Every season I try to stay on top of trends by browsing through my fashion magazines and surfing the web. It doesn't mean that afterwards I head out to the mall or go online to buy a new wardrobe just yet. It means that I do what I always teach my clients, you guys, and anyone who may ask: shop my closet, first. This is always my first step when I revisit my wardrobe for the new season. I'll touch on this a bit more but in the meantime remember this: you don't have to be consumed by trends. Why? Because you can easily wear pieces that you already have that are "on trend" and wear them well.
After reading Marie Claire's, The Top 2021 Trends to Know and Buy and perusing In Style magazine's March Issue: 21 for 2021 Fashion Forward Trend Report (pg. 64), I noticed that most of the season's hottest trends were already hanging in my closet! From fantasy florals to sheer maxis, I was already on the right path to nailing these trends. How you might ask? Well let's take a look at how I wore one versatile dress that represents 4 of the top spring trends.
Before we get into the trends, let's talk about the dress. Recently, my styling partner/BFF, Dee Blanc and I were shopping for our clients and we walked into H&M. They had really great pieces throughout the store but we noticed that they had a lot of sale items. Remember we were quarantined for months and on lock down so a lot of stores still had older merchandise. If you think back to about this time last year, no one was really worried about shopping and especially not in malls. So all of the items that were considered last years duds were on sale and waiting for us. We racked up on everything from coats to jeans to dresses! For us and our clients. I was able to get this fabulous whimsical floral number for $10. No, that is not a typo. I always share my shopping tips with you all as if I was personally styling you. I'm not only going to tell you to shop on a budget but I'm also going to show you how! So let's break down the 4 spring trends in the dress that I'm wearing as well as what to look for when shopping your closet or the sales rack.
Fantasy Florals
Florals for spring? Groundbreaking. It had to be said. Lol But what's spring without florals? Just as history repeats itself, so do trends. Shop your closet for florals, first. Pull out all of your floral pieces and take them in. The textures, patterns, styles, and shapes. Is there anything you feel that you've outworn? Anything too small that's not fitting anytime soon? Anything that needs to be repaired? Great! Sell, donate, or repair those items. Then you can head to shop for more but shop the sales rack first. This dress was on sale for $10 which was half of the original price, plus I used a 20% off coupon on my total purchase. Yes it was from last season but it checked all of my boxes: versatile, floral, springy, and in my budget.
Cute Cut-Outs
I'm not a huge fan of cut-outs but because this dress had versatility, I was sold. The puff-sleeves, floral overlay, deep tones, and upper back cut-out and tie gave me the Beyonce "Twirl on my haters" and Kenya Moore "Gone with the wind fabulous" twirl effect, all in one. It was a no brainer when I saw it. I knew I'd have to show up and show out!
Hang Loose
I've always loved a long, flowing, loose-fitting maxi dress. Believe it or not, this dress is a bit out of my comfort zone. Don't get me wrong it had all of the right elements but I was nervous about the fit of the nude dress underneath the floral overlay. Normally, these type of dresses have horrible fabric and rise up as you walk; but his dress was fitted, relaxed-fit, knee-length and just "barely there" enough to give a sensual vibe. As soon as I tried it on, I was in love! I knew I had nothing like it and it was the perfect addition to my closet.
Sheer Delight
This sheer mesh floral fabric is indeed delightful! It gives a beautiful illusional effect and voluminous style. If you're going to go full-on sheer there are a few things to keep in mind. You want to keep it tasteful and classy. I love florals but I notice I gravitate more to larger and darker print florals. This dress has the right hues and perfect fit for my taste and style.
Get the Look
Dress: H&M
Shoes: Shoe Dazzle (old)
Earrings: Zara (old)
Socks: Old Navy (similar)
Sunnies: Old
Clutch: Target (similar)
More ways to style this dreamy dress:
- I could add sneakers and a denim jacket to give it a chill, weekend look.
- It's already warm here in SoFlo so I could dress it up with heels or dress it down with cute flats, and add a shoulder bag or crossbody bag for a special outdoor event or even a wedding.
- I could even go full Brigerton and wear it with a haute headpiece, statement jewels, and satin elbow length gloves for a royal look!
If you're looking for the perfect floral puff sleeved maxi I added some options below. They are in different price ranges, sizes (S-XXL, Plus, and Maternity), and styles. Remember to shop your closet first, but if you must shop the stores, check for sales and stay within your budget!
How do you feel about floral dresses for spring? What's your favorite spring trend? I want to know! Share with me and leave a comment below!
4 trends in one look?! Yasssss! H&M sales section is also a favorite of mine. I love shopping off season there because the gems are always in abundance! I haven't been to the mall since pre-Covid. I may need to stop by this Friday and see what's popping. With the way the sales are on-line, I know they are practically giving things away in store.
xoxo,
Shalanda (The Blogger Next Dior)