As the first day of spring is only a mere few weeks away (March 20), many women are looking for practical ways to incorporate new trends into what they already own for the upcoming season. However, trying to figure out which styles are still “on-trend” this season vs. what should be packed away can seem exasperating without a little guidance or inspiration.
To show women how they can achieve trendy looks this spring, acclaimed Fashion Designer and Project Runway Alumnus, Althea Harper, has teamed up with Rowenta – the leading manufacturer in high-performance garment care, to offer spring style inspiration directly from the runway, as well as tips to keep clothing crisp and fresh all year long.
Spring 2014 Style Tips from Althea Harper & Rowenta
Thigh High Split
Ever since Angelina Jolie showed off her black dress with the bold thigh-high split at the Academy Awards, fashion designers have been thinking of ways to incorporate this trend into “ready-to-wear” dresses. This spring season, there are many successful attempts in all lengths and shapes; from the fitted mini with a small slit to the dramatic high-thigh split on a maxi dress.
Wide Leg Trousers
The skinny pant isn’t going away anytime soon, but there is a new pant silhouette in town; the wide leg. This look has a lot of versatility and it looks great in a print, solid, bright or neutral. It also works with a fitted or loose top. You will want your ensemble to appear polished, which can be obtained by keeping it wrinkle-free. I normally use a Rowenta Master Valet Garment Steamer on oversized clothing.
Collarless Tops and Jackets
Another popular trend from the runway is collarless tops and jackets. This trend is the new spin on the “menswear for women” that we have seen in the past few seasons. The blouses are generally loose, which is similar to the oversized men’s button-up but gives it that sleek, feminine look. The jackets will generally have a boxy fit, which is now refined with the absence of a collar – which leaves a great spot for a statement necklace!
Bold, Large Scale Prints
Bold prints are here to stay! This season the scale of the prints is a lot larger, more abstract, and feminine. Floral prints have been popular this season. When wearing these big, bold prints it is important to keep accessories to a minimum to complete a polished look. Also, make sure to keep travel-sized garment care tools on hand because this look demands attention and you don’t want to be caught with wrinkles! One of my favorites is the Rowenta First Class Travel Iron that can fit into my purse when I’m on the go.
The Color Pink
The colors this season mirror the feminine trends. Pastels are once again popular (which is great because they are the most friendly with every skin tone!), as well as every shade of pink, ranging from Blush to Magenta. Blush is a favorite because it looks great with creams and tans that have been popular this winter. Keep hair and make up more natural to avoid looking too ‘girly’.
Unique Pleating
One of the most exciting trends of the season is the range of pleating. While there is still some of the traditional box pleats that we are more used to, new styles include draped, twisted and loose. Each pleating technique creates an easy volume that looks great on an oversized blouse or loose dress. I recommend the Rowenta Steam Station for this trend because it works as both a steamer and an iron, which is great when dealing with unconventional silhouettes.
I’m digging the pleating!
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs recently posted..Smiling Sharks – Bruce and Co. Say Cheese! #WW
I don’t like pleats. Especially on men -I think they make people look “puffy”.
Most of those trends don’t look good on me, so I’m going to be pretty untrendy this Spring! I do like pink though.
Shell Feis recently posted..A New Baby, A Bad Gig & A Girls’ Night Out on Private Lives of Nashville Wives
I love the wide leg pant. I have a pair of black wide leg pants I have seriously had since umm the late 80’s. The waist is thick, so it can be rolled down. I can wear them to a club if we are dancing with stilettos or with ballerina flats. Great tips.
April Decheine recently posted..Relieving Pain From Exercise with Walgreens
So glad to read that pink is still in – it’s such a lovely and refreshing color.
LyndaS recently posted..Foreign Food
Wide leg pants don’t look good on me, but thrilled about the color of pink! 🙂
Donna recently posted..Strawberry Banana Crumb Muffins #recipe
I love skinny leg jeans. Wide leg jeans don’t look good on me since I’m short!
vanessa: thequeenofswag recently posted..Our Nuetrogena Face-Off Challenge! #NeutrogenaRostroLimpio
I’ve seen that the color pink is a real trend this year with the new fashions that are coming out. I love that because it’s so feminine when it’s a soft pink, but the bright ones are nice and bold, so there’s a shade for everyone!
Tammy Litke (@threedifferent) recently posted..Crossroads House of Blues – Dallas
Pink is my signature color, along with black! I’m short and ‘curvy’ (that’s what I’m going with) so wide leg pants look terrible on me. I like skinny pants but if I wear them, I always make sure my curvier parts are disguised. I prefer skirts and dresses, though, so I will be adding a few trendier pieces to my new professional wardrobe!
Jennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday 3/5/2014
Pink being in will be music to my 6 year olds ears …lol
Robin Gagnon recently posted..Peeps Pudding Cups: A Fun Easter Dessert to Make with the Kids
Hmmm — not too sure about some of those trends for my body type.
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes recently posted..A Better Grain Free Chicken Tortilla Soup
I can’t wait for spring! I’m with Rachel, though, I don’t think any of it will look good for me.
Paula @ Frosted Fingers recently posted..Rain Gutter Regatta Cake
I don’t follow trends all the time, some I do if I like but others I don’t cause they don’t fit me. Like the pointed nails, I just don’t get it, and don’t really like them. It is nice to see Pink will be in!
Kelsey Apley recently posted..Check out my StarLooks February StarBox!
I am not really a trend follower basically because I go for comfort over fashion most of the time. That’s not to say I can’t or don’t look good but my clothes have to be comfortable.
Theresa @ Faith and Family Reviews recently posted..Sharkk Bluetooth Headset
I love most of these tips, but not sure I can do the color pink.
Kathleen Bunn recently posted..Quick and Easy St. Patrick’s Day Candy Pops
The crazy pleats and my body don’t sound like they would mix well. But I love me some wide legged pants.
Rachel recently posted..Making the adjustment from Stay at home mom to working outside the home
Great, great tips! I need to get ready for the spring.
Raijean S recently posted..Check out the Trailer for Captain America: The Winter Soldier
I’ll be glad for Spring to get here. I’ll use some of these fashion tips for sure.
Angela recently posted..Mega Bloks Barbie Build ‘n Play Luxe Camper Giveaway
The high thigh split sounds nice. I am so untrendy most of the time however.
Anne – Mommy Has to Work recently posted..Why Buy It – When You Can Win It! #win #giveaways
Thanks for the tips. I need all the help I can get.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com recently posted..My 30-Day Mushroom Makeover + Red Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl Recipe