Spring Trends

You watched all the shows, googled all your fave celebs, and you're now ready to update your wardrobe for Spring. But what are the trends worth investing in, and which ones are best avoided? Here's a quick run-down of all the most popular ones to help you decide which trend is for you.

Banker Stripes: They’re the blue and white stripes that are taking over clothing stores near you. Whether you buy them pinstriped, thin striped or opt for thick ones, you can’t go wrong with this trend. I would suggest skipping the predictable shirts and shirt dresses for something unexpected. This babydoll Zara dress works nicely.

The lace-up detail is also a huge trend. As is the embroidery.

Vero Moda has an off-the-shoulder one. Or you could choose to flash your stripes on a skirt. This is one of those trends that you can take to work without any worries about having to tweak it to make it more professional. And it has the added bonus of something you can continue to wear even when the trend dies down. A good stripe never hurt anyone. If you only invest in one trend per season, I say make banker stripes your own.

Slides / Mules: For everyone who has ever groaned over the zips and ties required for gladiator sandals, rejoice! The season of easy-to-wear footwear is upon us. It’s all about slip-ons this season. Whether you call them mules, slides or backless loafers, it doesn’t matter. What does is that you simply slip them on and head out the door. Since clothes are so relaxed, it makes sense that shoes would go that way too. But don’t worry about looking like a hobo. The must-have shoes do retain a touch of formality. You can opt for backless loafers - Gucci style - for work; head out to a club in pointy toed slingback ballet flats; 

or chill with friends in one of the platform slides that everyone and their uncle has 

I've modified these Charles & Keith slides by adding the fluffy black fabric.

Slogan Tees: Should we all be feminists? Well, if that’s what you feel, how about expressing it on your T-shirt. From the runway to our local railway compartments everybody is wearing their statements across their chests.While in the West, you can compliment or criticise the establishment with your fashion choices, I wouldn’t advise anyone to make a political statement with their T-shirts in India, unless you can afford the bodyguards. Instead, opt for tees that are conversation openers. Are you feeling a bit bitchy?

How about this T-shirt. 

A lover of punk? ‘Pretty in Punk’ is the slogan for you. 

My fave is this Zara one - even though I was not born in 1980.

Dramatic Sleeves: Make no mistake, sleeves are having a moment. It’s kinda funny that they would choose Spring/Summer17 to do so. The Spring/Summer collections are usually about sleeveless clothes, and with temperatures soaring all over the world, one would have assumed that it would continue that way. But, nope. Sleeves put their collective foot down and have taken over SS17 one runway at a time. 

Polka dots are also a very spring sort of pattern.

Bell, ruffled, oversized, tiered and fluted, there’s one of every sort taking a stroll down a street near you. I think it’s a good thing. Yes, the mercury is soaring. Our summers are hotter than ever before. And a long, loose sleeve is just the thing to keep your arms from burning up on those days when you have to step out of your ACed environment and onto the streets. A bit of advice: while I love fluted and bell sleeves, they are fitted till they flare out. Not exactly Indian summer wear, however gorge they may look on the mannequins or your fave model. Keep your sleeves loose if you want to carry off this trend in our weather. 

Gingham: It’s the girly-girl meets countryside of fabrics, and in keeping with the relaxed, almost tomboyish feel of the season, even girly is going slightly tougher. You’ll find ruffled tops, flouncy skirts and dresses in this fabric. Keep it boyish in black or grey, or go all girly in baby blue or pastel pink, you’ll find the gingham of your dreams. I would suggest that you stick to cheaper pieces, like this 799 dress from H&M, 

or go for an unusual one like this tie-up 70’s vibe Zara top. 

This isn’t a trend with long-staying power. Expect it to vanish without a trace by Autumn. Keep it cheap or so unusual that it’s a statement regardless, or you’ll regret your purchase. Unlike banker stripes, gingham does not lend itself to every occasion unless you happen to be under the age of 10. 

These are the easiest trends for SS17. On Monday I'll tackle some of the impossible to wear ones. Don't worry, I'll show you how you can rock these in our weather without looking like a fashion victim. See you Monday!!

MumbaiGirl.

(I've tried to link all the pictures that I've taken from clothing websites. In case the links don't work, let me know. All the other pics are my own.)