Some women are thrilled to stow away their black sweaters and suede boots at the end of winter, and can’t wait to jump into the pastels and florals that are synonymous with spring fashion. If you are one of those women, Godspeed! This article is not for you.
But if you’re the kind of lady who looks around the stores awash in crayon colors and dainty blooms and can’t help but feel like it’s just too much, read on. Here are five tips for doing spring fashion in a way that feels just a tad more grown-up.
1. Wear stripes and polka dots instead of florals
Graphic stripes and fresh polka dots are an adult replacement for seemingly-endless spring florals. They lend a fresh “the sun is back” vibe to your look, without making you feel like you’re an extra in a nineteenth-century romance.
Zero + Maria Cornejo:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BY-8rWmnZIU/?tagged=zeromariacornejo
Petar Petrov:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfFrF_iBxKb/?taken-by=petarpetrovvienna
Self Portrait:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcrvJs9j3wx/?taken-by=mrselfportrait
2. Go for breezy minimalism instead of doubling down on cutesy colors
Not a fan of the saccharine pastel pinks, yellows, and baby blues that usually populate spring wardrobes? Try light neutral hues like cream, beige, and dusky rose instead for a bit more of a minimalistic look that still celebrates the season. For a full-on urban edge, add a sporty coat (anoraks are going to be big this spring – and practical for those April showers) or a pair of utilitarian sneakers.
Chloe:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Be_V14qBqao/?taken-by=chloe
Valentino:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeYqZFABHtv/?taken-by=maisonvalentino
3. Try creative suiting instead of cotton sundresses
We all have those spring cotton sundresses. They’re A-line, they’re mostly in bright colors or florals, and they become boring by May. Why not swap them out for some of these creative suits? My personal favorite is this Chloe horse print suit that is oh-so-cool (brb, just selling a kidney to pay for it). Also, try substituting an of-the-moment checkered topper for that ubiquitous trench coat.
Chloe:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfEEqwKAUKl/?taken-by=mrselfportrait
Ralph Lauren:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfSItcahGRN/?taken-by=ralphlauren
Solace London:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb90sLVBZOf/?taken-by=solacelondon
4. Play with sheer and shiny fabrics
If you’re looking to be trendy this spring, pair your bright spring colors with unusual fabrics, like vinyl or gauzy sheer silks. Many of the runway looks are a bit too risqué for those of us with, you know, some amount of modesty and gainful employment, but some, like these outfits from Fendi and Solace London, are more street ready.
Fendi:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfx5D6hFOa4/?taken-by=fendi
Solace London:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bby-JQHhGj2/?taken-by=solacelondon
5. Trade floppy hats for berets
Ready to trade in your winter muffs and beanies, but not into day-at-the-racetrack sun hats? Berets and peaked caps have been among the most popular street style items on the sidewalks lately. Dior just sent literally every model down their runway in identical black caps. Bonus points for wearing one with that darn floral spring dress you know you’ll succumb to eventually.
Self Portrait:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeRSkPdjWBL/?taken-by=mrselfportrait
Fashion blogger Krystal Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfw6zsch3DW/?taken-by=krystal_bick
Fashion blogger Blair Eadie:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfv_TTHnUeY/?taken-by=blaireadiebee