It’s easy to pull off key sartorial trends for spring — all you have to do is follow a few simple rules that will help you dress with success.
Cropped jackets
We need not fear the return of the crop! The boxy silhouette is still a thing for spring, but wearing it has become a bit more sophisticated. Our advice would be to wear these toppers with tailored trousers and a dress shirt to create a streamlined silhouette. The other option is to pair them with bodycon dresses or flowy skirts. (A good styling example is this ensemble from Forever 21.)
Leggings
Contrary to popular belief, you can wear leggings as part of an outfit (if Europeans can do it, so can we!). To ensure your look is sophisticated instead of sloppy, pair the pants with a longish sweater or blazer that covers the rump — à la this look from Sheinside. If you’d like to look more tailored, don the tights under a belted sheath dress.
Geometric prints
The key in making any geo print look smart — think hexagons, diagonal striping, etc. — is to offset the patterned garment with something that’s a bit more classic. Anthropologie has pulled the trend off perfectly. Wear bold tights with a little black dress, or pair a two-dimensional-design scarf with a white tee and boyfriend jeans.
Pastels
Soft springtime shades are all the rage for 2014, and the easiest way to wear them is in accessory form (we’re digging this bag from Gap). From sweet scarves to toned-down purses, carrying or wearing a touch of pastel can add a little femininity to any ensemble.
Wide-legged trousers
Many fear this always-around trend because of its billowy nature — since it’s not form-fitting, one could look like they’ve packed on the pounds. The key, then, to wearing this look is to add a little lift with some high heels and to keep the upper body tailored (think a tight-fitting sweatshirt à la this look from Ann Taylor LOFT or a turtleneck).
Florals
To pull off the flower-power look, avoid making the rest of your ensemble too sweet. Pair a flowered frock with black tights and ankle boots as well as a boyfriend blazer, or don a petal-printed shirt with skinny jeans, riding boots and a leather cardigan. Edgy accessories, like the ones in this look from Anthropologie, will also add some flair.
Tea-length skirts
Another terrifying trend, tea-length skirts can seemingly shrink even the most statuesque model. But one need not fret over wearing the ladylike hem. The idea is to offset the long, lower-half-lengthening skirt with something shorter on top. Reach for a cropped top (see how Forever 21 paired the two) or a slightly shorter sweater. And always, always pair the ensemble with high heels.
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