Style & Shopping
Fashion Forward
Trend predictions from stylist Thea Washington, boutique owner Ray Mitchener, and designer David Hart.
Keep it simple
Condense your wardrobe! Instead of bogging down your closet with clutter, minimize it by cutting out pieces you don’t need or never wear. (Standard rule: If you haven’t worn it in a year, say bye-bye.) It will make your morning routine easier and laundry loads lighter. Once you purge, build it back up with basic neutrals and a handful of versatile special pieces. If nothing else, just be yourself. “I always think it’s great for someone to put their own stamp or twist on things,” says Ray Mitchener, the owner of Ruth Shaw and The Girl Next Door.
In neutral
Get ready to fall in love with fashion again. Trends like Normcore (a way of dressing that puts the emphasis on average, everyday pieces), homeless chic (think Kanye West), and athleisure will head out of the mainstream. Mitchener says bare shoulders, ruffles, and crisp whites are great ways to update your look, too. Keep an eye out for a new wave of denim, as well. “Denim is going to be a big trend in dresses, shirts, and jackets, as opposed to just jeans,” Mitchener says. And because gender fluidity is making waves, expect to see guys and gals rocking similar, gender-neutral styles.
Colors and prints aplenty
“This spring, expect to see pops of unexpected bright colors and even monochromatic looks,” says Thea Washington, a wardrobe stylist. Intimidated by color? Black is always in. It’s chic, flatters every frame, and is a subtle way to make a statement, Washington says. Punchy patterns, like florals and blue- and-white stripes, also will make their way onto blouses, blazers, and dresses this season. Mixing prints is still on-trend, so don’t be scared to pair your favorite printed pieces together for a fun and unique look.
Menswear reinvented
With the changing times, it’s no surprise that menswear is on a progressive path, too. Dudes, go ahead and mix and match those patterns and textures with reckless abandon—but make sure the fit is flawless. Tailoring, a must no matter the trend, will turn toward sleeker and slimmer-fitting shapes this season. “We are seeing a movement toward health consciousness, and it’s a full package,” says designer David Hart. “Men want to feel great and look great.”