"It's not too hot, it's not too cold. All you need is a light jacket!" - Cheryl Fraiser, Former Miss Rhode Island (and fictional cinematic hero)
While Cheryl may have been talking specifically about April 25th when she blessed us all with this eloquent quote, it pretty much summarizes spring in LA. It's warming up, the sun is shining, the Dodgers are back in season. It's a magical time to be in the city. And while I'm all for cozy winter sweaters and wearing flannels on repeat, I always feel a little out of place during winters in LA. It's rarely cold enough to break out any serious winter gear, and the days that it is borderline 'cold' enough that you convince yourself to rock a heavier coat or jacket you end up sweating so much (and feeling so ridiculously over-dressed) that you end up taking it off by 11 a.m.
Then magically, just when you start fantasizing about the bright and slightly warmer days of spring they appear. But what to wear? New seasons bring new trends and that's where I come in. As someone who spends WAY too much time stalking fashion bloggers and shopping online, I have done an excessive amount of research and trend-hunting and I'm ready to share my 3 favorite trends for spring.
1. Midi Dresses
As a 5'3 non-model, I've always steered away from midi dresses. I've always loved the look and versatility of midi dresses but never thought that the cut and style was meant for my shorter frame. However, as the style has become more popular and on-trend, I've made a point to try on different cuts, styles and fits and I've fallen in L O V E. Dress the look up with chunky heels and statement jewelry or dress it down with a jean jacket and sandals. Whatever look you're going for, learn from my mistakes and give midi dresses a chance before writing them off. They are seriously much more flattering and easy to wear than you might expect. Here are a few of my favorite midi dresses right now:
https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/uo-reese-tiered-smocked-midi-dress?category=dresses&color=038
https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/uo-gabrielle-linen-midi-wrap-dress?category=dresses&color=001
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/topshop-shirred-bell-sleeve-midi-dress/4928465?contextualcategoryid=60145633&origin=keywordsearch&keyword=midi+dresses&typein=midi&position=1
* Do you see what I mean about feeling too short for midi dresses? Seeing them modeled on these gorgeous Amazonian women makes me DREAD the idea of even seeing one of these dresses on my shorter, less Amazonian self. But like I said, fight the urge. Try on the dress. Maybe you'll be pleasantly surprised like I was! OK moving on...
2. Pastels
This one isn't a 'trend' as much as it is a recurring seasonal cliche, but there are SO many gorgeous pastel items that I've seen floating around the internet and I couldn't in good conscience talk about spring fashion without sharing them. First and foremost, these blush Dolce Vita sock booties. WOW, where do I even start? They're comfy as hell, ridiculously versatile, cute as can be.... AND on sale!? Snag them while you can people, they're gonna go fast.
Another one of my favorite ways to pack an extra little punch of pastel into my outfits is with a great skirt. I love this butter yellow denim skirt from ASOS, but there are tons of non-demin pastel skirts out there if denim mini's aren't your thing. I love to pair this look with a great pair of slides and a cropped slouchy sweater. Or if you're going for a sleeker look pair it with a crisp white t-shirt, an oversized blazer and some white sneakers or stacked heels.
3. Details, details, details
While attention to detail should apply to outfits year round, the lighter, more delicate fabrics that we see in spring fashion lends itself so perfectly to unexpected details and special touches. Whether it's an intricately stitched hemline, a fluttery sleeve or a faux twist in the fabric you should look for spring pieces that pay extra attention to detail. While I usually gravitate toward more simple, minimalist fabrics and colors I always try and incorporate at least one unique detail or unexpected component into my outfits. Bell sleeves and open backs are two of my favorite outfit go-to's when I'm looking to add a little something extra to my spring looks.
I could go on for paragraphs and paragraphs about other spring trends that I'm currently obsessed with, but I'll spare you that novel. Happy shopping and happy spring, LA!
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