Spring may have sprung, but here in North Dakota there is fresh snow on the ground. The rest of the world is in bloom though, so I have to be a good blogger and keep up :) A lot of what's in this year are trends that are making a comeback like fringe and button ups, as well as seasonal staples like florals and tropical prints. Here are my favorites for Spring/Summer 2014:
Color Trends:
Radiant Orchid
This is Pantone's color of the year so it will definitely be everywhere! It is soft yet sassy and has something about it that just draws you in. It is also a very happy color and I think it is perfect for the warmer months. As a bonus, this enchanting shade of purple works well on all skin tones. If you're fair, opt for colors that have more pink/lavender tones. Dark skinned ladies will look beautiful in a shade of orchid that are brighter and more saturated.
Pretty Pastels
Pastels are back this season and they are sweeter than ever! Get girly with all over pastel or put a menswear spin on the trend with a sorbet colored blazer. The peach and blush tones from last fall are still in, so go ahead and rework it for your spring style!
Orange
This citrus shade has been around for a few seasons now so you probably own a few things in this color. If not, you can experiment with fiery vermilion (a saturated combination of orange and red) or you can tone it down by sticking to coral shades. If you only want to take one big fashion risk this season, may I suggest an orange lip? I have a feeling this beauty trend is gong take the year by storm and once you find a shade that works with your skin tone, you will be transformed into a glamazon!
Blush
Blush is back! This pale rose color brings a soft, feminine vibe which is very appealing for spring. Be careful when picking clothes in this color though because, if it is not the correct shade for your skin it will make you look washed out. Try wearing the color in accessories and nail polish instead if you can't find a shade that suits you.
Powder Blue
This is the new mint, so fashionistas take heed. Baby blues were worn in ways that were extremely soft and ladylike or very flirty and risqué. Play with this shade via a flared sundress or a button down blouse. A wispy maxi would be perfect for an ethereal vibe.
Style Trends
Crop Tops
This trend is still going strong. Try a crop top and matching bottom (as seen at Michael Kors in picture #3) for an updated way to wear this style.
The Runway: Crop tops for the season range from bright, poppy colors, to heavily embellished and pretty prints.
The Real Way: Start working out hardcore because this trend is so hot, you're definitely going to want to wear it!
Buttoned Up
Button up shirts and dresses are very popular this season, especially in pastel colors because it looks very soft and ladylike yet business-y (because of the buttoned up form).
The Runway: Contrasting collars were seen frequently on the runway so if you only buy one button up shirt, it may as well be one with a contrasting collar :) Other popular twists on the button up are sheer panels and embellishments.
The Real Way: As per usual, all the above details were exaggerated on the runway. For real life, make sure the sheer panels give you proper coverage in the right areas and don't wear overly baggy button ups as it will swallow your frame. Also, stay away from putting together an outfit that looks like the first picture below!
All-White Everything
Every spring and summer white makes a big impact on the runway and this year is no different. An all-white monochrome outfit has always been extremely chic. I'm looking forward to wearing this trend, especially since I've added a few beautiful pieces to my closet!
The Runway: Some pieces on the runway were two boxy/billowy for the real world so use your judgement to adapt these styles for the real world :) A lot of the blazers were worn with nothing under it -- if you're daring you can try this for a night out partying, but make sure to use a lot of body tape!
The Real Way: Look for pieces with strong, prominent lines or sheer panels to give this style staple a modern twist.
Floral Fun
Another spring/summer essential, florals are fun, flirty and feminine. Wear them long, wear them short, wear them with pants or even head-to-toe! The options are really endless.
The Runway: We saw models coming down the runway in a mix of clashing florals. Other takes on the trend were the watercolor prints and appliquéd blossoms. Designers went with both loud colors and muted, soft shades in their collections.
The Real Way: Take a page from the runway and mix floral patterns for a bold and unexpected effect
Embellishments
Bring out your inner magpie in this season's embellished styles. My favorite is the jewelry inspired embellishment on anything from dresses to sweaters.
The Runway: From barely-there glimmer to razzle dazzle sparkle, this year's collections had something for everyone.
The Real Way: This trend really brings a sense of decadence to everyday dressing. Don't be afraid to shine during the day (yes, even at the office!) and go all out when the sun goes down
Fringe Benefit
The Runway: Maasai-inspired at Emilio Pucci, folk-inspired at Valentino, channeling Moroccan souks at Celine: fringe is surely hitting the big time this season.
The Real Way: The look is less Western, more contemporary, so search for fringe in sleeves or hems, leather details, kimono cardigans or simply purchase a fringed crossbody bag.
Art House
The Runway: Dresses are transformed into canvases as designers spill their creativity using inspiration from real works of art. Prada chose to make a statement about feminism using loud art prints featuring women's faces, while beautiful watercolor pastels were splashed over clothing at Chanel.
The Real Way: Do go for pieces with watercolor prints and other artsy qualities. Landscape prints are also a good way to take this trend from the runway to the real world without sacrificing the high fashion quotient.
Other Trends to Try:
- Pleats
- Wide Leg Pants
- Graphic Prints
- Sporty Style
- Strapless and One-Shoulder outfits
- Tropical Prints
- Iridescent and Metallic fabrics
- Lace
- Leather
- Aquatic inspired prints
Stay Stylish,
xoxo - Chrissy
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