trousers made a huge showing on the spring runways. I know what you’re thinking.and, no, this trend isn’t just for six-foot-tall supermodels. Just look for a pair that’s leaner on the flare and higher-waisted to elongate your frame.
Cool Bomber Jackets – The sporty layering pieces get edgier for spring with adventurously colorful prints, luxe textures and fabrics, and sporty-cool detailing—like mesh weaving and perforations. Like its cousin the moto jacket, the bomber is ultra-versatile to temper the girliness of a dress or complement the athletic chicness of dressy shorts.
Tea-Length Skirts – While the midiskirt may be the ultimate transition piece, the tea-length—between midi and maxi is for spring. The ladylike hemline can be just as modern as a mini; pair it with a cropped top to offset the length (and make you look taller!). Of course, you could also get the look with a breezy tea-length dress, but keep it modern and sexy by barring some arm (and maybe a little shoulder).
Sweater Dressing – Along with crop top, spring knits make for next season’s staple separate. Whether it’s boldly printed or inventively cut, the seasonal sweater is an easy-chic piece to pair with tailored pants, flirty skirts, and blousy shorts—or to just throw on over a light dress.
Tuxedo-Meets-Athletic-Striped Trousers – The athletic stripe smartens up with tuxedo detailing on these sporty-meets-sophisticated tailored trousers. It’s really all in the styling. To keep the look modern but refined, opt for a streamlined silhouette in unexpected white (black is so traditional) and pair the pants with a casual non-button-down top.
The Shift Blouse – Almost like a dressy version of a T-shirt, the shift blouse is easy (but so much more sophisticated!). The near-elbow-length sleeve and boxy silhouette keep the look flattering and versatile. Have some fun with extra details, like exciting prints, luxurious textures, and varying necklines.
Collarless Coats – Another strong spring layering piece: the long, streamlined coat, minus the collar or lapel. You could always go safe with a neutral or solid color, but take a risk with fun prints or embellished denim. The piece works with dressy trousers or a pencil skirt for the office, or spring leather pants or a body-con dress for a date-night outfit idea.
[1]Rebecca Z. Smith, a fashion stylist/image consultant, is founder of We’ve Got Style. She offers wardrobe planning, closet consultations and is available for styling/personal shopping services. Rebecca knows fashion: the looks, the trends, the runway buzz, and how to put an outfit as well as a sustainable wardrobe together. More importantly she takes pride in knowing each client personally. This combination of professional expertise and highly personalized service ensures every client has the wardrobe that expresses their best self. For your entire wardrobe needs contact Rebecca at (941) 223-6643, beccarealstyle@gmail.com [2] – www.wevegotstyle.biz [3].
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