Spring Fashions

Dust off your denim shorts, and search for those long lost sundresses because spring weather has finally arrived in Tampa. The Sunshine state is reclaiming the weather is it known for, so let’s shed our cold weather gear and reclaim our fabulous fashions too.

Floral patterns:
How typical, I know. Floral for spring! But, the variety of apparel you have to choose from gives florals a whole new vibe. You can wear this pattern in thigh-skimming dresses, short skirts, and even trendy shorts.

For a casual dress, try Forever21’s ‘Fab Rose Knit Dress’ ($11.50), this short-sleeved darling dress is perfect for the warm weather. Or, for an evening outfit, pair the ‘floral cocktail dress’ ($28) or ‘Eight Sixty Ruffled Silk Dress’ ($98, Nordstrom.com) with Coach ‘new stefanie heel’ ($188) in black.

You can also try floral in other pieces as well. The ‘Silence & Noise Floral Zip Back Racerback’ ($28, urbanoutfitters.com) is a fabulous tank-top blouse that has the allure of innocence with the flowers, but becomes edgy with an expose zipper running down the back. This shirt can be dressed up with skinny jeans and heels, or paired with a pair of shorts for a daytime look.


Ruffles and Tiers:
Tiered dresses, skirts and shirts are not only fashionable, but they’re flattering as well. Tiered dresses are versatile in their range from edgy vibrant colors to elegant lace pieces. For a sleeveless black dress check out ‘Rumor Mesh Tiered Dress’ ($24.80,forever21), which is simple but edgy. Or for a sweeter and lighter style, look at ‘Swept Away Dress’ ($38, lulus.com), which would be perfect with sandals for a beautiful daytime outfit.

Also tiered shirts go fabulously with sleek black pants or jeans. Victorias Secret has a great sleeveless option for $48, ‘Tiered silk georgette shell’ comes in black, very berry, or citronella. Also, ‘Silence & Noise Lace Tiered Zipper Tank’ ($38) from Urban Outfitters is classic because of the lace, but updated with the exposed zipper. Another option is JCrew.com, which carries a lovely t-shirt version in sandstone or wild blackberry, ‘Tulle tiered blouse’ is now on sale for $60.

Another option to wear the tiered style is in a skirt form. J Crew also has a variety of skirts. ‘Tiered brique skirt’ ($128) or the ‘Whisper chambray tiered skirt’ ($138) are both very elegant and classic skirts that would look perfect with black pumps and a blouse tucked in. For a more vibrant option, look at the ‘Hanna G Layered Skirt’ ($68), available at nordstrom.com in cobalt, black or pink.

Sequined and Studded Tanks & Tees:
Liven up that plain old tee with something a bit more rebellious. Studded tees add an edgy look to your plain jeans and cut off shorts. Three options from Victoria’s Secret include the loose fitting t-shirt version, ‘Studded tee’ ($48.50) in tropical turquoise; a tank top version, ‘Studded v-neck tank’ in black or jazzberry (68.50); or a fancier version ‘Embellished cotton & cashmere sweater’ that has jewels and studs across the neck.

Studded mini skirts look great paired with a plain t-shirt. Bluefly.com’s ‘Romeo & Juliet Couture Black Studded Stretch Mini’ ($68) or ‘Silence & Noise Studded Menswear Waistband Skirt’ (urbanoutfitters.com, $68) are both great choices.

Other options for adding studs in a subtly way can be through shoes and accessories, such as the Report Signature ‘Malin platform Pumps’ ($117), Matiko ‘Ashley Platform Wedges’ ($98), Hype ‘Taylor Studded Clutch’ ($90) or Priorities ‘The Loraine’ boyfriend blazer ($117), all available at Bluefly.com.


Tribal prints:
The hint about wearing tribal prints is to downplay the rest of your outfit. If you are going for intense tribal inspired jewelry, then wear a subtle shirt and plain bottoms. These patterns can have a lot going on, so when wearing them as a shirt or dress, you then in turn want to downplay your accessories and the rest of your outfit.

For a top you can wear with cut-off shorts and flip flips, look at ‘Tribal Foil Tank’ (forever21, $12.80), ‘Tribal Scoopneck Tank’ (forever21, $12.90), or ‘Truly Madly Deeply Heart Tribe Tunic’ (urbanoutfitters.com, $28).

For a dress try ‘Woven Tube Tunic w/ Belt’ (Forever21,$15.80), or two options from Lulus.com, ‘Sweet by Miss Me Orleans Iris Day Dress ‘ ($80) and
‘Color Theory Dress’ ($35). All three dresses can be worn casually with sandals or flip flops.

Shoes are also a great option for adding a touch of tribal gems to your wardrobe. Nordstrom.com has a few great sandals to choose from including, ‘Fergie 'Escape' Sandal’ ($100), ‘L.A.M.B. 'Vail' Sandal’ ($299), ‘Vince Camuto 'Emily' Platform Sandal’ ($118), or REPORT 'Calla' Sandal
($60).

Light weight trench coat:
Every season we have a jacket we need to invest in. For spring, a lightweight trench coat is necessary. The versatility to wear this coat dressed up or down makes it that much more appealing. Try to buy a cream colored trench. This is a good color because it is light for spring, but not overpowering to your lively outfits.

Michael Kors has a great coat available at Nordstrom that hits at the thigh and also has a hood, which updates the classic trench coat. ‘Michael Kors Belted Trench Coat’ is $138, and with a coat like this, the best choice is to go for a durable designer brand.

If you feel the classic isn’t exciting enough for you, add some spunk to it, like the ‘Miss Sixty Studded Trench’ ($118). Also available at Nordstrom.

There are many different options for a trench coat including fit, length, and style. Try on a few and see what works best for you.