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    Runway to Reality

    Spring to it: Four feminine and flirty trends guaranteed to liven up yourwardrobe

    Merritt Beck
    Jan 17, 2012 | 8:30 am
    • Flirty Florals in the Erdem and Peter Som Spring/Summer 2012 Collections
      Photo by Merritt Beck
    • Derek Lam and Tory Burch embracing dropped waists and modest silhouettes with20's-inspired Spring/Summer collections
      Photo by Merritt Beck
    • Pastel Palettes on the runways of 3.1 Phillip Lim and Preen
      Photo by Merritt Beck
    • Thigh-high slits as portrayed by Tadashi Shoji and Yigal Azrouel
      Photo by Merritt Beck

    Every season, the fashion world shoves an excessive amount of "it" looks in our faces. So many in fact, I sometimes feel it necessary to go through the numerous trends with a fine-toothed comb to narrow them down even further. This spring and summer are no different.

    From menswear-inspired sportswear, bold prints, vivid neons and more, there are literally dozens of "trends" you can choose from to navigate your way through spring and summer.

    To make things a little easier, here are my favorite (and probably the most wearable) looks from the runways. I'm heading to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week next month, so I'll be back soon with my suggestions for fall!

    Flirty Florals

    It's no secret we're seeing a return to femininity in fashion, and really, what's more feminine and elegant than a plush floral pattern? Everyone from Erdem to Jason Wu flaunted flirty florals in their spring/summer 2012 runway shows, but luckily you can also get the look for less. With lines like J.Crew and ASOS taking on this lively and colorful print, you can pick some pieces that will surely fit in your budget.

    Everyone from Erdem to Jason Wu flaunted flirty florals in their spring/summer 2012 runway shows, but luckily you can also get the look for less.

    For flower power at the office, try this J.Crew a-line skirt or this ASOS floral pantsuit. For date night, don a flirty dress like this Zimmerman wrap dress or this open-back Thayer frock. If you are into a brighter color-scheme, this Just Cavalli top or these electric blue Matthew Williamson shorts should fit the bill.

    As far as accessories, petal-covered purses are where it's at. This ravishing red floral hobo by Yves Saint Laurent es muy caliente for spring. For a more subdued hue, check out Nina Ricci's floral-print envelope clutch. Too cute.

    Roaring Twenties

    Dropped waists and flapper flair is back and flashier than ever. Derek Lam, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs and Alberta Ferretti have all offered these sensual silhouettes with heavy beading, sequins and sheer cutouts for an added bang for your buck at your upcoming spring events.

    As Ms. Ferretti mentioned in my interview with her, The Great Gatsby was a major influence and theme in her spring/summer collection, in tandem with the movie being re-released this year, and it seems as if many other designers were in a similar mindset.

    For a timely and timeless look, invest in a sheath like this one by Marc Jacobs. If you're looking for a more casual and youthful look, grab this jumpsuit from Ferretti's contemporary line, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti.

    If you feel like killing two birds (three actually) with one stone, get this pastel-hued floral Marc Jacobs dress with a dropped waist. Three hot trends in one dress? Yes, please.

    Pastel Palette

    Onto the color portion of this column, sherbet shades are on the short list for a pretty and painted season. As a palette, pastels tend to fall in a more youthful category, which has its pros and cons. The benefit of pastels is that they can add a bit of a playful punch to your grown-up wardrobe, but too much of will leave you looking like rainbow sherbert from Baskin Robbins (my favorite flavor, btw).

    The benefit of pastels is that they can add a bit of a playful punch to your grown-up wardrobe, but too much of it will leave you looking like rainbow sherbert from Baskin Robbins.

    The key is to find a balance by selecting a few subtle pieces to wear with white and other neutral hues. Just like with brights and neons, not everyone can handle the soft look of sorbet hues. If you're not really into color, there are ways to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe without it taking over an ensemble.

    For those a little bashful of the brights, incorporate pastels with a pair of summery wedges or even in your makeup choices. Pick a coral lipstick, a mint nail shade or a subtle lilac eyeshadow to make those baby blues pop.

    Phillip Lim and Preen both provided a number of pieces in creamy pinks, tangerines, yellows, mints and lilacs which I'm excited to see once they hit the store racks! I'm especially fond of this minty fresh Equipment blouse - it would look stellar tucked into pair of clean white shorts and espadrilles!

    Sky-High Slits

    A personal favorite trend of mine is the look of a thigh-high slit on a maxi dress or skirt this spring. Whether you prefer a sporty color block or would rather go with some flower power, designers have come up with options for both with a sexy little addition.

    It's a tasteful way to show some skin without giving away the whole farm, and I'm a much bigger advocate of showing some leg than some cleavage. If you like the look but are wondering how to wear it in a modest fashion, check out designer Yigal Azrouel's tips from my interview with him here.

