What Everyone Will Be Wearing This Spring, Inspired by NYFW and Small Businesses

Spring is in the air, and it’s so close we can almost smell the flowers. Trends change with the seasons, and every year there’s something different and exciting debuting or coming back into style. Fashion can be inspired by many things, one of the biggest being New York Fashion Week. Designers, consumers, and fans watch with detail to see what is popular, what looks pair well together, and which trends will be rotating back into our closets. Kat Woodside, chief design officer for cabi clothing, notes that this spring will "welcome radiant yellows as intoxicating as rays of sunshine and dreamy denim— high rises, cleaned-up, super vintage—the foundation of every modern woman’s wardrobe. [Also,] twists on the ’60s and ’70s style—wrap skirts, trouser jeans with fuller legs, and chic, bohemian jackets." All of the clothing from the spring collection are items that were majorly influenced by styles seen on the runway. I was also particularly inspired this season by a small business owner in my area, Amy Rose. She runs an online and mobile vintage clothing shop called Red Rose Vintage. The shop is based out of Charleston, South Carolina, and features the best vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories at affordable prices. With March just around the corner, we’ve been on the lookout for what everyone will be buying for those warm spring months. Whether you’re going for a casual look, a stylish outfit to wear to the office, or a groovy nightdress, we’ll have you styled as your most fashionable self.

Casual Vintage

I had the opportunity to speak with the founder and CEO of Red Rose Vintage, Amy Rose, about what trends she thinks will be making their way into our wardrobes this spring. Red Rose Vintage has been selling online pieces since 2011, and in 2015 Amy opened a permanent mobile pop-up store in Charleston, set inside of an old remodeled '76 Airstream RV. The shop consists of vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories mostly from the ’80s and ’90s, along with selections from earlier eras as well. As the designer of the shop, Amy thinks, "plaid and florals will be back and bigger and better than ever this spring.

Along with big bows accents and lightweight mock neck tops!" These looks also frequented the runway this year at NYFW. She also knows better than anyone that old fashion trends always make their way back into style. She predicts "the high waisted cutoff shorts and vintage mom jean trend will still be essential, along with biker shorts, scrunchies, [and] boyfriend denim jackets." If you’re looking for authentic and affordable vintage this spring, shop at Red Rose Vintage!

Metallic Shine

Not sure what to wear for your next night out? The metallic look was seen all over fashion week. It’s fun, flirty, and elegant enough to make you the most stylish person in the room. Whether it was with sequins, sparkles, or shine, this look dazzled everyone. Joan Smalls was stunning on the catwalk in the Ralph Lauren show, wearing a glimmering, strapless black gown that fell to the floor. The metallic look can be done on a short cocktail dress or a long gleaming gown, and even paired with some glittering heels. Whether it’s a night out in the city or an extravagant party, you’ll be sure to be the most sparkling person in the room with this latest trend.

Polka Dots

Another trend that frequented fashion week: polka dots. In many different styles and variations, this pattern is classic and chic enough to go with any outfit. From casual to professional and dresses to skirts, the pattern can be used on any clothing, in any setting. Tory Burch, Kate Spade, and Marc Jacobs’ collections all frequented the trend. We also noted an incredibly high amount of fashionably styled polka dots at the Tommy Hilfiger show, debuting the Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya Spring/Summer collection at the Apollo Theater. The pattern was seen on not only clothing, but also on accessories such as neck scarves, blouses, halters, dresses, and even footwear. Fashion is something that is always changing but always making a resurgence from years before. This trend is one of the recurring trends that were popular in decades before and has since made a strong comeback, particularly from the ’80s. Philanthropist and fashion icon Princess Diana can be found rocking the polka dot look on multiple occasions throughout the decade.

Fringe

We’ve seen it before. Fringe is back, and we’re not mad about it! It was seen in many different collections this year, such as Nicky Zimmermann’s, Gabriela Hearst’s, Alejandra Alonso Rojas’, and Christian Siriano’s. When I think of fringe, I think of old western movies, cowboys, and the ’70s. Rojas’ collection took a different take, creating a beach-style dress with a fringed bottom. Look out for this trend this spring when shopping for cover-ups, dresses, swimsuits, and even purses.

Wide-Leg Trousers

The wide-leg trouser trend is my personal favorite. It’s definitely a comeback look from the ’70s and has a vintage feel to it. From cabi clothing, and Kelly Wide-Leg Crop is a high-waisted trouser done in a patriotic print. They have a slim, high waistline, wide legs, slash pockets in front, and patch pockets in the back, and are made of a rayon/nylon blend. These style pants can be worn to a variety of events, such as a casual holiday party, or even paired with a blazer and worn to the office.

Fashion is all about keeping up with the latest designers, trends, and styles, but also about your own unique vision. I like to style myself based on what’s popular, and then add in some of my own personal preferences too. These trends will have you looking your best, but don’t be afraid to venture out too! You won’t go wrong this spring with some cool, casual vintage wear, a shiny, metallic nightdress, a professional or casual polka dot look, some fringey beachwear, and a retro wide-legged trouser. Add some stylish accessories to complete your look. And remember, life is too short to be worried about others’ judgments, so wear what you want with confidence!