What’s hot this season? You are, in these spring-to-summer fashions!
We went to the pros to scout the latest in trends, scope out the season’s must-haves, and grab a few pointers on how to wear them at any age.
But as our pro Mary Michele Nidiffer says, trends are simply guidelines to keep your wardrobe current. Choose only those that are right for you!
“Creating your own personal style is about dressing yourself from the inside out,” said Nidiffer, founder of StyleFinder Boutique. “When you dress for who you are on the inside, it creates a connection with what’s on the outside and you create authenticity.”
From left, Madison wears an ikat print shirt in sunrise orange, $89; boyfriend jean, $89; gold bracelets, $39 each; multi-stone hinged bangle, $45, and earrings, $25; short beaded necklace, $45; and long beaded necklace, $55, all from Chico’s; princess stitch clutch, $49, from StyleFinder Boutique; and oka-B ergonomic, recyclable shoes handcrafted in the U.S., $45, from Pink Magnolia Boutique.
Geoffrey’s wearing the Crawford Tattersall Heritage shirt in blue and coral, $89.50, from Fish Hippie, and the Macon bow tie in coral, handmade in North Carolina, $55, from High Cotton.
Shivali shows off Tribal Dream jeans, $87; Burnout tank in guava, $69; Clara Sunwoo cardigan in navy, $79; and a Moon & Lola acrylic and tassel necklace, $78, all from StyleFinder Boutique, and earrings, $29, from Chico’s.
Brand stylist Sher Canada of Chico’s agrees.
“Getting it right at any age is understanding what makes you feel confident and comfortable,” she said. “Flaunt your best asset. Whatever your age, looking stylish requires repeated adjustments. And never forget — great style has no size!”
Men’s Must-Haves
Unconstructed sports jacket: Think neutral colors such as navy, grey or tan in lightweight materials with texture like poplin, linen or lightweight wool.
Crisp white dress shirt, with a spread collar: Find a tailored fit and nice texture without too much sheen, to set you apart.
Bowtie or necktie: Incorporate a bright classic bowtie or necktie into your work or cocktail attire to complete the look. Learn how to tie your own and see how many compliments you receive!
— James Hill, owner of High Cotton
Madison, at left, in a Tribal white tunic, $79; Niki Biki tank, $26; and tassel necklace, $26, all from StyleFinder Boutique, with Krazy Larry print pants, $125, shown on cover.
Geoffrey sports the Regatta necktie in turquoise, $80, from High Cotton, and Barkley Check drift blue button-up shirt, $89.50, from Fish Hippie.
On Shivali, poncho in lavender, $39, with multiple ways to wear; pendant, $58; tank, $25; and Articles of Society super-soft jeans, $59, all from Pink Magnolia Boutique, earrings, $29, and bangles, $35, from Chico’s.
The Trends
Cold-shoulder, or off-shoulder, tops: To keep it age-appropriate, opt for a look with a thicker strap, or try a tunic style paired with white jeans.
Frayed-bottom jeans: In cropped, non-distressed versions, they’re easy for any height or age to wear.
Colorful jewelry: Look for unique features such as paper beads, and layer your necklaces.
Easy updates: Fun jewelry that works with pieces you already own, and a lightweight T-shirt cardigan or poncho that can be worn in different ways.
— Samantha James, owner of Pink Magnolia Boutique
Left: The cold-shoulder top is hot! Tyche top in coral, $39; and Articles of Society jeans, $59, both from Pink Magnolia Boutique.
Right: Shivali bares her shoulders too, in the Peach Love maxi dress, $55; necklace, $24; and arrowhead-shaped pendant, $25, all from Pink Magnolia Boutique.
The Trends
Boho: Harken back to the 1970s with fringe, tassels and mixed prints. Not into flowy layers? Simply don a tassel or gemstone necklace, or wear one of many available styles of tunics to add boho chic to your most classic or elegant outfit.
New jean cuts: The skinny jean is still around, but we’re seeing a wider variety of cuts including the bootcut, with both cropped and full-length versions. Check out pastel washes in denim, as well as white. And stick with your best cut to boost your confidence!