    I recently purchased this angelic Yigal Azrouel side-slit maxi in white and let me tell you... It is nothing short of awesome. It is definitely my new go-to piece when I need to feel inspired or just want to get all dolled up. Click here to see how I combined this sexy, modern skirt with some retro basics for a classic, old-school glamour look.

    Beck is the editor of fashion and personal style blog, The Style Scribe.

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    EFFORTLESS EDIT

    Shop Carolyn Bessette's minimal '90s style at these 8 Houston spots

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Mar 19, 2026 | 10:30 am
    Love Story
    Photo courtesy of FX/Facebook
    Thanks to the show, "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. And Carolyn Bessette," 90s minimalism is back and easy to find in Houston.

    Thanks to Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, the woman who helped define ’90s minimalism is back in heavy rotation. Her classic way of dressing serves as a reminder that great style does not need logos or loud trends to make a big impact. Bessette-Kennedy's uniform of crisp white shirts, perfectly cut denim, and minimal accessories is not only nostalgic, but a stylish blueprint for getting dressed right now.

    Houstonians don't need a NYC zip code or a Calvin Klein press badge to recreate her most classic looks. From River Oaks District to Rice Village and the Heights, boutiques are leaning into that same pared-back polish — making it easy to find a quietly expensive aesthetic without overthinking it.

    Accessories

    Lele Sadoughi

    Bessette-Kennedy often topped off her casual outfits with a slim tortoise shell headband, and Lele Sadoughi, a boutique in River Oaks District, is leaning into similar timeless styles. The Tortoise Emma Acetate Headband and the Jet Faux Leather Bessette Headband are both available for preorder with similar styles available in-store.

    Lele Sadoughi Polished headbands and statement accessories with a timeless twist.Photo courtesy of Lele Sadoughi

    Krewe

    New Orleans-born Krewe eyewear in Rice Village is channeling '90s minimalistic style with slim, small-frame sunglasses that are reminiscent of Bessette-Kennedy's go-to pairs. Its Spring 2026 collection introduces the Kate and Leah styles, each offered in three colorways.

    Krewe Sleek, small-frame sunglasses that channel effortless ’90s cool.Photo courtesy of Krewe

    Fly High Little Bunny

    This Houston go-to for one of a kind pieces offers a variety of both fine jewelry and classic sterling silver styles. Jeweled hoops, dainty rings, and minimal necklaces that were everyday staples of Bessette-Kennedy, are available at their Heights boutique.

    Fly High Little Bunny Delicate jewelry and one-of-a-kind pieces for everyday minimalism.Photo courtesy of Fly High Little Bunny/Instagram

    Moreau Paris

    Often seen carrying a tote bag, the '90s fashion icon was a big fan of understated luxury. River Oaks District handbag boutique Moreau Paris offers a variety of bags in similar styles including the Mini Vincennes Reversible Totes giving a two-in-one option, as well as the Small Ana Saddle Leather Top Handle Bag for a more structured look.

    Moreau Paris Understated luxury handbags with clean lines and quiet sophistication.Photo courtesy of Moreau Paris

    Clothing

    Tootsies

    When it came to denim, Bessette-Kennedy kept things classic, favoring straight and bootcut styles. At Tootsies, the brand DL1961 taps into that same timeless feel. The Bridget Boot High Rise Instasculpt offers a flattering polished fit and comes in a variety of colorways and lengths making it easy to find a pair for everyday wear.

    DL1961 Classic denim fits and elevated staples for a polished, everyday look.Photo courtesy of DL1961

    Alchemia

    One of Bessette-Kennedy's most celebrated looks was a basic white button down shirt. She often wore Calvin Klein, as she was a publicist for the brand, but the same classic style can be found at Alchemia. The Essentials Icon Shirt in white is tailored at the waist, chest, and back to give a flattering fit without the dreaded blouse gape.

    Alchemia Tailored essentials, including the perfect crisp white button-down.Photo courtesy of Alchemia

    Frock Shop

    A versatile black midi skirt not only goes with everything, it can be worn during any season. Frock Shop carries the ALC Remy Drawstring Midi Skirt that is easy to style and comfortable to keep on a regular rotation.

    Frock Shop Easy, versatile pieces like midi skirts that work season after season.Photo courtesy of Frock Shop

    Beauty

    Kiehl's

    Used by both Carolyn and John, the Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom delivers soft hold, subtle shine, and natural movement. Ideal for the sleek low buns Kennedy-Bessette favored as well as polished styles. Kiehl's Highland Village location also carries a scent very close to Kennedy Bessette's fragrance of choice. The Kiehl's Original Musk Eau de Toilette combines classic musk with with soft floral and woody notes.

    Kiehl's Original Musk Eau de Toilette Low-key grooming and fragrance for a naturally polished finish.Photo courtesy of Kiehl's

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