Daffodils and tulips have started to raise their happy faces here in the Southeast, which feels like such a simple but joyful welcome to the new season! And, just as joyfully, we’ve been watching this spring’s top fashion trends.
To help us celebrate and showcase these styles, we recruited three outstanding female entrepreneurs to join us to play dress up for the day, with the backdrop a seriously beautiful condo at the Broadwest Residences in Nashville’s Midtown neighborhood. (CityLiving Group has this on the market for about $5.7 million for anyone interested!)
As a stylist, it’s always important that I’m working with clients for the season ahead rather than playing “catch up” with the calendar. As we look toward spring events, a little outfit pre-planning can go a long way. Whether you’re looking forward to this season’s parties, showers, races, or nights on the town — read on for all the inspiration you need!
Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.
As I mentioned in my last Spring Fashion article, I can’t help but think of that iconic line from The Devil Wears Prada this time of year: “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” But really, the florals that are trending for this spring truly are unique and extra eye-catching! On the runways, we saw 3D floral appliqués and oversized, exaggerated prints.
Abbey is a breath of fresh spring air in this very wearable take on the trend — an easy, breezy printed maxi dress from e.Allen. Pairing this dress with robin’s egg blue boots adds an unexpected pop that feels like a natural fit for Abbey’s personal style.
Pearl and seashell-inspired accessories are another huge trend for this spring. You can spot this on everything from shoes to hair accessories and, of course, jewelry. Stacking these two chunkier necklaces together is a fun addition to an open neckline!
Denim on Denim
Denim on denim is a classic Americana look that is having a bit of a revival, but there are many ways to make this trend your own (without having to go all in with a “Canadian tuxedo”). Seema is styled here in a chic, elevated version of this look in a vintage-inspired jumpsuit.
A full denim jumpsuit may seem like a novelty piece, but it can be such a versatile workhorse of the wardrobe. By simply changing up what shoes you pair it with, a denim jumpsuit can go from happy hours and dinners to concerts or anywhere else your night may take you!
Quick Tip: Jumpsuits can be a tough fit to find because they have to fit your top, middle, and bottom all at the same time. And rarely is a woman the same size in all three! I like to encourage all my clients to form a good relationship with a trusted tailor and always factor the cost of alterations into their shopping.
Game, Set, Match.
If you’ve tuned into our past “What to Wear” shoots, you know I’m a big fan of matching sets as an alternative to dresses. For some, it can be easier to find a set you feel great in rather than the perfect dress, and you can mix and match each piece to create multiple looks, so you’re getting more bang for your buck. Here, I’ve styled each woman in a different matching set for the season.
The top and bottom paired together make for a bold, chic look that’s perfect for a shower or spring soirée. You’ll see it paired with a white blazer in other photos, perfect for chilly evenings or dressier occasions.
Make the most out of a striking set like this one by breaking up the top and bottom and styling them separately! These floral print pants would look great dressed down with a white tee, denim jacket, and sandals, while the top would pair perfectly with a pair of high-rise jeans.
Who said you couldn’t feel equal parts cool and comfy? A silk set might feel like you’re sneaking out of the house in your nicest PJs, but with the right shoes and bag, it can make for a chic night out on the town.
Quick Tip: If the head-to-toe pattern feels intimidating or too bold, break it up by throwing a solid blazer on top!
Dressed-up shorts could be the styling idea you didn’t know you needed — especially for my petites out there! Opting for a monochromatic top and shorts can be a great option for finding the right fit versus a dress or jumpsuit. It’s also perfect for cocktail hour at a house or patio; you can kick up your feet and relax!
Quick Tip: One of the trending colors from the spring runway shows was noted as “butter.” This warmer tone is still within that trending palette but feels easier on various skin tones.
Make it your own!
Although it can be fun to get caught up in the pageantry and “costumes” of iconic events like Steeplechase and Derby, you should never shy away from injecting your personal style!
Last spring, we leaned all the way into bright colors, but if you’re a lover of neutrals, there are a million ways to make them work for race season. During the run for the roses, it feels refreshing to see calm and cool earth tones and a nod to more natural materials with the pearl necklaces.
And, when you’re wearing something that feels like you, don’t you always have more fun?
Girls’ Night Out
A common question I’m asked by people traveling around the South, whether that be Nashville or other cities in the region, is “What should I wear?!”
One of my favorite things about dining and nightlife in this region, as a soft rule, is that you can really dress up, but at our core, we’re a denim and boot-friendly place. Blue jeans and beautiful dresses are all welcome. It’s all about what YOU feel best in!
Another huge thanks to our fabulous location and crew!
Photography: Courtney Eckdahl
Location: 1616 West End Ave — It’s on the market! Listed by Danielle Helling of The CityLiving Group
Boutiques: Oak Hall, e.Allen, and Emerson Grace
Makeup: Belle Turner of The Cosmetic Market
Styling: Carson Love
Models: Abbey Moore, owner of The Golden Slipper; Seema Prasad, owner of Miel Restaurant; Lokelani Alabanza, owner of Saturated Ice Cream
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