Spring 2016 Fashion Trends to Try

What Trends to Try in Spring 2016

I’m trying to stay on top of my research in regards to fashion these days. The Spring season is just around the corner. I want to know what to tell my followers to look out for during the season ahead. This matters for a few reasons.

Firstly, as a personal manifesto, I want to encourage you to be creative. Learning about new trends is the best way for us to shake up our closets and get in touch with a new side of ourselves.

Secondly, having a little more knowledge about the style options to come helps us sit back and decide thoughtfully which ones we want to try on for size. Instead of getting caught up in a fad that doesn’t last, you can study the evolution of a trend from the beginning and decide if you like its full expression. It might not be right for you, so take the time to think about it. Follow bloggers and other trendsetters to see which ones they adopt and how they interpret them. If you can visualize a trend more than one way, then you can make it work harder for you when you finally give it a try.

With this in mind, I’ve been following my favorite style blogs, magazines, and columnists to find Spring 2016’s hottest fashion trends. Here is a list of my top five trends to consider for the coming season. If I had to characterize the feel of the season in a phrase, I’d say the sexy 70’s went and had a baby with a Spanish flamenco dancer who hung out a with Rachel Green over wine.

The Slip Dress

This is where minimalism gets to shine this season. These slinky numbers might come with lace trim and look like Michelle Pfieffer’s night gown (aka fabulous). Marie Claire dubs this as the very first trend you should invest in for this spring. Where to start? Try Nasty Gal’s recent collaboration with Courtney Love. The raging rock princess recently collaborated with the brand to create the line of her dreams. There are more than one slip dress in the collection. I prefer something simple, sexy and black like this one for $88.

Bold Stripes

Street style starts will be dawning head-to-toe pattern this Spring, have no doubt. Even jackets and pants will have stripes. You’ll see these bold stripes in a mostly horizontal pattern, but don’t be surprised when lines going diagonal, horizontal, and wherever else it wants to go. I’m obsessed with the colors featured in this coat from ASOS for $87. They are romantic, yet polished.

Utilitarian 90s Vibes

Modern tracksuits, bombers, leather biker jackets, choker necklaces, and halter tops are back (or did they ever leave? or am I getting old?). Don’t forget the little backpacks, cotton dresses, and oversized coats.  Layer your t-shirts under your tank tops and dresses for a seasonal transition to evoke the 90s vibe. But please, leave your platform flip flops at home. My recommendation for reintroducing the 90s? These white overalls will let everyone know you’re ready for spring for only $27.

Romantic Spanish Influences

Rich Victorian floral prints and high necklines were spotted all over the runways last fall for Spring 2016 collections like these shown in Vogue. Lace details, bell sleeves and ruffles flared out the long frocks and flowing blouses. Wear this trend to work or out on a date. Ride this one out of the gate slow, though. Start with one component like the bell sleeve and ruffles and work up from there by adding pattern and colors. This Free People blouse for $88 has me mesmerized.

Bare Shoulders

I, personally, think that women’s shoulders are one of the sexiest parts of our bodies. They’re strong and delicate at the same time. Designers think they’re great, too. You’ll see straight across the chest lines, halter tops, and X necklines. I love this simple dress from Urban Outfitters. Could easily see myself wearing this to the horse races with some riding boots and a warm coat or for a day date with a cute cardigan and booties.

Honorable Mentions

Many of the trends seen on the runway last fall for the Spring 2016 season are already hot, so I didn’t bother diving too deep into those here. Marled knits, 70s suede, fringe details, delicate pleats, chromed-out outfits, and grown-up tie-dye have all successfully earned their right to stick around for another season. Designers are still creating items with all of these features. Why not get yourself that kimono you never pulled the trigger on last fall? I love this one from Free People.

What didn’t I include that was hot on the runway? 

Paper bag waists, designer netting, platform sneakers, tiaras, and more. Some things aren’t flattering and some trends die for a reason. Don’t get sucked into a trend and look bad along the way, my friends. I love you too much.

What are your favorite trends? Tell me in the comments below!