A new season is upon us with a whole new set of designer-dictated trends. Wondering what to splurge on and what to skip this season? Here's our no-regret list of trends to try and trends to trash for spring 2009:
TRY these trends:
Bright Colors - Brighten your spring outlook with this season's bevy of bold blues, yellows, greens and pinks. The easiest way to wear brights? Paired with neutral colors you already own like white, khaki, denim and black. If you're feeling brave, mix and match your brights together and wear the look from head to toe.
Black & White - This classic combination is one of the easiest trends to try this season. Whether you pair a black tee with white jeans or opt for one of this season's graphic printed pieces, it's a trend that looks good on everyone. Wear black and white all over or mix in colored or metallic accessories.
Safari Jacket - A belted jacket in a neutral color pairs easily with this season's full skirt or floral dress. We also love it with jeans and shorts.
Ruffles - Flirty, feminine ruffles arrived on the fashion scene last spring and have remained at the top of the trend list ever since. If you haven't already added something ruffled to your wardrobe, it's worth the investment. True, large tiers of ruffles tend to add curves, so if you're curvy enough already, opt for small details on shoes or handbags or just a bit of trim on a skirt or top instead.
Striped Top - French sailor-inspired striped tops are always chic in our book, and this season, there are many options to choose from. Add a striped top now and you'll wear it for years.
Floral Blouse - From large to small, you've got your pick of pretty blooms this season. We're loving flower prints on dresses and skirts, but a floral blouse is the ultimate wardrobe investment. Whether worn with jeans and skirts or layered under jackets and cardigans, you'll turn to your floral blouse for years to come.
Snakeskin Accessories - Python printed handbags and accessories in shades both natural and faux are hot this season, but also a classic trend that reemerges every few years.
Full Skirts - Full or pleated skirts that hit at the knee or above are one of this season's prettiest and most versatile trends. Wear yours many different ways with everything from a t-shirt to a belted cardigan or jacket.
SKIP These Trends:
Tribal - Unless your personal style already incorporates global prints and African-inspired style, you'll have a hard time incorporating this trend into your daily look. Still love the trend? Opt for simple touches like wooden jewelry or a beaded accents on shoes and bags instead.
Neon - We love bold colors (see #1 above) but when is bright too bright? Shocking shades of fluorescent green, pink and yellow are a one-season trend and not worth your hard-earned cash.
Jumpsuits and Rompers - We're all for the ease of one-piece dressing, but '80s-inspired jumpsuits and rompers can be pretty hard for the average woman to pull off. Unless you're extremely fashion forward, opt for a dress instead.
Ripped and Acid Wash Jeans - Most of us were happy to see these trends fade into oblivion in the early '90s. Well, guess what, they're back! We predict this trend won't last more than a season or two, so stick to your usual un-destroyed jeans. If you must wear the trend, save your money and add a few strategic tears to an old pair of inexpensive jeans instead.
Long Blazers - We're on the fence with this trend, also known as the boyfriend blazer. There are many chic ways to wear it: sleeves pushed up and worn with skinny jeans, short shorts, minis and short dresses. But unless you are somewhat thin and have a natural flair for fashion, it's pretty easy for a slouchy blazer to verge on frumpy. If you don't count yourself amongst the ultra stylish, it's best to skip the long blazer and stick to more tailored and flattering jackets.
Forehead Bands - Please, no. This fading fad just doesn't look good.
Fringe Accents - Pretty, yes. Worth your investment, no.


