The sun is shining, Easter candy is in stores and winter coats are coming off. Spring is here, folks, and it's time to upgrade, revise and revolutionize your wardrobe.
There are myriad playful fashion trends playing out this season, so start looking for a few new pieces to incorporate into your style. Here are some of the most prominent spring fashion trends to look forward to.
Tropical prints — Vibrant tropical prints are a great way to segue from the bleak winter to the warm spring. Don't worry, you don't have to sport your dad's faded Hawaiian button-down to rock this trend. Tropical prints are finding their way into everything from pants, blouses, shorts and dresses this season. Complete your exotic look with colorful sandals, bright sunglasses and a floppy hat.
Don't worry, you don't have to sport your dad's faded Hawaiian button-down to rock this trend.
This unique Michael Kors dress is a great way to go tropical.
Statement earrings — Sure, winter was all about those impossibly heavy, slightly absurd statement necklaces, but this spring is all about bold, eye-catching earrings. Invest in several pairs of colorful geometric dazzlers to perk up your simple blue jeans and white v-necks, or use them to add polish to your date-night dresses and high heels.
For a good pair of statement earrings, look no further than Kendra Scott's designs. See some of her selections on the Kendra Scott website.
Peekaboo, I see you — If winter was about bundling up, this spring is all about stripping down. One risqué trend making its way into fashion is the chic, sexy peekaboo outfit. Midriff-baring tops, fringe t-shirts, sheer fabrics and high slits have made an appearance in fashion weeks across the globe. Thankfully, there are options for every level of modesty. But, seriously, where's the fun in that? Be brave! Show some skin this season!
Houston-based Francesca's Collections has a host of affordable peekaboo outfits, such as this beautiful Calgary Chiffon Dress.
Praise the fashion gods for slouchy, frame-friendly Bermuda shorts and short suits.
Bermuda shorts and short suits — In years past, Daisy Duke cut-offs have plagued women's fashion. Seriously, what chick enjoys having her buns hang out the back of her pants? Praise the fashion gods for slouchy, frame-friendly Bermuda shorts and short suits, with are both making a valiant comeback this spring. Fashion designers are embracing knee-length shorts with an array of colors, textures and fabrics. These modest shorts can be worn on day outings — but can just as easily transition into an evening out on the town.
If you're looking for a simple pair of Bermudas, try on these bright white cotton shorts from St. John Collection.
Emerald, Mint, Lilac — You might look like an Easter egg wearing these three florally colors, but lest my eyes deceive me, it seems most every Houston woman has been wearing some shade of emerald, mint or lilac lately. If you get tired of these three shades, don't worry. As you'll see below, black and white is also trending this season.
Need an idea on how to wear mint? Check out these beautiful skinny jeans from Bloomingdales.com.
Over-the-top sunnies — If your style is borderline absurd and over-the-top, you're in luck: Ridiculous eyewear is in style. Classic Ray-Bans and aviators have been the staple eyewear for several years, but it's time to invest in something a little more unconventional and fly your freak flag. If you're worried about finding the right pair of these OMG-worthy glasses, don't sweat it; I've seen them in almost every shade, shape and size this season.
Are you on a budget? Well, for $22 you can get these 'cool cat' glasses from Nordstrom.
In years past, ruffles have been the horror of toddlers and bridesmaids, but this year's ruffles are a sight to behold.
Ruffles, ruffles and more ruffles — In years past, ruffles have been the horror of toddlers and bridesmaids, but this year's ruffles are a sight to behold. Toned down and supremely chic, ruffles are a great way to step up your wardrobe without drowning in a sea of fabric. If you're new to this awesome look, start by investing in a few staple pieces that have simple ruffles. Once you've found your style mojo, feel free to go ruffles galore.
This white Alexander McQueen ruffle blouse might be a pricey $875, but it's oh so breathtaking!
Colorful lace — This season's runways were adorned with awe-worthy, vibrant lace dresses, shirts, overlays, and embellishments. Though lace most recently re-emerged this past winter, it's maintained its fashion stronghold into the spring season. To wear this feminine look, try incorporating a bright lace dress or skirt into your closet. If you're not ready to dive headfirst into this trend, then stick with a simple lace tee under a light leather jacket or cardigan.
Combine a splashy pink with a subtle cream in this $45 Dorothy Perkins bustier dress.
Black and whites — Similar to lace, black and whites started working their way back into mainstream fashion this past winter. This old-school trend is easy to piece together on the fly and useful for both days at the office and nights at the bar. Black and white can become boring rather quickly, so liven things up a bit and try playing this style up with different textures, fits, and shapes.
If you're searching for a black and white outfit that will transition from day to night, check out this affordable black and white frock on Piperlime.com.
Wide stripes — Some fashion trends get recycled every few years, and that seems to be the case with this season's reappearance of wide stripes. These all-American, bold stripes are easy to wear for most any occasion, and more than likely, you probably have a few stripe pieces already hanging in your closet. If wide stripes aren't your thing, thin stripes are also in vogue this season.
When it comes to stripes, nothing tops Ralph Lauren. This stripe dress will bring a nautical touch to most any look.
Know of any emerging fashion trends we missed? How about fashion tips? Feel free to leave any comments or suggestions below and tell us more!
This unique Michael Kors dress is a great way to go tropical.
Love Note by Lyndsey Zorich is available at Saint Bernard stores in Houston, Dallas, Southlake, San Antonio, and Austin, plus online.Photo courtesy of Saint Bernard