It’s finally March and you know what that means: spring is only a few weeks away! With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s only fitting that we have a little chat about spring fashion. Fresh styles are about to hit the shelves, and if you’re a self-professed fashion addict, like myself, you’re probably feeling a little giddy right now just thinking about higher hemlines, colourful ensembles and billowy fabrics. And if you’re truly like me, you probably want to head out to the nearest mall and buy every single trend in sight. That may sound like a good idea, but it’s actually not the wisest of plans. For one, it’s a colossal waste of money, but also you probably can’t (and shouldn’t) wear all of this season’s chicest trends to the office, which is where you spend most of your day. (The whole lingerie as outwear thing is cool, but at work it’s a big no bueno—save that trend for your day off.) To help you figure out which trends deserve a spot in the all-important work wardrobe, I’ve rounded up 7 of the best styles that spring 2016 has to offer.
This season, we’re trading in those muffin-top-inducing trousers for something with a bit more room. Although they may look a little odd, paper-bag waist pants are amazing because they’re the perfect balance of style and comfort. As an added bonus, these pants are super easy to wear. Just pair them with a tighter top and you’re good to go.
Nothing says spring more than pleats. Add some feminine sophistication to your work wardrobe with a few pleated pieces. Chiffon and silk are my favourite fabrics, but pleats in leather and suede are also great for those chilly spring mornings.
Stripes have been a warm weather staple for ages, but this time around it looks like designers wanted to make a statement by updating this classic summer print. Seen on pretty much every runway, graphic stripes are the print trend you should shop this spring. If you’re worried about wearing something so bold to your conservative office, incorporate the trend into your outfit in small doses by wearing a stripe print shoe, or sporting a modernized version of the classic button down shirt, such as this one from Gap (pictured above).
Well, it certainly looks like suede is going to be here for the long haul (I hope you kept that suede jacket). It was all the rage last year, especially for fall and winter, and now it has popped up again. Stay cool in the summer by trading in your suede leggings for suede dresses, skirts and T-shirts.
As with stripes, the nautical trend is one that is perpetually in style. Get into that summer vacation mood (even if you’re stuck sitting at your desk staring at a computer) with loose fitting white and blue pants, accessories with rope detailing and Breton Stripes. Don’t wear them all at once or you might end up looking like a 1940’s sailor.
Fashion is finally getting the memo that skinny jeans, albeit quite sexy, are not always the most comfortable. The oversized and loose fit clothing movement is huge in fashion right now and the best way to get in on all the action is to sport a pair of wide-leg cropped pants. Culottes and their eclectic cousin, cropped flares, are styles that need to be in your work wardrobe this spring.
Romance is in the air for spring! It was nothing but flower power during Spring 2016 Fashion Month as designers showed a bevy of realistic and abstract floral printed clothing, but the most charming looks were coated with soft and delicate flowers. There is an aura of romance to this particular print that I have fallen utterly in love with, and I am sure you will too. Up the romance factor with pieces made from lightweight fabrics.
1. Wilfred Free Kaufman Pant, $29.99, available at Aritzia
2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Wool and Linen-Blend Tapered Pants, $475USD, available at Net-a-Porter
3. Topshop Pinstripe Paperbag Trousers, £40 (approx. 75.84CAD)
4. Mango Pleated Midi-Skirt, $90
5. Mango Pleated Top, $70
6. Zara Asymmetric Pleated Top, $36
7. Genuine-People Camel Faux Leather Pleated Midi Skirt, $66
8. Mango Cropped Palazzo Trousers, $80
9. Topshop Striped Fold Roll Neck Blouse, $75, available at Hudson’s Bay
10. Nine West ONLEE, $88
11. H&M Pleated Chiffon Dress, $60
12. Gap Colourblock Stripe Fitted Boyfriend shirt, $55
13. Talula Morton Jacket, $165, available at Aritzia
14. Muuba Roca Red Suede T-shirt Dress, $252, available at Brand Outlet
15. Banana Republic Heritage Ruffle Suede Blouse, $280
16. River Island Blue Faux-Suede A-Line Skirt, $30USD
17. ASOS Black Metal Circle Suede Waist Belt, $23
18. H&M Striped Top, $18
19. Modcloth Off to See the Twirl Dress
20. Forever21 Rope Statement Necklace, $18
21. H&M Flared Trousers, $50
22. H&M Patterned Culottes, $50
23. Zara Cropped High Waisted Trousers, $70
24. Zara Cropped Bell Bottom Trousers, $70
25. Mango Crop Trousers, $28
26. H&M Shirt Dress, $30
27. Zara Printed Blouse, $50
28. J. Crew Collection Painterly Floral Dress, $292
29. Babaton Bennett Dress, $175, available at Aritzia
Style inspiration image courtesy of Song of Style
(Photo cred: Marcus Tondo, courtesy of Vogue; Yannis Vlamos, courtesy of Vogue; Yannis Vlamos, courtesy of Vogue; Monica Fredui, courtesy of Vogue; Gianni Pucci, courtesy of Vogue; Gerardo Somoza, courtesy of Vogue; Marcus Tondo, courtesy of Vogue)
By: Sasha Smith
Are you an employer? Post your fashion job here.
Are you a job seeker? Find fashion jobs here.
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for the latest fashion jobs, career advice and fashion.