Lace & lingerie: Choose a lace-trimmed top or tank, or let lace peek out from beneath a top with a lace extender tank to capture the romance without risking your credibility.
Blues of many hues: Find a shade that works with your coloring, then try a little blue dress for your next big event, a blue tunic for summer fun, or blue sandals for a change of pace. Think about blue for your next mani/pedi!
Easy update: The pull-on Modern Fit pant has a body-conscious fit and is infused with four-way stretch that visually whittles away pounds.
— Mary Michele Nidiffer, StyleFinder Boutique
For Madison, it’s a Baci hand-dyed silk tunic in seafoam, $135, over Krazy Larry python print pants, $125, with tassel necklace, $28; and clutch, $49, all from StyleFinder Boutique.
Shivali gets comfy in olive pants, $79; Azules tunic in jade, $46, with lace underlayer, $48; and Umgee cardigan, $58, topped with necklace, $52, bracelet, $28, and fringed hobo, $74, all from StyleFinder Boutique.
Go tropical! Shivali, left, wears a fringed poncho in kiwi, $99; So Slimming crop pant in kiwi, $89; microfiber tank in ecru, $39; earrings, $39; and necklace, $59, all from Chico’s.
Madison’s in the Celille cardigan in kiwi, $99; tank, $39; So Slimming dot print short, $79; earrings, $25; necklace, $49; and bangles, set of five, $45, all from Chico’s. Their shoes are oka-B, from Pink Magnolia Boutique.
Trends & Must-Haves
Navy is the new neutral: Pair it with white or light shades of denim, and wear with any shoe color.
Wide-leg bottoms: Pair with a streamlined, fitted top for balance.
Short jacket: Go for linen in white or off-white; also a great piece to match with that wide-leg pant.
Jewelry: Think jumbo-sized, ornate earrings; make this the only piece you accessorize with so you don’t overdo it. A pendant in polished gold is a great statement piece. Wear chunky bracelets over the cuff of your shirt.
White shirt redux: Invest in a classic white button-down shirt, or reinvent it by wearing it off-the-shoulder or tied in front.
Denim: Use the light over dark or dark over light formula. Look for fringe detail, play with the hems and leg shapes, and find great finishes.
— Sher Canada, Brand Stylist with Chico’s
Left: The hanky hem Hailey dress works for Madison, $129, with pendant, $45, all from Chico’s.
Right: Shivali shines in this fringed black tunic vest, $109, and tab top in majestic blue, $39; earrings, $25, and statement necklace, $79, with silver cuff shown on cover, $49, all from Chico’s.
Left: Men’s Tarpon Club Belt Alaskan in Rose of Sharon and in blue, $65 each, Fish Hippie
Right: Gold cuff bracelet, $49, Chico’s
Left: Harbor Stripe bowtie in aqua, $55, High Cotton
Right: Laredo western boot in taupe, $150, Pink Magnolia Boutique
Left: Lucy Lane belt in neutral, $69, Chico’s
Right: Men’s braces, aka suspenders, $98 per pair, High Cotton
Special thanks to:
The staff and community of 12 Oaks and The Club at 12 Oaks, our shoot venue. 12oaksnc.com
Hairstylists Kara Damboise and Tony Shantie, and makeup artist Esther Johnson, all of Twisted Scizzors, Cary. twistedscizzorsonline.com
Fashion stylists Joi Harrison-Turner of StyleFinder Boutique, and James Hill of High Cotton.
Models Madison Barrington, Shivali Patel, and reader model, Geoffrey Chandler.
Where to Shop
Pink Magnolia Boutique
1205 Parkside Main St., Cary
(919) 518-5532
facebook.com/Pink-Magnolia-Boutique
Chico’s
2121 Village Market Place, Morrisville
(919) 462-7013
chicos.com
StyleFinder Boutique
6801 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh
(919) 454-3068
shopstylefinder.com
High Cotton
19 W. Hargett St., Suite 100, Raleigh
(919) 817-8319
highcottonties.com
Fish Hippie
For a listing of Triangle retailers, see fishhippie.com/find-a-retailer
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