Melissa's Dress Up Box : October 2014

Spring Inspiration

Spring is in the air and so it is time to start rearranging your wardrobe and preparing for warmer weather.

At the beginning of the new season it is useful to write a list of what you have, what you need and what you want. This will help you to create a vision for your spring/summer look, keep to budget and choose things that you really love and fit with your current pieces.

So here are the trends for Spring/Summer 2014/15

The Coat

The most popular styles for spring are the trusty trench coat, the duster coat and oversized shapes. Coats generally become pointless as the weather gets too warm but they are great to throw over a dress for evening with sleeves pushed up and are perfect for spring with jeans and a t-shirt, over a sweatshirt or worn over a shirt and can be a statement all of their own, especially in this seasons pastels or primary colours.

The Jacket

The most popular jacket styles for spring see bikers and bombers still being very popular but update these in florals, pastels and bold patterns. The blazer is also very popular again for spring especially worn with boyfriend or distressed jeans and the long sleeveless jacket/vest is also showing popularity. The vest is best worn sleek and simple and either with pants or at the same length as a skirt or shorts.

The Shirt

The oxford shirt, the shirt dress, the crop shirt, the denim (especially chambray) and the oversized shirt are all big for spring. Shirts are all the rage again (although they are a staple) and are great for light layering. Also consider investing in a collar piece which can be worn under sleeveless or short sleeve tops or dresses and gives you that crisp collar look without adding extra warmth.

The Jeans

Jeans are as popular as ever with skinny jeans taking more of a backseat in favour of distressed and looser styles. Boyfriend and Mum jeans (circa 90's) are the most popular with other slightly skinner styles which finish at the ankle also on the hot list. Details include rips, raw hems and rolled up hems. White jeans are also big for spring and if you are brave enough to wear them then make sure these are heavier denim, have some stretch and are not too tight.

The Skirt

The midi skirt is still going strong with multiple styles available now. The midi is best worn with heels but for the very tall there are some exceptions. Mesh details, lace and co-ordinate skirt and tops will be everywhere. If you still love a mini these are worth investing in now as they are going to be making a comeback for winter, especially if they have a 60's vibe.

The Top

The crop top is still going strong but of course it is very limited depending on the state of your abdominals, however there are ways to wear it such as over a shirt, with a high waist (leaving little to no gap) or with a longer layer underneath. Slogan and comical t-shirts are going strong as is the statement sweatshirt both of which are practical and fun. We are seeing a re-surge of string straps especially as camisole tops also.

The Pants/Shorts

Culotte shorts and pants are the biggest look for spring and can be tricky to wear so try on a few before investing. They are sticking around for next winter although if you feel the cold like me you may not find them practical. An alternative is the wide leg or slouch pant, these are especially popular at the moment worn with the ugly sandal but we will get to that in shoes! Ankle grazer pants are also still going strong in peg, straight or skinny styles.

The Shoes

The 'ugly' sandal (Birkenstocks and other flat slip ons) are going to dominate spring/summer but they are not for everyone. Certainly they are a more comfy shoe trend than we have seen in many years so I say don't knock it till you try it but I am not keen on the other trend that has been circulating which is to wear them with socks!

We will also see a lot of cage high heels in everything from stiletto to block heels, flatter block heel sandals and still some gladiator style flats around. Wedges are not going anywhere and the 'mule' is making a comeback in various styles.

The final shoe trend that is popular is the 'trainer' trend which is to wear sneakers with everything! This is again a comfy trend but exercise some caution in proportions just as with any flat shoe.

The Bag

The backpack is the biggest trend for spring but again this can have some age limitations in my opinion. The clutch is also still going strong and especially the more outrageous the better as 'fun' bags are trending strong. In a polar opposite trend keeping your bag simple, classic and opting for luxury over trendy is also going strong.

Colour Trends

Everything from bold primary colours to pastels will be available for spring so you can take your pick. Or opt for no colour at all and embrace the white on white trend for spring. You can also expect to see loads of florals, digital and tribal prints and classic stripes and spots. This is the year to have fun with print and colour as it will be everywhere.

Other Trends

- Sheer and cut out fabrics (these were also big last summer so pull them out again)

- Oversized tops and jackets and bold shapes

- Socks with high heels or flat shoes

- Statement necklaces or statement earrings are still having a moment or the opposite which is layered rings and layered fine necklaces or bracelets

- 'Normcore' which focuses on simplicity and wardrobe staples such as classic pants, blouses, t-shirts more quality than trend pieces

- Pop art, comic book, childlike and quirky pieces are also on trend so have fun with fashion!

Here are some inspiration for Spring/Summer from Street Style bloggers: