If you want your wardrobe to look current but don’t desire being decked out in head-to-toe trends, there is, in fact, a happy medium. We talked to Kathleen McCarthy Goff Weber, owner of K. McCarthy, to get their top suggestions for how to tastefully incorporate this season’s top fashion trends into your core wardrobe without going over the top. We’re excited to feature items she has available in-store that show just how easy it is to give your spring wardrobe a tastefully trendy refresh. Take a look!
How to Tastefully Incorporate This Season’s Top Trends
1. Buy pieces that work with the rest of your wardrobe.
Buying new pieces for your wardrobe without understanding how it works with the current items in your closet is like going to the grocery store without a list. You end up with a bunch of random things that don’t go together. Before you start shopping for spring, take a look at your current wardrobe and get a good idea of what is in your closet. How many items in your closet can you pair the potential new item with? If the item in question doesn’t work with at least three other pieces in your current wardrobe, then you don’t need it!
Kathleen suggests neutral colored prints for versatility. “Neutral colored prints are such a fun way to add some interest without your clothes wearing you,” she shares. “Keeping the colors neutral is great way to do that!”
Neutral colored prints are the best place to start. This black and white sleeveless midi dress is a great example with its neutral colors and playful print. It will work with your black accessories and is the perfect transition piece for changing seasons.
Midi dress, $248; shoes, $37
2. Swap out one item from the outfits you wear the most.
One easy way to incorporate trends into an outfit is by creating a classic, timeless outfit in your mind (or on hangers) then replace one of the items in the outfit for a trendier piece.Think of your three go-to outfits or items in your closet that you wear the most. Instead of buying an entirely new outfit to incorporate a trend, make the trend work for you! You can combine color, pattern, textures and trends on top of a simple, lean wardrobe because those simple pieces will go with everything. Prime example? White jeans! “White jeans make everything feel fresh, light, and crisp. They can transition your light sweaters from February to March, they can make a white button down look new and exciting, and they can be worn with a cute heathered t-shirt and look perfectly comfy,” says Kathleen. “White jeans truly are the spring must have!
A staple in almost everyone’s spring wardrobe is a white pair of jeans. Try swapping out the shirt you typically wear with it for a trendier top! Two of the season’s biggest trends are puffy shoulders and mixed patterns, and this top from K. McCarthy combines both in a playful way that completely updates the look when paired with white jeans!
Find this top at K. McCarthy for $178.
3. Find gaps in your wardrobe or pieces you want to get rid of, and replace them with trendier versions.
Once the weather starts getting warmer, we are all eager to get out of the pants we have been wearing for months. But this time, when you start pulling out your shorts and dresses, take the time to decide what you want to replace and where there are gaps in your wardrobe. It’s not that you have nothing to wear, it’s that you don’t have the right items to pair together! Instead of going back to the same styles you are used to buying, try incorporating a trendier take on that classic piece. This red dress is a great example, because it incorporates subtle rows of fringe to breakup the solid color.
Red dress, $268
Layering is also a great way to incorporate trends into your wardrobe. Set aside your blazer or jean jacket, and work a new fabric, pattern or color into your jacket lineup. This yellow woven jacket pops and completely changes the look of a traditional tank and jeans.
Jacket, $188; clutch, $298; top, $118
4. Find trends that are flattering on you.
Trends change every season. We see celebrities, influencers and even friends wearing the latest and greatest and immediately want to go buy it. But the important thing to understand is that just because it looks good on someone else, doesn’t mean it will look good on you. “Stick with what flatters YOUR figure … and if the trend this season isn’t for you, add fun accessories instead! Those will always flatter,” advises Kathleen.
Take the time to understand what styles and colors look best on your silhouette, or work with a piece that is flattering on most figures, such as a cotton wrap dress. These are great because they are loose fitting and can be adjusted through the wrap and ties to fit you like a glove!
Dress, $198; purse, $438
5. Slowly introduce trendier accessories to your favorite looks.
If you want to ease your way into new trends, accessories are the best place to start. You can try out different patterns, textures and styles by incorporating new accent pieces such as handbags, jewelry and shoes!
This playful crossbody bag is a trendier take on a classic leather clutch. Try a brighter color or busier pattern than you usually would. It will give your look some personality! Find this bag for $278.
Earrings are also an fun and easy way to add some flair to a look. Mixed metals, patterned statement earrings, metallics and fringe are all the rage, so try incorporating one style that works with the majority of your wardrobe for everyday use and another style that is bold and bright to wear as a statement piece! We love this selection at K. McCarthy.
Lastly, shoes are another accessory that can really change the look of an outfit. And believe it or not, shoe trends change ALL THE TIME (which is a great excuse to keep buying them, right?).
Remember, the key is balance. Don’t just buy it because it is “trendy.” Swing by K. McCarthy’s convenient Green Hills location and start working those trendier pieces into your wardrobe, and you’ll enjoy a on-trend wardrobe that perfectly suits your style! K. McCarthy is located at 4121 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215. Learn more at (615) 540-4959 or visit kmccarthynashville.com.
This article is sponsored by K. McCarthy. Photography by Leila Grossman of Grannis Photography. Fashion styling by Molly Russell of Molly Russell Styling.
