Spring is coming! It’s finally time to put away your black-leggings-and-oversized-sweater uniform in favor of something a little more colorful. Marlowe Malouf, a style consultant and buyer at Drest by Scott Malouf, gives us the low-down on this spring’s most fun (and wearable!) trends.
1. Sporty chic
Talk about wearable: the sporty-chic look is the easiest on this entire list to pull off and is certainly the most comfortable. From zipper details to sneakers with dresses, athletic wear is definitely having a moment. Think track pants, parkas, zippers everywhere and drawstring details—just not all at once (unless you’re actually going to the gym, of course!). Sporty styles showed up on the runways of Marc by Marc Jacobs, J.Crew, Rag & Bone and Balenciaga. You can score more affordable styles at stores like Forever 21 and ASOS.
2. Whimsical prints
Polka dots and stripes are so last season. This spring, feel free to get a bit wacky! “Fashion is having a sense of humor [this season,]” Malouf says. As a buyer, Malouf has seen everything from pineapples and grapefruits to giant cacti on dresses, pants and tops. “This season, it’s about fun and lightening up by wearing things that make you smile,” she says. We saw prints like these in the collections of Equipment, Louis Vuitton, Sonia Rykiel and Jeremy Scott. You can also find eclectic prints at online stores like ASOS and Nasty Gal.
3. Turquoise details
Expect this bright bluish shade to make a splash this season! “I’ve seen turquoise on jewelry, belt buckles and embellished shoes,” Malouf says, so there’s no need to wear this shade head-to-toe. Small details go a long way! Turquoise accents were spotted on the spring runways of Ermanno Scervino, Louis Vuitton and Marios Schwab. Looking to be more subtle? Turquoise makeup and nails were also huge hits on the runway, so don’t be afraid to supplement your accessories with some extra splashes of color!
4. Nautical inspiration
The nautical trend is a staple for a reason: navy and white look good on everyone, Malouf says. It’s also a classic; barely a spring season goes by without tons of anchors and sailboats. “All you need is a white- and navy-striped shirt,” Malouf says If you’re looking to get a bit more sea-worthy, Malouf says she has seen the preppy trend on top-siders, espadrilles, sweaters and dresses. Nautical was a mainstay this runway season, showing up in the collections of J.W. Anderson, Christopher Kane and Lacoste. To add a bit of nautical inspiration to your wardrobe, try a basic navy and white sweater or a preppy dress.
5. Fantasy fringe
This ‘70s style became huge in the fall—and it’s here to stay. Fringe is a perfect trend for college women, Malouf says. “It’s a fun detail you can wear with jeans and sandals,” she explains. Try a bag with a bit of fringe on the bottom or some fringed shorts for a music festival vibe. Fringe was huge on the runways of Proenza Schouler, Alberta Ferretti and Elie Tahari. Try it out for yourself on some booties or a leather cross-body.
6. Fifty Shades of Gray
It’s a book, it’s a movie, it’s a trend—gray’s practically a movement this season. From icy slate to deep charcoal, gray’s another color that’s going to be big this spring and beyond. It was seen in the collections of Bottega Venetta, Norma Kamali and Diane von Furstenberg. Stock up and rock that monochrome!
7. Bucket bags
Like fringe, the bucket bag is another 7’0s staple that has quickly become ubiquitous. Hailed as one of the biggest bag trends of the spring, Malouf tells us the bucket bag is perfect for collegiettes. “It’s a cool trend,” she says. “It’s clean. Throw in some notebooks and pens and you’re good for the day!” Bucket bags were all over fashion weeks, including the collections of Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Giorgio Armani. You can also find them at Forever 21 and ASOS.
This spring, forego your usual look in pursuit of these bold trends! Whether you put together a subtle sporty look or get all fringed out, make sure to have fun with fashion, collegiettes!