Spring at last!
With a new season, comes new trends. This Spring, we are seeing sequins during the day, lots of florals and caged heels. However, we can never say goodbye to some of the classic Spring staples like polka dots, stripes, and navy, black and white.
Sequin Tops
I know that sequins during the day may seem a bit extreme, but it can be done. This top from Nordstrom isn't too bling, bling as the sequins are only in the front. Plus, the fabric (cotton) and th
dark brown color make it more casual - i.e. not New Year's Eve looking. Pair this top with white jeans and a dark blue jean jacket. Banana Republic and J.Crew also have sequin tops - some slouchy, some more fitted, but if in doubt, throw on a jacket to help tone down the shine.
There are other tops with just a row of sequins at the neckline, which is always a great way to incorporate this trend. If the sequins are by the face, then the accessories are already "built in!" This is also a better option if you have a large bust as this will keep the shine to a minimum and only up by the face and neck.
Florals
I also associate Spring with florals and this season, floral prints are very popular. There are a lot of fabulous dresses to choose from and as long as a dress isn't silk, chiffon or satin, then you can make it as dressy or as casual as you want - depending upon the shoes. For a day look, pair this cotton and stretch dress from Nordstrom with a cardigan or jean jacket and flats. To dress it up, add some big earrings or stack a few bracelets, slip on a pair of pumps and this could be a professional work or out to dinner look.
A dress is the most flattering and easiest item for a woman to wear, so think of adding a few simple and fun pieces like this to your wardrobe. Remember, it's how you accessorize or pull it together that dictates the feel of the outfit.
Floral skirts are another great option. Here's a more subdued, darker version from Ann Taylor. Pair with a black tee and flats for during the day, or a patent or colored pump for a dressier look. Of course, a white blouse can always be worn. Remember, a stylish woman doesn't necessarily have a big closet - she just knows what works for her and how to mix and match. Sometimes the simplest outfits are the best.
Caged Heels
First we had the gladiator sandals, now we have caged heels. Like gladiators, this new style will highlight the foot, ankle and calves, so if you don't want to emphasize any of those, then don't buy. But, trust me, this trend is doable. Here's a sandal by Jessica Bennett from Nordstrom that's dressy and doesn't have too high of a heel. If you want to be trendy, then wear this instead a strappy heel.
Here's a toned down version of the caged heel by Nine West, but only sold at Nordstrom. To me, this looks a little more grown up than the gladiator sandals, but not so trendy that you can't wear it next year. There are lots of options out there if you want to inject a trendy piece of footwear - flat, heels or platforms!
Polka Dots
Aside from the trends, there are some classic Spring items that always return such as polka dots, horizontal stripes, and the combinations of navy and white and black and white.
Polka dots are a lot of fun, but can sometimes look too much like a little girl. Therefore, I like them in small doses. H&M has a navy and white polka dot, scoopneck t-shirt with ruched sleeves that would be great with city shorts or white or blue jeans. I also saw a black and white polka dot scarf at The Limited that would be fabulous with a sheath dress or a simple tee and jeans.
With polka dots, you also need to stay away from other feminine details like bows, flowers and ruffles. Here's a beautiful navy and white polka dot dress from Nordstrom that works because the polka dots are a bit askew - they're not in a continuous pattern, so it makes this dress look a bit more modern and not so "cute." The shape of this dress is also important because it's fitted. It has some shape which prevents it from looking like a little girl's Easter dress. Pair this with red shoes, yellow, lime green or metallic heels and this would be a great look! The shape of this dress, with the v-neck and defined waistband, will work on every body type.
Stripes
I'm not going to lie - horizontal stripes can be tricky. However, if you are narrow or very small on the top half, then they can be done. To make it a bit more sophisticated and hip, I like horizontal stripes worn under a blazer. Here's a top from Nordstrom that's a modern take on stripes. I would add a belt to this or wear it with a jacket.
Classic Colors
The combination of black and white is another thing we see repeated each Spring, but it's still fun. And while it's easy to add any color to a black and white ensemble, whether it's a purse, pair of shoes or even a lip color, 
you could add a statement piece of jewelry. Here's a lucite necklace from Nordstrom, only $28, which creates some visual interest. Lucite jewelry has returned and goes with anything. Statement pieces always up the style factor of any outfit.
Navy and white is my other favorite and, truthfully, I like it better than black and white. Navy is a much softer (and, therefore, more flattering) neutral. It's not as harsh as black. Try pairing navy with a lime green scarf, yellow or red accessories, or metallics and voilà! Looks oh so Spring!
Dowdy, frumpy and matronly are three words all women dread. What do you wear? Where do you shop? The comment I hear most often is, "What do I wear if I'm not in my 20s; I'm not my teenage daughter, but I don't want to dress too old?" You can be stylish without spending a fortune, looking too young, or too trendy. Therefore, I've launched a new blog, Stylish Over 40. To check it out, Click Here.
I'll be taking photos of my mom, who's in her 60s, to show you that you can be stylish after 40 and that style does exist for real women, with real bodies, and real budgets. No excessively trendy items. No purses that are more than a mortgage payment. Everyday style. Casual Chic.
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