The 7 Spring Trends That Are Worth Your Money, Even If It's Just $10

I don’t want to sound dramatic, but spring is so close I can almost taste the return of my beloved iced coffee order on my lips, and I’m counting down the days until my winter coats and boots go back—no, way back—into storage. So what does this mean for you, and why am I talking about it on Who What Wear instead of by the office water cooler? Well, because the only thing better than the temperature-appropriate beverage I’m anticipating is the wave of spring fashion we’re about to get hit with, so it’s time for all of us to get serious about not just knowing the trends but shopping them.

With that in mind, today I’ve taken the liberty of rounding up the seven trends that are not only among the most covetable for the months ahead but also rife with sensational shopping picks at every price point. From one-and-done items such as vests and ’70s-inspired collars to more elusive (but alluring) themes like the ’90s and lingerie as inspiration, consider the below your download on what to wear and buy for your most stylish spring and summer yet. Ready to get started? Just keep scrolling.

Upon reflecting on all of the dozens of individual little trends to emerge from the S/S 20 collections, one common thread we ended up finding among them was a nod to ’90s style and the sleek minimalism of the decade. From Bottega Veneta’s seemingly unassuming halter dress paired with a black shoulder bag to the Christopher Esber skirt that was shared so often I lost track of how many times it appeared on my feed to the triumphant return of the tube top thanks to so many brands, there was a lot to digest and to love. So bust out your slip skirts, tanks, chain-embellished accessories, and more and get ready to relive the era that brought us Rachel Green, Mia Wallace, and more.

I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that all iterations of suiting will be maintaining their relevance for the coming seasons, but there was one silhouette in particular that seemed to outpace the rest. The shorts suit, shown most often with Bermudas, is the fresh take on tailoring that everyone is set to be wearing come spring and summer. Whether it’s with flats, heeled sandals, or your favorite knee boots from winter, take notes from the (many) runways and make this trend a part of your wardrobe ASAP.

Because crochet all day and all night was too long. But really, from matching sets to sweaters to dresses and more, all from the likes of brands that included Dior, Alexander McQueen, Loewe, and Giambattista Valli, it seemed there wasn’t one S/S 20 runway that didn’t have at least a nod to the textile, if not an entire section. And if your mind is going straight to festival dressing right now, I’m here to tell you that we’ll be seeing this trend well before and beyond Coachella weekend, so don’t be afraid to invest in a fashion-forward piece or two.

Few S/S 20 trends are as widespread and easy to digest as polka dots. Nothing to ponder, just a classic print that’s experiencing yet another uptick in relevance as it has countless times over the years. This time around, however, not only did it hit sooner than expected, but designers have actually managed to make the timeless pattern feel fresh—which I don’t need to tell you is no easy feat. This means that if you’re partial to shopping your own closet, you’ll be set, but if you feel so inclined to shop the internet, you also won’t be disappointed.

Bra tops, garters, corsetry, satin, and slips were just a handful of the many ways the overarching theme of lingerie presented itself on the spring runways. From very literal interpretations as seen at Olivier Theyskens and Mugler to slightly subtler takes from the likes of Dion Lee, Emilia Wickstead, and more, there was no shortage of inspiration or evidence that boudoir dressing was going to extend beyond the bedroom this season.

I’m so excited about the vest trend that I actually jumped the gun and wrote about it last month. After all, aside from the fact that it’s one of few spring trends you can start wearing now (even while it’s freezing), I also appreciate any It item that comes with a lot of space to make it your own. There are oversize iterations for those who like a looser, boxier fit; more fitted styles that double as tops; and even countless vests that coordinate into chic three-piece suits. Whether you opt for one or all, be sure to check this box in some way this season.

Here’s what you need to know about the collar trend. It’s ’70s-inspired, meaning that just throwing on a button-down won’t cut it. The key to nailing the look here is styling it slightly unbuttoned at the top, with the collar layered over the lapels of your blazer, coat, or jacket (as seen above) to get the retro vibes going. Any print or color will do, and extra points if you opt for a shirt with an exaggerated collar that’s a little longer and pointier than average.