It’s that time again! We’re about to embark on a journey into the new spring and summer fashion trends and it’s bound to be fun…or at least interesting. Cold shoulder tops are losing steam so thankfully they are no longer on everything! Of course, pastels and florals are everywhere and midi-dresses are still hot. But that’s not all!
If you’ve been receiving my trend updates for a while you might remember that in the past few seasons I’ve had mostly good things to say about what’s out there. Of course, there are always a few trends that make my eyes cross, but for the most part the styles have been fun to explore.
All of that has changed this season!
Sadly, in reviewing the trends I have to admit that I’m ‘bewildered’ much more than I’m ‘bewitched’ and I’m not happy about that. I kept searching and searching hoping I’d missed something, but so far that hasn’t been true.
Of course, they sometimes tell us things are trendy, but we don’t always see the transition from the runway to the stores…at least not in the Boston area. Maybe that will be true for some of the crazier styles they insist on thrusting on us and they’ll just pass us by.
Now, without further ado, I’ve done my best to see the good in what’s coming and, as for the rest of it, if you are looking for a good laugh, this will do it! (And please don’t despair…as I mentioned, trends are trends and they come and go, but the foundational pieces will still be available.)
Follow along below and then check out this page for my favorites (and those labeled most dreadful):
Spring Trends (https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/105H&SFXZi)
Bewitched
Colors: The nice thing about colors in the spring is that they are generally pretty happy colors. With classic blue as the color of the year, we’re seeing lots of blue in all shades (especially light blue, cobalt and navy). And, of course, pink is everywhere as it is every spring! If you prefer darker colors, it can sometimes be a bit trickier, but you can still find them amidst the perky spring colors so don’t give up. You just have to look a little harder! (See more about color in the bothered category.) Here’s one of my favorites.
You can see more examples of the wide variety of blues and pinks here: https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/105H&SFXZi).
Cardigans: Cardigans have become a staple in many women’s wardrobes and there are often lots and lots of choices for styles, lengths, fabrics and colors. Just make sure you aren’t overwhelmed in fabric or are not choosing something that makes you look and feel frumpy. Not ALL cardigans work on every body or with every outfit so you have to pick and choose which ones to add to your wardrobe.
Pleats: I don’t always love pleats because the placement of them is critical to how flattering they are. There are lots of pleated skirts out there that are pretty and feminine, BUT with every example you will see the model is wearing the top tucked in. So if you don’t feel comfortable tucking in a top, you won’t want to wear a pleated skirt. But there are other options. This season pleats are also nicely placed in summery tops and those are very wearable. Check out this pretty use of pleats:
Suits: They are popular again although you’d never know it when you try to find a ‘suit’ category on women’s clothing websites. You have to hunt a bit harder than you used to and most of the suits are nothing to write home about once you do find them. The good news is that there is a slow resurgence and we’ll see where that leads as the season and year goes along.
Chunky Boots with Feminine Dresses: This isn’t really all that earth-shattering – the trend has been around for a bit and if you like it, have fun with it.
Polka Dots: Pretty much every spring polka dots pop up. It’s not surprising since they are such a happy print. The nice thing this year is that you can find polka dots in pretty colors and not just navy, black and white! Just look at this gorgeous shade of green in a pretty feminine midi-dress.
Half & Half: This is a form of color blocking that is supposedly hot this spring. But I had to hunt and hunt just to find two examples of it. So either the trend is just warming up or they are pulling our legs!! There is something intriguing and edgy about this trend when it’s done well so we’ll see what happens as the season goes along. I love this pretty top – such a delicate use of the half and half design. And, you’ll want to see the fabulous blazer as well. You can see it here: (https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/105H&SFXZi)
Dresses of All Kinds: You’ll find a lot of dress style from midis to maxis and tiered or ruffled to shirtdresses. You’ll even find some dress styles I’ve added to the ‘bothered’ category below. The good news is that there are many choices. You’ll see many shirtdress options HERE and below is one of my favorites because it’s also in deeper colors (which this time of year can be hard to find) AND it comes in sizes xs to 4x.
Bothered
Colors: In the spring yellow is often shown as the ‘it’ color and this year is no exception. Various shades, especially marigold and buttercup yellow are hot. But they are not as easily wearable as they lead us to believe. So be wary before buying one of those colors. Neon colors are also back (or still here!). They can be fun for workout clothes, but they are not often someone’s best color (although I did just do one woman’s colors this week who rocks neon!) so use them sparingly if they appeal to you and you aren’t sure they are your best. And, lastly tangerine is back which is also a challenging color to wear well.
Billowy Dresses: Big, oversized dresses are supposedly all the rage. I’m not seeing a ton of them as I’m searching (phew!!). I’m finding some shapeless dresses and a lot of midi-bohemian style dresses. But so far (thankfully) not a lot of huge billowy dresses that just would make most of us look like giant blobs.
