Frigid temps and piles of snow can make winter feel eons long, especially when you’re dying to break out your spring wardrobe. While you might not be able to slip into shorts and a t-shirt just yet (sans tights, anyway), you can get a head start with a few of spring’s more versatile items. We broke down five of the hottest trends for Spring 2013 in two ways – one ideal for the colder months, and one ready for spring.
Emerald
Blouse, ModCloth, $34.99
Winter:
Coat, Topshop, $90; Leggings, Nordstrom, $45; Boots, DSW, $99.95
Spring:
Jeans, Macy’s, $68; Sandals, DV by Dolce Vita, $79; Clutch, Pretty Little Thing, $33
Emerald is the color of 2013, according to Pantone. A sheer blouse in the vivid hue will punch up your winter basics – dark skinnies and a cozy jacket. The airy fabric transitions seamlessly to spring. We paired it with white jeans and bright blue accessories for a fun night out.
Stripes
Skirt, Madewell, $44.99
Winter:
Sweater, Uniqlo, $49.90; Tights, Hue, $13.50; Boots, Madden Girl, $59.50
Spring:
Jacket, American Eagle, $49.95; Tank, MANGO, $9.99; Sneakers, Converse, $36
You know a trend has serious staying power when Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, and Michael Kors are all on board. Stripes reigned supreme at New York Fashion Week and they look just as cool on college campuses. A striped mini skirt pairs well with an oversized cashmere cardigan, tights, and combat boots for a chilly day of classes. When the weather warms up, a tank, denim jacket, and red Converse evoke a laidback vibe.
Statement Sunglasses
1. Urban Outfitters, $16
2. MANGO, $16
3. Etsy, $38
4. Etsy, $38
5. Madewell, $19.99
6. ASOS, $21.11
7. Nasty Gal, $40
8. Boohoo, $12
9. The Trend Boutique, $39
10. Urban Outfitters, $12
11. ASOS, $21.11
12. Urban Outfitters, $12
You know how to wear them! The surest way to be in style this season is to pick the zaniest pair you dare to pull off, then rock them with every outfit from snow to sun. Round, embellished, and cat-eye styles are especially in style this year. For the especially brave of heart, consider a custom work of art from Etsy, like pairs #3 and #4 above.
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’90s Revival
Crop top, Topshop, $16
Winter:
Flannel, Woolrich, $45; Jeans, Topshop, $80; Sneakers, Heart Soul, $69.95
Spring:
Vest, Tilly’s, $49.99; Jeans, Nasty Gal, $58; Sandals, Juicy Couture, $68
With the announcement of a Boy Meets World sequel, it’s official: the nineties aren’t going anywhere anytime soon! Crop tops were staples back then and have been experiencing a major comeback. A full bare midriff looks crazy in the winter, so just let a sliver of skin show with high-waisted jeans and a ’90s-style flannel. Come spring, a distressed denim vest, camo pants, and jelly sandals evoke the decade without feeling costume-y. Modern silhouettes keep this look fresh!
Ruffles
Dress, Urban Outfitters, $69
Winter:
Cardigan, Tilly’s, $58.99; Tights, HUE, $10; Boots, ModCloth, $79.99
Spring:
Ear cuff, Romwe, $11.99; Bag, Steve Madden, $68; Wedges, Jordan WP, $80.
Peplum has been going strong for a few seasons now, so it’s no surprise that sweet ruffles are also making a comeback. The newest ruffles are far from Blair Waldorf’s flouncy, fussy style – in 2013, the trend is minimalistic and sleek. An oversized cardigan, lace tights, and boots give this dress a flirty feel for winter. For spring, wear the dress on a Saturday night with contrasting wedges in a hot tribal print. Instead of a statement necklace, try an edgy ear cuff.
Which spring trend is your favorite? Are you already incorporating spring pieces into your winter wardrobe?