Although temperatures dipped below freezing in parts of the country today, a peek in stores and on websites nationwide revealed that spring is definitely in the air. It’s also most definitely on the minds of fashionable people everywhere, so start thinking about what looks are hot for spring and which ones will work for you. Whether you’re revamping your entire wardrobe or just reviving it with a few key pieces, here are the top trends that celebs, models and other A-listers are sporting this spring…plus a few trends that are so over you must avoid them at any cost.
Choose it:
Wide-leg jeans. After all the hoopla over the skin tight skinny styles, models and celebs like Halle Barry, Regina King, Penelope Cruz and Kate Moss are sporting a wider-legged style this spring. The trick to rocking this look is to find the perfect pair: no baggy bottoms or short hems. Balance the wide leg with a fitted top or cropped jacket, and finish with wedges or flats to add length and height. Levi’s, Forever 21 and Habitual make great wide-leg jeans, and Gap does a cool wide-leg khaki pant called the boyfriend trouser.
Clutch purses. Ditch your oversize tote for now. This spring—especially when dresses are billowy and pants are wide—it’s all about balancing your look with a sleek and simple clutch. Kate Spade makes a great natural-looking bag with a beach feel, or you can go modern with silver metallic, or ultra hip with yellow, like the yellow clutch from Steve Madden’s spring line. For a more classic look that will stand the test of time, choose brown or white leather; BCBG Max Azria, Stuart Weitzman, Lanvin, Jil Sander, Jimmy Choo and Kenneth Cole make great classic clutches.
Bright yellow. Make like Reese Witherspoon post-Ryan and glow in a bright yellow dress (hers was by Nina Ricci). The look isn’t muted mustard or warm sunshine but rather a glorious ultra-bright lemon. Pick one fantastic piece such as a dress—French Connection, Calvin Klein, Bebe and Diane von Furstenberg make to-die-for yellow frocks—or choose a blouse or wide-leg trousers. Allover bright too much for you? Go for a subtler look with yellow accessories—choose a simple yellow clutch or bag—Prada makes a great one—a wide belt, pumps, wedges or cute flats (like the ones BCBG Girls and Guess make). Speaking of flats…
They may not do as much for your leg as pointy boots, but flats are all the rage this spring. (Kate Bosworth loves her gold Chanel ballet flats and often pairs them with skinny jeans.) Pick up a pair or two to pair with your own skinny jeans, a miniskirt, or one of the season’s hot minidresses. Tod’s, Lacoste, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Manolo Blahnik and Ann Taylor Loft all make gorgeous flats. For an ultra modern look, choose bright red like Katie Holmes, lemon yellow or spring’s other shocking color: cobalt.
Platform wedges. Whether wooden, rope or cork, platform wedges are hot for spring. Add height and style with wedges from Nine West, Nanette Lepore, Malo, Chanel, Brian Atwood, Rafe, Payless, Banana Republic, Stuart Weitzman or Tory Burch. Wear with skirts, dresses or capris to show them off—never hide them under long pants. What’s the point of having cool shoes if no one can see them?
Minidresses. Superfit celebs like Mischa Barton, Paz Vega, Jennifer Lopez, Sienna Miller and Kate Moss are all fans of the minidress. But you don’t have to be a waif to pull off the look: Curvy girls like Jennifer Hudson rock the style too. Choose something simple and flowy—not tight—and keep jewelry simple. Just above the knee looks best if you’re curvy; go a bit shorter if your legs are toned. Versace, Chloe, Marc, and Liz McClean all showcased great takes on the mini for spring. For an ultra girly look, look for frocks with rosettes; whether on the hem or neckline, these feminine, flowery touches are all the rage this year.
Layers of pastel pearls. The layered necklace look is so hot—as are pearls, especially freshwater pearls in complexion-flattering lavender. Gorgeous pink pearl jewelry is extremely popular too. To get the layered look, pair a waist-length gold or silver chain or two with a shorter strand of freshwater pearls, and then add a pearl choker or oversize beaded choker. Use the layered technique to punch up tees, cropped jackets, and button down shirts. American Pearl.com and Moon River Pearls.com are two great sites to try.
Also in for Spring:
Bright red nails (keep them short)
Polka dots and stripes (do NOT choose patterns that overwhelm, especially if you’re petite)
Skinny jeans (yes, they’re still hot)
Cuffs, especially silver, Lucite and shell
Silver metallics: Dresses, shoes, sunglasses, belts, bags…choose one standout silver piece for spring (think Sandra Bullock on the cover of March’s InStyle) and you’ll be good to go. Michael Kors makes a great metallic bag if you don’t want to buy a metallic dress. Or, rock the look for less of an investment with silver metallic eyeshadow.
Lose it:
Now that you know what to wear, here are a few tired trends you absolutely must avoid:
French pedicures. This look is so over. Instead, show off cared-for feet with yummy pastel polish, berry colors or, if you’ve got naturally dark or self-tanned skin, orange hues. Forego polish? No problem, just dab some olive oil on your toes. You’ll be amazed how great they look.
Extreme low rise jeans. We don’t want to see your thong, muffin top, or any other sign of indecency. Pull up your pants, girlfriend!
Big, slouchy bags. This spring, bags are all about minimalist chic. Ditch your oversize tote and lighten up by carting only the essentials in a sleek clutch.
Toy dogs wearing designer jewelry as accessories. Get real. Leave the dogs where they belong—romping around the backyard. And please skip the tiny toys. Big, sloppy mutts are much cooler, and generally healthier.
Shaved heads: Do not emulate Britney on this or any other style for that matter. The girl has lost it.
Lower back tattoos: If you want your tat hidden, don’t bother to get one.
Long, puffy quilted jackets: The Michelen man look was never hot.
Belly shirts: Put them away!
Uggs/Crocs/Birkenstocks: No matter how comfortable they are, the time for these horrifically ugly shoes has passed.
In conclusion, don’t overwhelm yourself by thinking you can only be fashionable if you choose to incorporate everything this article suggests. Remember, trends come and go. Pick a few pieces that work for you (I chose wide-leg trousers, flats and pink pearls) and make spring 2007 your season to shine.
A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America ’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion and lifestyle writer and accessories buyer for http://www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com.
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» left by Annie Smith from Dallas, TX (1 year 194 days ago.)
Amy D has summed it all up for me. Thanks for a great article. I love those pants at the Gap and the Kate Spade clutch. Respond to this comment
» left by Renetta Evans from San Diego, California (1 year 146 days ago.)
Wow. This was a pretty good up-to-the-point article. It's good to know what's "in" but quickly skimming this article. Very good. Respond to this comment
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