Spring Fashion

Despite (or, more likely, because of) the fact that there is currently more than a foot of snow outside my window, I'm ready to start thinking about spring clothes. So what are the fashion trends that are going to be "in" this season - and more importantly, how can I work them into my modest wardrobe? I've done some research into what various fashion blogs and magazines are calling the trends for spring 2017, and I've found some great - and reasonably priced - pieces that fit with those trends. So once you get yourself dug out of that snowbank, you can go shopping for your spring wardrobe!

The Trend: Super-Bright Colors

According to the website Who What Wear, super-bright solid colors, especially shades of pink, were hot on the runway at Paris Fashion Week this year.

Where to Get It: J.C. Penney, The Gap, Macy's

The vivid purple of this gorgeous Black Label by Evan-Piccone short sleeve lace fit-and-flare dress from J.C. Penney certainly fits the bill for bright colors, and the price tag of $59.99 is much more affordable than anything on a Fashion Week runway.

This electric pink A-line layered tank dress from the Gap for $41.99 looks as comfortable as it is chic. And it's also available in "comet blue" if the pink is just a little TOO pink for your taste.

Jeans are a great part of a casual spring wardrobe, so check out these bright red Charter Club Lexington straight-leg jeans from Macy's - currently on sale for only $19.99! They're as cheerful as the first sight of a robin redbreast.

The Trend: Stripes

Elle magazine cited New York Fashion Week for their prediction of stripes being popular this spring in everything from casual wear to swimsuits to pajamas.

Where to Get It: Ann Taylor, Forever 21, Macy's

This casual striped cutout ruffle shell for $59.50 from Ann Taylor features subtle ruffles at the neck and shoulders, and is long enough to be worn tucked or untucked. Pair it with a skirt or pants, and top it with a shrug or cardigan until it's warm enough to go sleeveless.

If bold is more your style, go for these comfy rust-red and white striped palazzo pants from Forever 21 for $15.90. So light and floaty!

And since we're talking comfort, this "azalea pink" striped NY Collection mixed-print high-low top from Macy's for $40 fits right in. And it's also available in blue, "lemon zest" (a.k.a., yellow), and navy.

The Trend: Athleisure

In Style magazine is all excited about the new "athleisure" trend that is basically workout wear meant to be worn outside the gym (I've been hanging around in yoga pants for years and I've never even been inside a yoga studio; I guess I'm ahead of the curve).

Where to Get It: Target, Adidas

Casual doesn't mean unfashionable, and this French terry cold shoulder sweatshirt by Alison Andrews is cute and functional. $19.99 at Target, and also available in gray.

Although I wouldn't wear these Mossimo velour track pants from Target ($19.99) directly from the gym to a job interview, they're certainly upscale enough to wear to the grocery store, a PTO meeting, or even girls' night out at the local bar.

It's still cool enough in spring to need a light jacket, so let your track jacket double as a fashion statement. This Florido Superstar track jacket from Adidas for $70 sports a pretty white-on-blue flower motif on the front and the back.

The Trend: Feminine Florals

The Stylecaster website loved the feminine florals they spotted all over the place at New York Fashion Week. And not only floral prints, but soft ruffles and lightweight, floaty fabrics. Pretty!

Where to Get It: JC Penney, Nordstrom Rack, Ann Taylor

This Danny & Nicole sleeveless flare dress from JC Penney is $49.99 and features a pretty pink-on-white floral print. Top it with a shrug, a cardigan, or a solid-colored scarf to stretch the season a bit.

If skirts are more your style, try this three-tiered Painted Threads printed mesh maxi skirt for $26.97 at Nordstrom Rack. Top it with a solid-colored, simply-cut blouse, tank, or tee.

Ann Taylor pairs white pants with this Coral Oasis georgette split neck blouse for $59.50. The long sleeves work for the cooler temps of early spring, but the pale coral and lightweight fabric can carry it through later spring and well into the early summer months.

The Trend: Blues

Stylecaster also noted that all kinds of shades and combinations of shades of blue will be popular this spring: light, dark, greyish, greenish, solids, and prints.

Where to Get It: Macy's, Nordstrom Rack, J. Jill

This flippy navy blue MICHAEL Michael Kors lace mesh fit & flare dress from Macy's is currently on sale for $72.99. With its pretty mesh panels along the bodice and sleeves and at the hem, it's a fresh and simple spring look that works on the job or on the town.

Crop pants are another great look that can easily go from casual to dressy, and these azure JAG Jeans Echo pull-on crop pants are a beautiful shade of trendy blue that works with both. $26.97 at Nordstrom Rack.

If you prefer prints to solids, J. Jill's $39.99 fringe-trimmed print skirt in blue lotus pattern is a great choice. Wear with a solid color top - coordinating or contrasting - to avoid looking too "busy."

The Trend: Off the Shoulder

Last year was all about "cold shoulders" - paired cutouts over each shoulder. But Glamour magazine points out that this spring will be all about single-shoulder looks.

Where to Get It: Nordstrom Rack, Express, Dillard's

This soft pink Go Couture one-shoulder ruffle tee from Nordstrom Rack ($39.97) makes a statement without being too avant garde. It's slightly fitted and the ruffle is not overly full, for a classic yet edgy look.

This metallic small stripe tie sleeve one shoulder blouse from Express for $59.90 is even edgier. One shoulder is completely exposed while the other peeps out, but the blouse itself is loose and almost demure. A really fun spring fashion statement.

Pairing the one-shoulder trend with the bright color trend, this GB ruffle one shoulder sheath dress for $59.00 at Dillard's is a double fashion win. The long ruffle crosses the shoulder and cascades down the arm like a loose cap sleeve, and the hem flares just a tiny bit to create a soft, feminine line.


And if you could care less about fashion trends and just want to find some spring clothes that are flattering, comfortable, and reasonably priced, here are some of my favorite looks for this spring.

 

 

All three of these pieces are from Kohl's. I love the flowers on these Jennifer Lopez embroidered skinny ankle jeans for $39.99. The light wash of the denim, as well as the shorter length, says spring to me. Pair it with the matching Jennifer Lopez embroidered lace popover top for $64, and if it's too cool to go sleeveless, toss on this soft pink AB Studio open front cardigan for $36.

 

 

This relaxed look is from JC Penney. The loose lavender a.n.a. 3/4 sleeve solid peasant top has flared bell sleeves and a lace yoke, making it both flattering and comfortable - and affordable, at only $19.99 on sale. It's also available in navy and turquoise. A loose blouse should be paired with a more tailored or fitted bottom, so wear it with these slim-fitting St. John's Bay capris in white, for $24.99. Finish off the look with some eye-catching sandals or flip flops, like these Arizona Aruba flat sandals for $19.99.

 

 

This outfit from Macy's works at the office or for dinner out or for church on Sunday. I love the pleated neckline detail, the flared A-lined skirt, and the mid-calf length of the Maison Jules printed midi dress for $79.50. I'd set it off with a narrow white belt, like this MICHAEL Michael Kors aster stud hip station for $20.30, and top it off with this fabulously huge Nine West packable floral sun hat for $34.50.


Oh, did I mention that spring starts this coming Monday? You'd better get shopping!!