It's beginning to feel a lot like spring! If you're ready to rid your closet of all the heavy, winter wear, now's the time. But what's “in” for spring? And how do we stock up and participate in new trends without breaking the bank? Stacy London from TLC's “What Not To Wear” gives a crash course.
I always find it a bit difficult to talk about “trends” every season because I believe so strongly that you should only participate in a fashion trend if it flatters your body type, works with your lifestyle and is age-appropriate. Not all trends are for all people. And the trick to looking your best any season, isn't just knowing what items to buy but which ones to pass up as well. That being said, once the trends hit the stores there isn't much else on those racks so we are always forced to work with what is available.
While there are some truly exquisite clothes this season, pieces that have great longevity and are worth a pricey investment, some of us also would like to be able to eat for the next six months! Thank goodness for America and our awesome knock-offs! Here are some great pieces that follow the trends of the season, won't break the bank and yet will make you feel like the ultra-fashion savvy “Today” show viewer you already are. So go shopping! Have fun! Look great and save some cash! Until next time, Work hard. Dress right.
The new mod
Inspiration: Chloe
Yes, Edie Sedgwick was alive and well and walking many a runway this season. The cute little mini shift dress is back with a vengeance. Whether it's an a-line shape (fitted at the waist and flares at the hip), empire waist (seam sits higher than the natural waist, just below the bust line) or baby doll (empire waist that flares out away from the body from the higher seaming), the dresses themselves are all about simplicity. You will see different lengths in the market, and take this into consideration when making your purchase. While I love a cute mini dress, I hate that my legs are a little mushy just above my knee, so I don't want to wear a dress with a hem that hits just at the most unflattering spot on my leg. If you've got great gams, by all means show them off, but remember that age is also a factor when choosing a mini. Anything higher than just above the knee is going to look a bit young on a woman over 35. And while mod came back this season, it did not bring the go-go boot back with it. So before you go digging for those old 60's flat, patent boots, try a great patent leather wedge or platform high heel to give this look a modern edge. And of course, white is the color of the season, particularly for this kind of dress. If white doesn't suit your coloring, look for black or nude. Dress: H&M, $29.90
Big prints
Inspiration: Miu Miu
While big prints are very popular this season, I still believe that it's important to remember that smaller women can look drowned by big prints. Women with a smaller frame are better served by this trend if they wear it only as a top or bottom paired with a solid or neutral color. However, this is a great trend for women of larger stature as these prints balance the size of their frame. Taller or broader women will look great in these all-over print dresses. If you feel like these prints are just too bold for you, regardless of body size and stature, you can always look for large printed accessories. Accessories are always a great way to translate a trend without falling prey to the pitfalls of actually wearing the clothes of that trend. Dress: Bisou Bisou by Michele Bohbot, $59.99
Rocker
Inspiration: Balenciaga
While we've seen lace for the past couple of seasons, it was more about a Victorian or Little House on the Prarie vibe. But this season lace has two new incarnations: super-duper romantic or this trend — The Rocker, which is kind of the dandy-a-la-Mick-Jagger-back-in-the-day-when-he-didn't-have-a-visible-wrinkle-or-pore look. Look for fitted short blazers, lacy tops, shrunken vests and skinny pants. While you may see lots of skinny pants with vertical stripes or ornate brocades, I don't recommend them to women with heavier thighs. It is a tough look to pull off unless your legs are 100 miles long and the size of toothpicks. A better alternative is a dark wash stretch jean, a dark black stretch jean or a black skinny trouser in a natural fabric with a little bit of stretch.
If skinny pants are just out of the question in general, try a great denim stretch pencil skirt for a more flattering silhouette that still has that cool, hard edge. And white mixed with black is another big combination for spring. This trend looks great with a little kitten heel or a cute flat slouchy boot. Top: H&M, $24.90; jacket: Zara, $89; jeans: Miss Sixty, $139
Nautical
Inspiration: Ralph LaurenThis is a classic trend that pops up every few years, just like its cousin, the military trend. It always reminds me of the great American old school movie star: Grace Kelly or Kate Hepburn. Again, there is a lot of white here mixed with either navy or red. Look for a wide leg trouser with a high waist or a thick waist band that sits lower on the hip and a striped top or cardigan. While slouchy pants are in this season, keep the wide leg of the trouser in proportion with your size. Only go as wide on the leg as your height can take. The taller you are, the more width you can do in a pant leg. But if you're petite (5'4" and under) be careful you don't go so wide, you'll look like you've been devoured by your pants. While horizontal stripes are a hallmark of the nautical look, steer clear of them if you have a larger chest. The stripes will just serve to accentuate it. Conversely, if you have a small chest, horizontal stripes are a great way to add emphasis to that part of the body. There are lots of sandals this season. An espadrille or a flat sandal is a great compliment to this look. Add an oversized bag, a head scarf and big sunglasses to keep the look chic — more like Jackie O. than Gilligan. This is a look that translates well for more mature women because of its clean lines and classic glamour. Top: H&M, $9.90; sweater: H&M, $24.90; pants: Anthropologie, $128
Geek chic
Inspiration: Marc JacobsOne trend that pervaded all the collections was the idea of the “pretty girl.” These looks are an eclectic mix of short cropped swing jackets, cardigans, soft blouses and both pencil and full skirts. They remind me of a young art student who is experimenting with color, pattern and texture and yet very lady-like. Resale stores like Loehman's, Filene's Basement, Century 21 or consignment stores are a great resource to find designer pieces at a fraction of their original price. The biggest accessory of the season is the new belt. It sits at the natural waist (or even a little higher) instead of on the hip like we saw last spring season. This is a terrific, useful accessory to highlight an hourglass figure or create a waistline if you have a tummy or have small hips. White shoes are as popular as white clothes this season. You'll see them in true white, bone, cream and even a pinky white like a bisque. Wear them the same way you would wear any neutral shoe. Top: Prada @ Loehmann's, $99; sweater: CITY unltd., $89; skirt: H&M, $29.90