Springtime Trends

It’s that time of year where all I want to do is S-H-O-P! I think it’s safe to say that I always have the inclination to shop more in the spring, even when compared to the fall. After winter has ran it’s course and the temperatures are finally starting to creep their way back into the 50’s and 60’s, I just want to ditch all of my heavy sweaters and freshen up the feel of my wardrobe. This always happens to be when the new spring trends start to hit the stores, and I end up wanting it ALL! So, I guess spring could also be described as the season where I’m desperately trying to practice some self-control!

Quite a few of the trends for spring are a bit more 70’s and boho-inspired, which always seems to be the case as festival season approaches. There was a lot of suede and fringe this past fall, but you’ll be seeing that continue for springtime, too, which is kind of fun. (Gotta love when you can get some extra time from those trendy pieces in your closet!)

Another two things that you’ll be seeing a lot this spring… Lace-up tops and culottes! Again, both of these made an appearance in the fall, but they’re back with a vengeance for spring. Personally, I’m not always the first to try a trend. I don’t like feeling like I’m purchasing a product just to wear for a month or two… I want to know it’s got a bit of longevity. I don’t hop on a trend’s bandwagon until I know it can mix with the rest of my wardrobe in a cohesive way.

These culottes, for example… I purchased a pair of navy blue culottes this past August and I actually loved them. The voluminous pant legs were a bit daunting to try on, but I actually found that they were super slimming! And the best part, culottes are the best for going from day to night, or desk to dinner. They come in a variety of fabrics (not just the denim that I’m wearing) that are totally office-appropriate!

So when I was shopping at Express to update my spring wardrobe last week, I knew I wanted to try a new pair of culottes. They have quite a few pairs that would work for a corporate setting, but I chose the denim pair because it was the most different from what I already owned. And if you weren’t already aware – denim is HUGE for spring and summer. Denim dresses, denim skirts, chambray, new ways to wear denim jeans (i.e. culottes), and even denim fabric on your shoes!

I styled this outfit to be a bit more experimental than I usually dress… I took the denim culottes as inspiration for the entire outfit! The culottes are high-rise so I knew I could get away with more of a cropped top. Like I mentioned earlier, you’re going to be seeing a lot of lace-up tops in stores. Personally, I like the trend a lot! I think lace-up tops are a little bit on the sexier side, but I like how they don’t show too much skin. They’re perfect for going out! A lot of the lace-up tops I’ve found are usually on the more fitted side (I actually purchased this one for going out!), so this slightly boxy silhouette caught my eye. It was the perfect way to balance out the pants!

As for the sandals, I’ve been majorly lusting over fringe heels since last summer so I’m glad that they’re here to stay for spring, too! They’re just so fun and kind of make me want to dance! [insert dancing woman in the red dress emoji] Of course, they’re great for going out, but there are a lot of styles out there that work for the weekend or even the work place (as long as your office isn’t overly professional!), too.

Get the Look…

Express Lace-Up Short-Sleeved Top
Express Denim Culottes
Express Fringe Heels
Clare V Leopard Clutch (similar at Express)
Ralph Lauren Aviator Sunglasses (similar at Express)

If you’re not looking to experiment with your look, but just want to incorporate a few spring trends into your wardrobe, here’s a little bit of outfit advice…

• Try this boxy lace-up top with a pair of high-rise skinny jeans and pointed-toe pumps for date night or a night out with the girls! A pop of print or a pop of color is encouraged – a leopard-print clutch or even a little red crossbody bag would be so cute!
• Try a pair of cream-colored culottes in the work place with a silky navy blouse tucked in! Nude or brown pumps would match perfectly.
• Try these denim culottes with your go-to striped tee on top and a pair of nude pumps or ankle-strap sandals for a cute weekend brunch look. You could even add a statement necklace for a little extra glam!

Created in partnership with Express