Spring brings with it the perfect transition weather. It’s not as hot as summer yet, but it’s warm enough to lose those thick winter coats and knitted scarves in favor of lighter blazers and some more colorful dresses. Thus, it’s the perfect time to give your wardrobe a bit of a revamp. It’s not just for the sake of fashion that you might need this wardrobe upgrade; a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that what we wear can affect our psychological process. This shows that having a good sense of style that suits you not only affects your outward appearance, it also makes you more confident and productive, too. With spring just around the corner, here are some fashion trends that you might want to look into as you give that closet an upgrade.
Skin is In
Healthy skin is not just a testament to good health. This spring, it might also be one of your best accessories. The time for sweatpants during Zoom meetings is over, and as the world is starting to open up, and so are fashion trends with the ongoing popularity of cut-outs. Cut-outs officially started trending in 2021, when Bella Hadid was spotted during Paris Fashion Week wearing a pair of black pants with pelvic cut-outs. Kim Kardashian followed suit during her visit to Vatican, Rome. She wore a lace dress with cut-outs, also in her pelvic area, that still managed to stay acceptable enough for the location’s dress code. Other celebrities like Rihanna, Vanessa Hudgens, and Dua Lipa also have their own takes on the cut-out trend, which goes to show that this style is not going away anytime soon.
Retro Resurgence
Nostalgia is also big this season, with key trends from late 90s and early 2000s coming back in full force. One of these trends is showing your midriff by wearing crop tops. This style can do wonders in balancing out your proportions. It also comes in a wide array of designs – knitted ones, ones with floral designs, or ones with puffed sleeves. Pair a printed crop-top with some jeans to add flair to your casual style, or wear a plain one with some sensible slacks to elevate your smart casual attire.
If you have a small bust, you can swap out crop tops for a classic bikini top such as a bandeau top or halter neck top. Icons like Aliyah, Gwen Stefani, and Britney Spears did this in the 90s and early 2000s. Today, celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Madison Beer are also rocking this look. Wear a bikini top with a nice overcoat and a pair of high waist pants for an effortlessly chic look.
Brighter, Bolder Colors
Bright and bold colors are in this year. The Pantone Color Institute states that this season’s range of colors reflect the need to balance out our craving for comfort and our thirst for adventure. Soft pastel hues are still in season, along with bolder and brighter shades of pink, red, blue, and yellow. This preference for brighter colors is a good indicator that our collective mood is starting to lift. Studies show that 62% of women are more likely to wear “happy clothes” – well-cut clothes made from bright fabric – if they are feeling good.
Don’t be afraid to wear colors and combinations that you have not tried before, too. You might think pink is too much, but spring this year is all about finding the brightest shade you can wear. A hot orange dress can look good with a cerulean bag, while wearing lime overalls with black boots can be an interesting combination for springtime.
Relaxed Shapes and Oversized Clothing
Style should be about comfort. This year, comfort takes on the form of oversized blazers and wide-leg pants. They’re roomy, breathable, and they’re easier to layer and move in. The oversized blazer is a statement piece and a fashion classic, and it can elevate almost any kind of look. You can put it over a shirt and skinny jeans, pair it with some nice heels, and you have an easy-going smart casual look. Meanwhile, you can put it over a mini-dress for a classy date-night outfit.
Wide legged pants are another trend that was carried over from 2021. Just like the blazer, this piece of outfit is flexible and can be used in various occasions. A good pair of wide leg slacks with a simple dress shirt elevates your everyday wear but does not make you look too stiff and formal. Wear a crop top with a pair of cotton wide leg pants, and you have a fresh look ideal for a casual day out. More than that, wide-leg pants, when worn correctly, can also accentuate your curves and make you look taller.
Ultimately, fashion is more than just about looking good, it’s also about feeling great. It is about looking your best because you are also at your best. With spring just around the corner, a wardrobe update can do just that. While this might sound daunting and overwhelming, it can actually be as simple as adding the few pieces mentioned here to elevate your spring look.
