My Five Fave Spring Trends: Molly Martin
Columbus fashion guest blogger Molly Martin is an Abercrombie & Fitch stylist and blogger onLovely + Rust.
I have a confession. When Kristy asked me to write a post about Spring 2013 fashion trends, I was a bit worried. Over the last few years, when people have questioned me about trends, I've had a hard time responding with a precise answer. The reason being, in all honesty, is I feel like the trends haven't changed much season-to-season… or even year-to-year. In an economy where folks are still bouncing back, it's nice that the trends are sticking around a bit longer (being recycled, so to speak). The big fashion decision-makers are choosing to give us a break, and it's actually quite nice; it offers a longer life to the pieces you purchased last season.
That being said, new or not-so-new, what are the spring 2013 trends? Prints, stripes, mod, B+W, denim, leather, Asian inspired, boudoir influenced, sporty separates, white, and more. And now to narrow that down to my select favorites, below I have chosen the top five.
Prints
Floral, geometric, and mixed prints. They each deserve their own category, but for our purposes I'm lumping them into one. If you're thinking, floral was big last year, you're right, but now it's spread to shoes and bags. Want to mix floral with geometric? Stick to the same color scheme, but don't be afraid to experiment!
GAP floral jeans, $69.95
Loeffler Randal Tamsin Pump, $295
Kate Spade "Lorelei" Dress, $378
Crop Tops
This is not a trend for everyone, and you have to do it right. If you're wearing a cropped top, do so with a high-waisted skirt or pants. Not the full stomach baring outfits we saw during fashion week, but the more modest version with no belly button showing. Just an inch or two of skin around your midriff. Also, matching bustier/skirt sets are popping up everywhere…I even saw one at Target!
Opening Ceremony Crop Top, $280
Wool and the Gang Florence Sweater
Rachel Pally Crop Top, $101
Warm-Weather Leather
Leather in the spring? Yep! Leather was on the runway of almost all designers in some way. Leather skinnies, shorts, motorcycle jackets, dresses and skirts. It's a breath of fresh air in light candy colors.
Free People Vegan Leather Jacket (on sale at ShopBop), $138.60
Alice + Olivia Leather Dress, $797
See by Chloe Washed Leather Shorts, $695
Stripes
This is one of the trends that has been around, but this spring it is getting a bit of a makeover. While the previous seasons have shown skinny Breton stripes, this season is about mod, wide stripes. And they're going all different directions. Also, railroad stripes (or carpenter stripes) are having a big moment!
Seven for All Mankind Coated Stripe Cigarette Jean, $198
Marc Jacobs Scooter Tee, $357
Zara Military Dress, $89.90
Luxe Denim
Denim is being shown in high-fashion ways, with a fresh twist, this spring… patchwork and two-tone. If you didn't purchase a chambray shirt last year, this season is the time. Have you jumped on board with denim on denim (AKA: the Canadian tuxedo)? Just make sure your shirt and jeans aren't the same wash!
Acne Patch Sleeveless Button up, $230
Zara Jeans with Patches, $79.90