TORONTO – Your closet might not require a full spring makeover, but you may be ready to refresh warm-weather wear with updated apparel or accessories.
Fashion experts share their picks for 10 stylish substitutes.
LOVE: Boyfriend jeans
TRY: Girlfriend jeans
For women seeking a slimmed-down update to the typically relaxed boyfriend jean, the girlfriend may be the way to go.
“It’s more of a slouchy slim,” said Nigel Seebaran, menswear buyer at Over the Rainbow, a premium denim boutique in Toronto.
“(It’s) taking that idea of the boyfriend jean, trimming it down and also going with a little bit more distressing … just where it has a really nice kind of lived-in, worked-in look.”
LOVE: Coloured denim
TRY: Lighter washes and white denim
Seebaran said they typically see a spike in lighter washes from denim brands for spring and summer, and noted that paler blues team well with white tees or grey shirts.
An antidote to the vibrant denim hues of seasons past will be white denim, which is being seen in flared styles which Seebaran said complements espadrilles or open-toe mules.
LOVE: Denim shorts
TRY: Denim skirt
“I think you want to look for something that is a little bit longer, that hits either at the knee or just below,” said Winners fashion expert Sarah Smithers of denim skirts.
“In terms of styles, there’s a lot of button-front skirts with cool distressed details to look out for as well.”
Smithers said the skirt can easily be dressed up with separates, like a crisp white shirt, or a denim one to complete the Canadian tuxedo.
LOVE: Jumpsuits
TRY: Maxi dresses
“I think one-piece dressing is always such a great trend because it’s easy to wear. And the maxi dress is definitely going to be a key player this season,” said Smithers, pointing to both minimalist and bold ’70s-inspired prints.
LOVE: Bikinis
TRY: One-piece swimsuit
“I think the great thing about a one-piece is you can show what you want to show and conceal other things, so it can be incredibly flattering – much more so than a bikini,” said Julia McEwen, fashion and beauty director at Canadian Living.
McEwen said she thinks it’s more fashionable when a one-piece is more modern, and suggested looking for styles with lower necklines. A single graphic print emblazoned on the suit is another notable trend.
LOVE: Stripes
TRY: Gingham
The checked fabric is branching out beyond table linens and curtains as a standout fashion print.
“Although it is retro, it can be contemporary, especially if you do it in a black-and-white rather than a pastel blue and a white – but that’s also fun too,” said McEwen.
McEwen said gingham is surfacing on separates like button-down shirts, shorts and crop tops.
LOVE: Graphic tees
TRY: Polo shirts
“It was less the ’80s preppy polo, a little bit more retro and ’60s,” said McEwen of the shirts seen on the spring runway.
“It may take people a little while to adopt it, but I think that is the new T-shirt or shirt to take over the graphic shirt.”
LOVE: Oversized totes
TRY: Bucket bags
Smithers said the bag typically features a drawstring with longer straps that can be slung over the shoulder or across the body, allowing women the convenience of being hands-free.
LOVE: Flats
TRY Flatforms
“I think people really gravitate towards styles that look chic and feel new but offer the comfort that you can wear all throughout the day,” said Smithers.
“What’s even better, of course, about that flatform sole is that you’re still going to get a little bit of height.”
Smithers said borrowed-from-the-boys styles like brogues and oxfords feature the elevated sole, as do gladiator sandals.
The embrace of ’70s styles is also why flatforms and platforms have achieved liftoff.
“It’s really that perfect shoe silhouette to pair with all the flared jeans and pants that we’re seeing so much of this season.”
LOVE: Heels
TRY: Mules
McEwen said mules are getting a modern, sleek, high-fashion makeover.
“It’s a slip-on style, so you’ve got to love that. Easy to put on, easy to wear, usually very comfortable, and you can find them in flats to spiky-heeled stilettos to chunky heels or something even more architectural.”
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