A Realistic Approach to Trying Out Spring's Biggest Trends

Every season, we fashion editors scour the runways and keep a watchful eye on the street style scene in order to best fill you in on the latest and greatest trends to try. (Tough life, we know.) But we get that asking you to try every trend that comes across our desks is unrealistic—not to mention really, really expensive. One thing we’ve learned over the years is that it pays to be judicious about the trends we embrace each season rather than wearing five at once. Moderation is key: Try picking one trend each season that fits your personal style and works with your existing wardrobe.

To show you what we mean, we enlisted the help of bloggers Stephanie Liu Hjelmeseth of Honey & Silk and Sara Azani of Style MBA and asked them to each chose a trend they’re loving this season. They picked pieces for their chosen trends (shirting and blooms) and styled them in two different ways that work for pretty much any occasion you’ve got on your calendar this season. And the best part? All of the pieces they chose for their looks come from THE OUTNET.COM, our current source for new designer pieces at non-scary prices.

Figured out which trend is more your speed yet? Good. Now we’ll show you how to re-create it for yourself this spring.

Menswear-inspired button-downs have been a fashion-girl favorite for a few seasons now. But for spring, there’s a bit of a twist involved: “Shirting is totally not just for the office anymore,” Liu Hjelmeseth explains. “For spring, it’s all about unexpected details like mixed textures and fresh sleeve shapes that work for off-duty or a night out.” Think modern updates like a cropped hem or a pleated-dress version, as seen on Liu Hjelmeseth above.

For both versions, she contrasts the crisp white fabric with a bright bag for a bold pop of color. The high-waisted culottes and rust-colored high heels tie the colors together and make the look feel creative but professional. She tops off the dress with delicate jewelry and patent black flats for a more relaxed take on the trend.

Okay, we know that florals for spring isn’t exactly a mind-blowing concept, but hear us out. This season, florals are transforming into bigger, bolder designs with vintage and Asian influences. “Floral prints add a fresh element of color and whimsy, and are very adaptable,” Azani tells us. “A floral dress can work for the office with the right shoes or accessories, while a floral clutch is a subtle way to inject a touch of spring.” The blogger experiments with pattern play by contrasting the floral dress with a geometric handbag, and takes a neutral black-and-navy look to the next level with her bold clutch.

Which spring trend would you get the most wear out of: shirting or flower power?