NEW CASTLE —
In last week’s post I laid out six trends that are going to be huge for spring.
This week, I want to show you how you can take them from the runway into your every day life.
Let's face it, runways are meant to put on a show, not necessarily to be realistic for your life. A sheer jumpsuit isn't exactly right for the boardroom. So, to the right I've put together both day and night outfits for each trend, showing you great ways to incorporate the trends into your life.
•First is the black and white trend, which is probably the easiest to incorporate. For the office, try a black and white dress layered with a white blazer. White blazers and jackets feel refreshing and light after such a dark winter. Ladylike accessories with a hint of edge are the perfect finishing touches. For night, think outside the box a bit and try a bold black and white blazer paired with black and white polka dots. Boyfriend jeans are still hot for spring and bringing in shoes with clear details feels very current.
•Next is the sheer trend. Yes, you can wear sheer to the office — in very subtle ways — if your office is a bit more laid back. Try a blouse with sheer detailing at the shoulders or sleeves. Pair this with ankle length pants and bold, feminine accessories. For a night out, sheer can go a lot further — depending on your comfort level. But always keep in mind the taste factor. A sheer top with ladylike details (like in the top to the right) paired with denim keeps the outfit from revealing too much.
•Pattern mixing is one of those trends that can be a little hard to master. For the office, think simple. A striped peplum top mixed with a subtle pattern on the bottom (like the houndstooth trousers shown) is an easy way to try this trend. You can also layer a floral scarf on top for an extra mix. When you're going out for the night, try something a little bolder. A striped top and floral bottoms is one of the easiest mix of patterns. The key to this trend is keeping the patterns in similar color families.
•Ruffles for spring sounds simple, and it is. For the office, try an emerald dress (the color of the year!) with a simple ruffle down the side. A tweed jacket is very chic, especially when paired with nude accessories to allow the emerald to really shine. This nighttime look is one of my favorites — a simple tank that is elevated with the bottom ruffle detail, leather pants, and sky high booties. A statement necklace and studded clutch are perfect compliments.
•The power suit trend is pretty easy to interpret for the office. But why not take a page straight from the runway and master an all white suit. This mix of shades of white is so chic and the detailing on the top gives it extra interest. At night, a beautiful bold blue is a great way to try this trend. Pair it with pretty extras, like a bow top, bow adorned shoes and a pretty bracelet to give the suit a feminine touch.
•Finally, the far east trend can be worked into the office with a pretty dress. This Asian inspired dress looks great with a structured blazer and pretty spring colored shoes. At night, try the new take on the kimono — and pair with faux leather shorts. Bold booties and clutch are great statement pieces, especially when allowed to stand out with simple gold hoops and a timeless watch.
So what do you think? Which of these trends will you be trying?
Fashion: Sarah Stright-Hartley
Related Photos
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Sarah Stright-Hartley is a Neshannock Township resident with a passion for fashion, and a love for the written word. Her blog will appear each Wednesday on www.ncnewsonline.com.
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Black and white, as well as sheer trends.
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Patterns and ruffles for spring
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Suits and Far East trends
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