Ali’s Fave Spring Fashion Trends & How To Make Them Work Year-Round
Hey everyone! Currently writing this article from Colorado where it’s 10 degrees, so you can bet I am ready to fantasize about the warmer weather ahead! Alexandria weather can be funny in the spring. It doesn’t go full-on swamp until late June, so we face about three and a half months of unpredictable weather. Many of the current styles complement the idea of layering and delayering quite nicely, which makes the pieces from local boutique, The Hive, the perfect place to shop for investment items. Follow along as I take you through some of my favorite spring trends, as well as how you can work them into your year-round wardrobe.
The utilitarian trend is everywhere this spring and one of my favorite takes on the trend is the relaxed and elegant cargo pant. I’m calling these the good cargo pants (I’m not a fan of cargo jeans). While a dressy cargo may seem like a contradiction, you’ll be surprised at how often you reach for them. We are seeing good cargos in a sophisticated wide leg floor length and a fun modern jogger. The options below are made of interesting fabrics like tech faille (left), crispy nylon (middle) and nylon satin (right). Sounds like we are ready for something other than a safari! Pair them with a heeled sandal and a cami and you’re good to go. Add a stocking sock with your heeled sandal and wear a simple cashmere cardigan buttoned up and you’re ready for pre-spring drinks/dinner.
Metallic is still the new neutral, especially silver. Grab yourself a pair of silver basket weave flats, sneakers or a bag. I will tell you from experience that you won’t initially reach for silver because it will freak you out a little, but once you give it a try you will see the light. Part of me feels like every outfit needs a little shine to add interest. If the whole concept scares you, start with a silver hoop that has a little weight. One last thing, I’ve noticed with my clients that we have been trained to lean gold or silver, not both. Stop worrying about the rules and wear both independently and together. It’s so much more fun!
Midi and maxi skirts have been on the scene for a while, but add some nylon to the mix and the game is changed! In fact, by the time this article runs I bet most of the skirts below are sold out!! Tibi is one of my favorite brands because they are always pushing the envelope and experimenting with the most unique shapes and fabrics. The three skirts below are by Tibi and they are all nylon. The first two skirts from the left are wrinkle resistant, so take them to all of your favorite destinations worry-free. The skirt on the far right is a blend of nylon and silk, so it’s a little less crispy, but equally as cool. Pair any of these skirts with boots and a sweater, sneakers and a t-shirt or sandals and a tank!
If you’re seeing cargo pockets everywhere, but you cannot bring yourself to wear them on your pants, try a jacket. These uber modern utility jackets are great layering options over anything from a cashmere sweater in the winter to a slip dress in the summer. Constructed of mostly cotton, consider utility jackets as one of your lightweight layers. Wear solar or under a roomy coat. You can look at utility jackets in two ways: the standard jacket worn to a hunt country escapade, or you could venture out and view them as a way to make a dressy or elevated base feel more casual (but not sloppy).
We were all comfortable and happy in our skinny jeans until denim trends started to shift. I recently made a denim progression chart for my clients which maps out all of the jean shapes from the skinny to horseshoe. The point is to figure out how far you are willing to go with your jeans. The latest sculptural denim shape is for what I call “the charger”. This person charges right at the tough stuff. She goes for it. While barrel, wide leg and lantern denim shapes feel outrageous to most, the charger feels right at home. The trick is to balance out the shape with something more fitted or tailored up top.
