As fond as we are of our fleece-lined leggings and oversized sweaters, we are more than ready to trade our salt-stained Uggs for flats and wedges. Even though we have a few more weeks of winter-chic, Elle released its spring trend report, and it’s time to start filling our online shopping carts with the newest styles of 2014.
Before we go too crazy, it’s important to keep in mind—write it on your hand, make a note on your cell phone—that while there are some must-haves roaming our favorite department stores, there are also some maybe-nots floating with them.
Pre-Sale:
Two-piece: A colorful crop top with matching high-waist shorts is the perfect outfit for an afternoon tour at Phipps or nap in the grass at Carnival’s Downhill Derby. With fun pattern and an exposed sliver of midriff, you’re ready to live it up— to sunshine and high fashion.
Hand painted: The paint splatter radiates DIY distressed, adding a chic dash of creativity to any item. This style is great to shake up your classroom prep-vibe, and another Carnival must-have: wear it while you make final touches on midway and head straight to lecture without stopping to change.
Keep Your Receipt:
Gingham: Like most classic patterns, this too is good in small doses. Adorable as a blouse, not so much as a maxi dress.
Sensible shoes: This trend is completely workable, but variations of it are either a full hit or miss. Do go for Birkenstocks. Steer clear from Crocs or any non-sneaker that comes with laces.
Don’t Even Try:
Fringe: The fringe is great, but it’s been on our radar for several seasons, especially after the return of Gatsby and 20’s fashion. While we’re pumped to wear it for another season, it may be time to switch it up a bit.
Coulettes: This variation of gauchos and a skort made its grand premier with the upper-class men of the Middle Ages, and probably should have stayed there. George Washington may have been a Coulette fan, but that doesn’t mean we have to be.