Top Trends Spring/Summer 2019
I’ve been shopping with many clients this season and drinking in all the variety that is available! I love seeing my clients light up when we find the exact right dress, jeans or perfect topper to highlight their unique style, and can wear those items with confidence to the many events they are dressing for in their lives.
A frustration I do have is that many stores show the trends, but when you find something you like, you may have to order the right size vs. carrying it out that day.
I miss the days when more sizes and selections were available in store! With some clients, we choose to shop online first and review the items in the comfort of their home. With others, we meet at the store for the trying-on/decision-making phase. Both are fun ways to shop as long as you can return your unwanted items at no charge!
No matter the means, it’s my joy (and job) to bring playfulness and function to my client’s wardrobes, using trends to refresh and inspire.
Here are some of my favorites for Spring…
top trends
Tie-dye – and it’s not the 60’s “peace and love” version! I love this trend done in a more sophisticated way. Choose styles that are not overly colorful – just one or two hues in tailored shapes. It’s an easy way to get in a warmer mindset for Spring and Summer!
Beading and crochet. Inspired by arts and crafts, think embroidery fringe Macramé beading or crocheted accents to add a touch of creativity to your outfit. Although inspired by other decades much like tie-dye, the aesthetic should feel more modern and not be too overpowering.
Wider leg pants. Skinny is still “in”, but wider leg pants are in large supply at stores and include flare jeans and very oversized wide legs. I’ve seen my taller clients look great in a cropped wide leg, particularly with a fitted top. With crop bottoms, I like a sandal or cute bootie; with longer flares a platform or block heel works best.
Hi-rise denim. Another throwback to an earlier decade, flattering and comfy high-rise jeans are everywhere this spring. Paige, DL, and AG make ultra-premium versions in many variations. NYDJ and Madewell offer solid choices in the mid-range category. If you want to try this trend on a budget, look no further than Old Navy.
Rainbow of color: As is typical for Spring, sorbet pastels and brights are the rage in pink,yellow (some say the color of the season – not always my favorite) and more. Pantone‘s color of the year is Living Coral, which is more a mid-range shade. Neon brights are making a comeback too, which I would also say to tread carefully.
Snake print. Animal prints are still in fashion and snake is top of the food chain this season. More subtle than zebra stripes or leopard spots, snake is available in every fashion category from tops, bottoms, shoes, purses and accessories. I prefer a smaller scale version in most cases, and as with all exotic prints, one piece per outfit is all you need!
Athleisure — back and getting better! Brands like Athleta and Lululemon keep offering nicer fabrics and more casual life-appropriate shapes that can be teamed up with non-athletic shoes, tops or bottoms – still great for our on-the-run lifestyles.
Jump Suit Nation. That’s a little overboard (more a play on words) but I did just have a client go to a party where wearing a jumpsuit was on the invitation! From utilitarian-casual to extremely dressy, everyone seems to love jumpsuits. They are typically flattering and certainly easy to wear… except when you need to run to the washroom. Keep this in mind when you try them on and be sure you are willing to put up with the extra fuss. One-color versions that allow for fun accessorizing is a go-to strategy, but feel free to try out prints or stripes.
Essential Accessories
Shoes: White shoes – particularly boots and sandals – are very in-the-moment. While they certainly change up many outfits and are trendy, I seem to still favor more neutral colors.
Barely-there sandals. Whether heels or flats these shoes look great with most everything.
Platform sandals. Walk taller with leather, cork or wood soles giving you a lift.
Comfy flat sandals, sneakers and slides are offered in many cute variations and seem to be paired with every level of dressing. I’m a big fan of Birkenstocks sandals!
It wouldn’t be summer without sandals…be sure to get a great pedicure first!
Woven accessories, including espadrilles, handbags and totes can help complete your Spring/Summer look. Find these straw and raffia bags updated with leather straps or other elevated details – even crochet and netting – to stay on-trend.
Earrings. Showstopping danglers in bold colors or bigger-bolder hoops in tortoiseshell, bright colors, and beading are all available. My personal choice are always ones that are very light weight.
Hair tip:
Many of us may struggle with hair that is not quite as thick as it used to be. I recently read something in Oprah magazine that gave me my own “aha” moment – that taking care of your scalp itself is a major step in making sure your hair is as healthy as it can be. Never really thought of it, but massaging your scalp and unclogging those pores helps with blood circulation and making sure nothing is weighing down your hair. Just one of a few things that could help with thinning hair. Link to the article is here. http://www.oprah.com/fashion_and_beauty/one-thing-you-might-be-neglecting-in-your-haircare
just because…
This note made my day. It’s from a client I did a makeup session with recently. I love that she took the time to make herself a little more confident and got a nice compliment as a bonus.
“I want to share an unusual experience I recently had after our recent make up session. I have been incorporating your tips into my daily routine since then to improve my technique. The other day I was exceptionally tired/stressed heading into work. I decided to stop at the drugstore on the way in to get a quick errand done. I was waiting in line to pay and as a gentlemen passed by he looked at me directly (which in and of itself is unusual on a cold Chicago morning) and he said “You have beautiful eyes.” I reacted with a smile and as he passed he said “…and smile too.”
An unsolicited compliment is highly unusual at my age and especially in Chicago. I must admit that exchange still makes me smile! I have you to thank for this uplifting compliment. Thank you for sharing your exceptional skill, patience and expertise with me. I not only enjoyed our time together but clearly you made a difference in my appearance and I am very grateful!”
And as always, I’d love to help you with any questions, shopping, organizing or whatever you need. Please feel free to call or text me at 847-721-0607, or email suzanne@findfashionhappiness.com any time!