Six More Weeks

Puxatawney Phil saw his shadow a few days ago, which means six or more long weeks of winter. The forecast for the upcoming weeks echoes that with almost a foot of snow predicted, but I still think it’s a great time to touch on a few key spring trends. Maybe if we all start wishing hard enough for the warm weather, it will come early, despite the predictions!

The biggest trends for spring seem to juxtapose one another: frilly feminine and structured safari-type looks will both be hot. Though both are great on their own, they can be worn together for a look that’s sweet and sleek.

The feminine trend is one of the most prominent for spring 2008. Light, flowing fabrics; soft floral prints; muted neutrals; ruffles; and lace are the key notes for the trend. Transparent looks, pleats, and soft draping are also big. Try out this trend in a pretty floral-print slip dress with ruffled hem and dainty wrap sandals, or layer several lacy camisoles in complementary colors under a beige chiffon top so the colors are muted and soft. If you’re looking for a more elegant look, wear a one-shoulder draped dress in a gauzy fabric with metallic heels and some small sparkly earrings. The soft, flowing fabrics of this trend are great for camouflaging your less-than-perfect spots, and the muted colors look great on almost any skin tone.

If girly and pretty isn’t your thing, the safari trend might be more your style. This style takes its queues from the 70s in khaki pantsuits, curve-hugging overalls, and canvas shorts-and-jacket combos. Everything is belted to enhance the waist. The look is structured, sexy, and a bit rugged. Any of theses styles would look great with the other safari-inspired look: tribal prints. A complete opposition to the feminine trend, tribal prints are bold, bright, and fun. Liven up a pantsuit or khaki shorts with a tribal-print silk blouse or scarf, or cover a tribal-print dress with a belted canvas jacket. This trend is conservative enough for daytime wear, but still sexy enough for night

One final hot trend for this spring is the return of the high waist. Find it on everything from pencil skirts to trousers and from hot pants to jeans. Though I personally find this look a bit difficult to pull off (but I still have some baby fat on my tummy and hips), it can work if you are sure to get bottoms that fit perfectly and wear them with a fitted, tucked in top. Add a belt for some pizzaz, and you have a great look for work or play.

Finally, a note about color: bright, bold blocks of color are the way to go. Red, yellow, black, and white are the key colors for the season. Red looks fresh when worn in a flirty ruffled dress or silk blouse. Yellow is great in a satin top paired with clean white high-waist pants or, for a casual look, in a ribbed t-shirt with khaki cargo shorts and matching jacket. Black and white are especially hot when worn together in bold graphic designs or in sleek tailored separates.

The key for this spring is to make sure you love what you wear. There are so many different looks out there, you'll be sure to find one that fits your personality!

Happy shopping!~Kelly VanH