Spring fashion is all about accessories
Fringe, leopard print make statements this season
Spring is the season to refresh. Especially when it comes to fashion.
While you may not have the interest — or the income — necessary to give your closet a complete reboot, there is one chic and easy way to give your look a fresh new update: accessories.
“We’re not buying a completely new wardrobe each season,” says Emily Evans, a style expert at Ann Taylor. “It’s important to have your wardrobe statements — that perfect-fitting pant, a blazer, that jean that you can’t get enough of and a wrap dress — if you have that foundation already in your wardrobe, accessories are a way to have fun.”
Evans says this season’s single hottest outfit add-on will be anything (and everything) with tassels.
“Tassels are a huge trend for this season,” she says. “You’ll see them on shoes, handbags and jewelry.”
And on shoes, too. According to Evans, the trend of heels and flats with ankle-strap detailing that we saw (and likely wore) last spring will continue this season — with additional ankle adornment and toe embellishments coming courtesy of fringe.
So, which style will be the most, well, stylish this spring?
“A loafer with tassels,” Evans says. “They work with dresses, pants and skirts. You name it, they will work.”
The other fun footwear trend to keep an eye on is colour. Basically, prepare to give your favourite black sandals and simple white sneakers a bit of a break.
“It’s brights and statement pieces,” Evans says of the go-to shoes. “A beautiful blush tone adds a pretty vibe to your look.”
In addition to soft, rosy pinks, Evans says the other top hue to test-drive this spring is Greenery, Pantone’s colour of the year.
Looking to really make a statement this spring? Evans suggests Spring is the season to embrace colour and your feet are an easy place to start. donning something in leopard print. Yes, leopard print.
“Leopard print is big this season,” she says. “You can use leopard print as a neutral because it plays well with other colours and also other patterns.
“It really adds that playful vibe to your look.”
From a chic leopard sandal to a full-on printed coat, the trend should be worn in a way that feels most comfortable to you.
“You can do as much or as little as you want,” she says.
The tailored-to-you mentality also works well when applied to jewelry — especially when considering the busy work-to-weekend calendar of most women these days.
“If you’re at the office one day and you have to go out for drinks after work or have a friend’s birthday dinner, put some heels on, put on a pair of statement earrings or a necklace and that dresses you up in five minutes or less,” Evans says. “Jewelry is the best way to add a playful vibe to your look.”
While so-called “statement” pieces are still de rigueur for spring 2017, this season’s pieces are more refined than the chunky, oversized ornaments we’ve seen in the past.
“When I say statement necklaces, people often think of the shorter style with lots of baubles all over them,” she says. “But I also classify pendants as statement necklaces. Long pendants are a great way to elongate your torso, too.”
And while silver and rose gold are always in style, Evans says the season’s hottest metal tones are mixed.
“You can wear silver and gold at the same times,” she says. “There are some pieces that even have them already mixed together, so it makes it easier. You don’t have to be so tied to one or the other.”
But perhaps the easiest, and most unexpected, outfit add-on of the season are scarves. From short iterations tied tight around the neck, to long loops of luxurious silk, the latest runway-to-real-way iterations look good on everyone — no matter their age or shape.
“Scarves are such a big thing. They’re so fun,” she says. “If you’re a little unsure of print and you want to incorporate print into your wardrobe ... starting with an accessory like a scarf is a great way to do that.”
Evans says they look effortless when tied around the neck, twisted around the handles of your favourite handbag, worn as belt or tied around the wrist.
“There’s not one right way to tie a scarf,” she says. “However you tie it, you can absolutely make it work.” A blush bag in a square shape like this Albion tote by Sophie Hulme is a versatile piece to add to any spring wardrobe. Long lariat necklaces are on-trend for spring. Tassels are going to be a big trend this spring. Leopard is the new neutral. Block-heel sandals from Ann Taylor.