Finding the spring trends that suit your style
A petite Michele metallic linen shirtdress from Lauren by Ralph Lauren, $199; at select Macy's stores and macys.com. Credit: Handout
Tribal. Metallic. Nude. Hear some of spring's hot trends, and you may be itching to shop. Or praying for an early fall.
"Just because it's a trend doesn't mean it's right for everybody," warns Stacy London, co-host of TLC's popular series "What Not to Wear." Think age, body type, lifestyle. "Whatever trend you pick has to be right through those filters," she says.
For instance, she's loving the jumpsuit trend, whispery grays and modern florals - but steers clear of new tribal prints. "I'm Sicilian and Jewish - I don't need any more ethnicity on me."
Meanwhile, Susan Cernek, Glamour.com's senior fashion and beauty editor, is on the hunt for a feather skirt. "Jason Wu had gorgeous ones that are like a party on wheels," Cernek says. Alas, Wu's plumes are pricey. There's also that pesky touch factor.
"When you wear a touchable fabric like feathers, folks feel a need to reach out and touch you," Cernek says. "It's a pickup line without saying anything."
Hmm. . . . There probably are worse things.
We asked some experts to come clean about the trends: what they will - and won't - be wearing for spring.
On metallics:
Metallics have a softer, "brushed" look for spring, and add drama, especially on darker skin tones, London notes.
On jumpsuits:
These work best on those with evenly proportioned legs and torso, and "getting the right fit requires lots of try-ons," Susan Cernek says.
Stacy London wears them for evening, with "a sexy blazer for a '70s Bianca Jagger feel."
On prints:
London passes on big prints - lately she prefers solids and a pared-down look. But bright patterns "hit the sweet spot" for some, she says, especially 20-somethings.
On caged platform shoes, one of spring's hottest shoes:
"They provide added foot coverage like a bootie and will be a great transition shoe into fall," says Nine West creative director Fred Allard.
"I'm crazy about them, but wear with caution," adds Stacy London, of TLC's "What Not to Wear."
"If you're bottom-heavy or have stumpy legs," they'll shorten the leg more, just like ankle boots, she notes. Her solution: Go for a sling-back wedge, to add height and lengthen the line of the leg.
On feathers:
A feather dress - exotic, unexpected - can get you "tons of compliments," says Susan Cernek, who inherited a '60s version from a family friend. But if that's a little too much, go for an accessory such as Michelle Roy's feather lariat necklace, $98. See other ideas at michelleroydesigns.com.
On florals:
Floral is "in" for spring? Duh. It's spring! "We see it every spring," Stacy London says. This season's florals lean to the abstract. Too girly for Susan Cernek, but London loves a small, hip floral, like Mint Hannah, by Rebecca Taylor, $350, at rebeccataylor.com. "They're so easy - this is what I'll wear with flats all summer," London says.
On nudes:
"Some women are terrified of this," Stacy London says. Yes, she admits, dark colors camouflage, light tones emphasize, but "cut takes precedence over color," she notes. The trick: finding a dress that hugs your figure in a "flesh" tone - from baby pink to deeper beige to caramel - that enhances yours. Our fave: Tadashi Shoji's champagne silk chiffon shift with illusion beaded lace insets, $388; at select Bloomingdale's or by special order.
