Spring Fashion Trends

Spring is almost here and it's time to pull out those bold prints.  Ladies, get out your floral tops and cropped shirts; and gentlemen, get out your tailored suit-like blazers.  For years, skinny, tight fitted jeans have taken over; however, this spring the wide-leg jeans are making a comeback for both genders. From wide-leg trousers to classic cropped halter tops, the '70s look is making its way back big time. Designers, such as Derek Lam,  and clothing stores, such as TopShop have presented bell-bottom jeans in their 2011 Spring and Summer collections. Styles on runways ranged from denim bell-bottomed jeans, tailored bell-bottomed pants, to floral bell-bottomed slacks.  

Bright colors dominated some of the runways, as well.  Bright, bold colors will always be a trend for the spring. It's how blooming flowers are represented in fashion.  The palette for this season includes bright yellows, dazzling blues, soft pinks, and shining oranges.  The majority of designers paired multiple colors together, creating a contrasting, bold effect.

The term "pajama dressing" has been used recently in many magazines, such as Harper's Bazaar and Elle.  Pajama dressing captures the laid back, comfortable, soft colors of everyday sleep wear. Don't go out wearing pajama pants; wear light weight, loose fitted pants and light tops in neutral to cool colors.

In 2010, lace was the go to trend for women's tops, and as spring comes along the trend is continuing. This Spring, be on the look out for lace skirts and dresses. Last year, the trend involved lace shirts, lace sleeves, or back lace,  the lace trend is moving to bottom half of your body.

This year, cean cut and tailored is the fashion focus for gentlemen. The suave, sophisticated look will always be in style.  This spring, step out of the box, onto new patterns. Save the standard black, browns, grays and blues for the office. On a night out, mix it up with a plaid patterned tux jacket, adding texture to your ensemble. Smooth colors, like camel brown, will give your blazer a nice touch.

Other trends that will be big this Spring are biker jackets, light weight turtle necks, and plaid patterned ties. Looking for a quick touch a style? Just throw on a vest and a plaid-patterned shirt.  For some guys, it's all about the watch.  Look out for black-on black watches and watches with military characteristics.  Black- on-black watches are simple, but stylish.

To summarize, clean cut and stylish is the in-thing. With all the changing trends, continuing trends, and developing styles of the seasons; what matters most is one's personal style. Being comfortable in your own skin is the best style out there. In the words of  Yves Saint Laurent, "Fashion fades, but style is eternal."