I have always been an advocate of classic style - buying investment pieces as a foundation for one's wardrobe, then building upon that with interesting accessories, and less expensive trendy items to keep it looking fresh from season to season. This spring, as cold weather hangs on with all its strength here in the city, I have had a whole lot of time to shop the stores and a have found few pieces to store in my closet for warmer days ahead. So here are my picks for spring - inexpensive ways to incorporate trends into any wardrobe, all under $100.
1. Florals: this Old Navy scarf is best added to a basic ensemble (tee and jeans or crisp white shirt), or to make a more dramatic impact, layer it over white jeans and a white top, letting your accessories do all the talking.
2. Fringe: I chose this Kenneth Cole Reaction heeled sandal because in neutral beige, it matches back to any existing wardrobe, but the fringe detail gives it a more updated feel, so as not to read dullsville.
3. Bib Necklaces: This delicate, vintage-inspired bib necklace from Anthropologie pairs well with a pretty floral frock or a ruffled blouse and blazer with boyfriend jeans, to add a feminine, flirty touch. If you are afraid of this season's large-scale, chunky jewelry, this bib necklace is one way to be on-trend without going overboard.
4. The Romper: Yes, we've all seen it in infinite variations in the stores already, even though I have yet to see a real, live New Yorker in one yet (I am dying to see how my fellow fashionistas will put the look together). Anyhow, I prefer the short version of the romper as opposed to the pants version, since I see this shape as something young and fun, and would not want to take the look too seriously as it may not be a la mode for long. So be forewarned, do not waste several hundred dollars on a designer version of the romper unless you see yourself in it for more than just one season.
5 . The Maxi Dress: I practically LIVED in a black version of this dress last summer, as it is incredibly easy to throw on for a picnic in the park or a day out shopping. Furthermore, it is very easy to accessorize. For a more casual maxi dress like this one from Nordstrom, I recommend to keep the look low key with flat sandals (perhaps some classic K. Jacques if you favor high/low dressing), and some great jewelry. That, and a giant straw bag and sunglasses and you are out the door.
6. African-Inspired Pieces: It was all over the runways (check out the nytimes style pages ), and since it really just means taking one element of tribal style and incorporating it into a modern look, this clutch with a wooden handle is a safe (albeit quite tame) way to make it work.
7. Gladiator Sandals: Yes, they were already the "it" footwear last summer, but they are not over just yet - I promise! This Sam Edelman version is fantastic, even if it is a shameless knockoff of the K. Jacques version (my favorite sandals, and yes they are worth the high price...I climbed a Mayan temple with them and they got me to the top and back). So if you cannot or will not spend the $$ on the K. J's, go for Sam Edelman, they make some great shoes if you are one for fast fashion.
8. Cutoff Denim Shorts: To be perfectly honest, you can probably cut off your own jeans and rub them with some sandpaper to achieve this look via DIY...but speaking from experience they never quite end up straight at the legs when you put them on. So leave it to Levi's to give you the prefab worn-in look. I suggest pairing them with a floaty peasant blouse with some folksy embroidery, or just any long, loose top that isn't overly revealing. Since these shorts are already showing off so much leg, it's better to keep the top half a little more demure. This look also works perfectly with flat sandals, especially gladiators.
Now all we have to do is pray for warmer weather, because at the very least, our wardrobe will be ready for it.
Latest Comments