Spring fashion: what’s hot, what’s not

Bright Colors are sizzling hot this spring.  Photo: thebudgetfashionista.com.

By Brandon Shulleeta

5 FASHION DON’Ts: 

1. Skin-tight leopard: that’s out. 

2. Huge jacket, yet bare legs: Make up your mind! 

3. Cowgirl boots and a cowgirl hat: Not necessary for city living.  One or the other will do.

4. Lots of jewelry and swimsuits: don’t mix.

5. Sweats and heels: Ohhhh Noooo!

   (“Don’t” tips courtesy glamour.com)

CLICK “MORE” BELOW, FOR HOT SPRING TRENDS (FROM 3 FASHION EXPERTS)

EXPERT 1)  Christine de Haviland, of New York City, creative director of Body Wrappers (VCU fashion alumna):

1. Bright colors:  such as lemon-yellow, coral, aqua, lime and white.
2. Wide-leg sailor-style pants/jeans:  “Skinny jeans are starting to make their way out.”
3. Floral prints
4. Shirt Dressing:  “Think of an over-sized men’s dress shirt, nicely tailored to fit a woman, anchored with a complimentary belt.  Shirt dresses are either clean, crisp spring colors or small floral prints.”   
5. Dresses and skirts:  “Skirt lengths are all over the place, although most stores seem to be carrying full-circle, knee-length skirts.  These skirts can be paired with a very girly top and a constructed, slightly masculine jacket and big heels or flats.”

EXPERT 2)  Nancy Powell, VCU fashion student:

1. Be bold:  “Everything is pretty much to the ultimate extreme.”
2. Bright colors:  “This spring is all about the brightest of the bright colors: blue, salmon and green, in particular.”
3. “Nautical stripes and colors are the ‘it’ thing as well.  All the women up here [in New York] are making this look happen… by wearing red shoes, cool scarves, or nautical jewelry.”

EXPERT 3)  Amanda Mason, VCU fashion student. 

1. Bold floral prints and neon florals—with bigger, stronger and more striking colors this year. 
2. Flat sandals with detailing. 
3. Sun-washed prints.  And color schemes are sugary pinks, wine purples, and pale grays.  Sun-washed prints.    
4. Metallic footware.
5. “Skinny jeans are still in.”