Are you as happy as we are to say goodbye to winter? We are so over bulky layers, scarves, hats and staying inside. Spring is here, and it’s time to switch up your wardrobe! We’ve picked out some of our favorite trends for spring 2014 and talked to the experts about how to transition these runway looks into everyday wear.
1. Button-down shirts
Button-downs are a timeless classic, but Alexander Wang took them to a whole new level for spring. While you may not be willing to rock an almost-completely-unbuttoned shirt to class (understandable), you can still make this look work for daily wear.
Stretch Shirt, H&M, $19.95
Pair a similar button-down, like this one from H&M, with your favorite dark jeans. An oxford is always fresh and light, and the contrasting collar adds a unique twist while keeping it simple. Pair it with flats for class, then change into pumps and a statement necklace for a night out!
2. Pastels
Neon, it’s been fun, but we’ve found a new love: pastels! While these gorgeous, subtle hues are not exactly new, brands like Burberry are mixing them up this year by layering pastels with lighter and darker shades of the same color. Wendy Bryant Gow, founder and CEO of image consulting agency Lily Winston, is particularly fond of pinks for this spring. “I like the idea of just pinks in general, maybe doing from cool to warm to hot, and the pink shades are so great to mix and match,” she says.
Did I Flutter? Peach Babydoll Dress, LuLu*s, $36
Sophisticate Structured Crossbody, Forever 21, $16.80
Ballet Flats, H&M, $12.95
Bangle Bracelet, H&M, $7.95
Try pairing this casual peach dress from LuLu*s with bright pink accessories for a stunning spring look. We love this vivid bag from Forever 21. Add a bangle and flats from H&M, and you’ve got the perfect pastel pink outfit!
3. Cropped jackets
Last fall, shorter jackets were all over the runways for spring, like this one from Thakoon. More sophisticated than the crop top, the cropped jacket lets you play with layers to achieve interesting and flattering silhouettes. “We’re seeing a lot of the shorter jackets, which I can fit over a dress, or I can do that over trousers,” Gow says.
Eclectic Quilted Jacket,Forever 21, $20.99
Gow recommends going for a high-low look by mixing longer tops with cropped jackets or pairing your jacket with a simple sheath dress. We love this boxy, quilted jacket from Forever 21; the pattern is fun and it’s perfect for pairing with jeans or a skirt.
4. Black and white
In winter, our wardrobes tend to transition to darker colors. You may have found yourself wearing almost all black on more than one occasion. But just because it’s spring doesn’t mean your favorite dark pieces have to go! Just mix them up with lighter whites, like this Rachel Zoe look. “I love doing black and white, giving it that sort of wonderful… graphic punch of putting [them] together,” Gow says.
MinkPink Versus From The Abstract Dress, Nasty Gal, $88
Mix and match your black and white staple pieces for a dynamic spring look, or find fun black-and-white patterns. This dress from Nasty Gal is perfect for everyday wear; it’s casual enough for class but easy to spruce up for nighttime. Keep it simple with black and white accessories, or try a bright clutch to add a pop of color!
5. Midi skirts
Sick of miniskirts? We are, too. Add some sophistication to your look this spring by switching out your short, straight skirts for some long, flirty midis. We’re crazy about this mint beauty from Alice + Olivia! These skirts are girly and fun, and they can be dressed up or down for every occasion.
Gow loves these long, full skirts for spring. “We’re seeing more volume, and for so long with pencil skirts, tight [was] really the only direction to go,” Gow says.“…Seeing a waistline and a fuller volume is exciting, I think, and a little bit [of a] different take.”
ASOS Midi Skirt in Ponte with Pocket Detail, ASOS, $52.69
This pastel midi from ASOS lets you rock two trends at once! Pair it with a simple white top and some heels to give your legs some length.
Spice up your spring wardrobe with these runway-ready pieces! Wear them to class, to chill on the lawn or for a night out. You’ll feel like Cara Delevingne strutting around in these fabulous spring looks. Happy spring, collegiettes!