I have to admit I’ve had spring fashion on my mind since all my favorite designers showed their S/S 19 collections last September and October, but the official start of the season is (finally) only two weeks away—which means that it’s time to get serious about what we’re going to wear. If this sounds daunting, prepare to cast your worries aside because, as always, we’ve curated the only major trends you need to know about for spring, along with our top shopping picks for each one.
From easy-to-incorporate items such as structured bags and nude wardrobe basics to far-out trends including our favorite California-inspired motif for the season ahead, we’ve got everything you’ll want to see—and buy—to achieve a well-balanced and fashion-forward wardrobe for the coming months. Whether you’re looking to up your office style or your weekend look, you have a stylish vacation on the horizon, or all of the above, you’re guaranteed to find something in these trends that speaks to you. Just keep scrolling to read about each one and, of course, shop our picks.
From Altuzarra’s shell-embellished crochet pieces to Acne Studios’ and Paco Rabanne’s worldly prints, designers are taking us on a trip (or two) around the globe for the coming season. How does it translate into everyday style? Think an outfit that looks entirely composed of mementos you picked up on various vacations yet still somehow just works—and quite well, at that.
Why bossy? Well, for one, “highly structured, midsize shapes with shorter straps” doesn’t quite have the same ring to it. Also, they are, in fact, bossy. These bags are the types that pull a work wardrobe together while also adding a sleek element to your weekend look—even if there are leggings involved.
If you’re thinking California style can mean a lot of things, you’re right. That’s actually one of the best things about this trend. There’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into tie-dye, board shorts and bucket hats, skater subculture, or you fancy yourself a surfer, there’s an on-brand approach for you—at every price point.
Leather? For spring? Yes, you read that correctly. In both real and faux, leather dresses, outerwear, and separates were seen on more S/S 19 runways and in presentations than we could count. From light colors to neutrals, the trend is one of my personal favorites because, aside from being seasonally unexpected, it’s also one we can start wearing now and hold on to for years to come thanks to its timeless nature.
Since dabbling into the world of bike shorts as a fashion item toward the end of last summer, just as it was about to turn too cold to continue wearing them, I've been anxiously awaiting their return to the high- and fast-fashion worlds. Whether you’d like to splurge on a designer pair from the likes of Area and Jacquemus or save via an affordable Nordstrom find, the product is abundant, and so is the runway inspiration.
I’ll admit this one scared me at first, but after seeing iterations from brands like Nanushka, Chanel, and Zara that spoke more to my style, personally, than the classic black fabric versions you imagine when you think of this trend, I’ve really come around to the sporty sandal. Even Teva, which can largely be credited with forging a path for the silhouette, has released a crushed-velvet version that I can see myself wearing. In short, there’s a sporty sandal for everyone this spring.
It doesn’t get easier, or more accessible, than the omnipresent beige trend for spring, but that’s not even why we love it. The historically underrated hue is getting some much-deserved time in the spotlight while reminding us that, like its cousin camel, the neutral possesses the ability to elevate any outfit thanks to its luxe-looking nature and easy-to-incorporate tone. Whether you opt for head-to-toe beige or simply sprinkle in an item here or there, don’t sleep on this one.
Also available in more sizes.