Bewildered
Ankle strap shoes worn over pants: Yes, you read that right. It’s a trend…probably fleeting and certainly only for those women who don’t mind adding width to their ankles or who are so cool and trendy (and tall enough) they can pull it off. I also suspect that the pants stay tucked in as long as you are standing. But chances are good that when you sit down the pants won’t always stay under the straps and then it will all look messy. Somehow I don’t think too many people I know will embrace this trend. But I’d be VERY interested to know if you’re planning to try it or how it works out if you do!
Oversized sleeves: This trend is getting really old at this point. Bell sleeves, puffy sleeves, ruffled sleeves…they have all been trendy now for so many years that, other than doing away with the trend, the only other option is to go big. Supposedly that’s what they’ve done, but it has almost become laughable at this point. A pretty, decorative sleeve can be nice now and then but not on everything! What I am seeing is lots of puffy sleeves but not many that are as oversized as we saw on the runway. Perhaps I’m not the only one saying enough is enough!
Utility jumpsuits: These have been in style for several seasons. To be honest, I don’t think they are particularly attractive and I have yet to see anyone I know wearing one. But someone must be wearing them because they won’t go away. I have found a few that I think are nice for various reasons and you can see them here: https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/105H&SFXZi
Midi and Maxi Denim Skirts: Skirts, in general, can be tricky as you get older, especially if your waist has disappeared and been replaced by a tummy that protrudes. Most skirts look best with something tucked in and if you have a tummy you probably are not keen on tucking things in. That said, a short denim skirt can be pretty with a t-shirt for a great casual look in the summer. But the denim fabric doesn’t always translate as well to midi and maxi lengths. Denim is often stiff (although I know that some denims are blended or treated so they are softer), but wearing a long denim skirt can feel heavy and look uncomfortable. Here’s one that is pretty, but, as you can see, it will only work for someone with very slim hips. And, you’ll see another one in the ‘trends to avoid’ section HERE.
Suits with Bermuda Shorts: They are being touted all over as the go-to office wear for spring, but I’m not seeing them anywhere. Maybe it’s too early or maybe they will only be in the trendier stores. I guess we’ll see!
Oversized Blazers: Why they choose to bring back the least attractive trends (and there are a lot of them) from the 80’s is beyond me! Oversized blazers can be fun to wear, but you absolutely must know what you’re doing in terms of balance and proportion or you’ll look like you’re drowning in fabric and feel three sizes bigger than you really are…as you can see here. If you have a curvy body, this is probably a trend to avoid in general.
Don’t Care
There are also some new trends that don’t really strike me one way or the other. But since I’m seeing them in the stores I thought I’d share them so you can decide for yourself.
Square-toed sandals: This trend is fine for sandals although I suspect it will continue into fall with boots and shoes. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of square toed shoes or boots because it’s a much less elegant style (and we’ve already lost so much elegance in fashion to begin with). Here are 3 styles that are pretty and you’ll see more HERE as well.
Pointed ‘Disco’ collar: This is a big throwback to the 70’s. It’s not my favorite, but when worn with flair it just becomes part of the outfit and not the main focal point. And, in this example, the design of the collar gets a little lost in the print so the overall effect is more subtle.
Mesh, Netting & Crochet: I’m seeing netting more in accessories than clothing but all of them are around here and there. They can add a little boho flair to your summer look! Here’s a pretty mesh top.
Tiers and Ruffles: Have you ever seen a spring season where ruffles and tiers are not everywhere? This season is no different. Yawn! If you love them you’ll be in heaven and if not…don’t give up. There are plenty of styles without them!
In the special curated catalogue I created for you, you’ll see these trends and MANY more including bucket hats, how to mix trends, a few styles I like ‘just because,’ AND, of course, the ‘Styles to Avoid’ section. Go here to see it all: (https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/105H&SFXZi)
So, what do you think? Does the season’s fashions strike you as delightful and fun or are you rolling your eyes and shaking your head? I’d loved to know your thoughts in the comments below.
The good thing about trends is that if you are not thrilled, just wait a while and they’ll show you something different. And, amidst the trends there are still beautiful foundational pieces and designs that are lovely without being ‘on trend’ to add to your wardrobe.
Of course, if it all makes your eyes cross and you dread shopping this season, let’s talk and explore how I can help make it easier. I work with clients all over the world whether in person or virtually. And, in this difficult time of ‘social distancing’ virtual can be the perfect answer to staying safe and healthy and enjoying your wardrobe at the same time.
Enjoy and please take good care!
With beauty, style & grace,
Ginger
Creator – ‘Dress to Impress—Yourself!’
* * *
A Note About the Clothes: All of the garments pictured here (and in the catalogue) are vegan (made from fabrics that did not harm any animals). Please note that I am passionate about ending animal suffering and choosing cruelty-free clothing is just one aspect of a vegan lifestyle. If you have any questions about being vegan or what fabrics are vegan please let me know. I am happy to help and will answer any questions with kindness and compassion.
Some of the affiliate links may generate very small commissions for Total Image Consultants. This helps offset the cost of the special software used to create these catalogues.
