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Fashion Trends for Spring Quarter

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCSB chapter.

With all the spring cleaning you’re sure to have done by now, you’re probably dying for a few new pieces to add to your wardrobe. Taking some cues from spring 2012’s hottest trends, you’ll soon be dressing in pretty pastel hues, beach inspired gowns, and perhaps an animal print accessory.

One of the trends that’s recently been seen in the fashion industry is beach inspired clothing. This can range from pieces with a seaweed print, as seen in Issa’s runway collection, or a dress actually made of small bits of coral, as seen in Alexander McQueen’s runway spectacular. While a full length gown made of real coral may be a little far fetched for the average collegiette, there are some rather simple ways to translate this current trend into your everyday wear. One idea is to grab some beach inspired jewelry and accessories. Shells turned into necklaces or starfish shaped bangles are perfectly on trend for spring. Another way to bring some beach to your outfit is to grab a printed article of clothing that has a beachy theme. Think shell patterns, starfish, and blue waves. An even more subtle way towear this look is through your color pallette. Combine light blues, beiges and creams, and you’ll be a vision of breezy waves, sand, and seashells.

Another great trend that provides a springy color pallette is pastels. This trend is reminscent of Easter hues—think about combining mints, lilacs, and corals. A really easy way to wear this trend is to search out a pastel colored dress and add either a white blazer or jean jacket. To keep things simple, choose a statement piece such as a dress or pair of shorts and mix in some basics and neutrals and understated jewelry and you’re sure to be the talk of the town in the fashion gossip world.

Completely different than the pastel trend, African statement pieces are also creating a big buzz in the clothing industry this spring. This trend has been seen across numerous runways including Michael Kors, Donna Karan, and Oscar de la Renta. This urban theme takes African inspired pieces and turns them into fashionable outfits. To accomplish wearing this trend, think animal print, earthy colors, and geometric tribal designs. However, animal print can very easily get out of control and look trashy so stay classy by sticking to small amounts of animal print. A statement pair of shoes or a crocodile skin bag is a great way to interpret this trend. Another way to be on trend with this look is through colors and patterns. Very bold patterns combined with natural colors such as brown, tan, and green will work great. Perhaps a bold printed dress with a textured brown belt or a top with geometric patterns is the perfect way for you to interpret this trend.

Whether you’re wearing pastels, African inspired outfits, or beach themed ensembles this spring is sure to bring beautiful fashions! Enjoy your cheetah shoes, pastel pink shorts, and shell necklaces.

Elizabeth ('12) is studying Communication and Professional Multimedia Writing at UC Santa Barbara. Born and raised in Calabasas, California, she is a valley girl at heart, but loves spending her time in big cities or at the beach. Elizabeth is currently interning at Santa Barbara Magazine, and is also a writer and reporter for the food, arts, and entertainment sections of her university's newspaper. After a semester studying abroad in Europe, she spent the past summer in New York City as an editorial intern at TV Guide Magazine through the highly competitive ASME Summer Internship Program. Aside from previous internships including a local radio station, Elizabeth worked in Los Angeles at FOX 11 KTTV as a production intern for the top-rated morning show, Good Day L.A and FOX 11 News, and was also recently published in Seventeen magazine. An entertainment fanatic, Elizabeth has interviewed E!'s Giuliana Rancic, the cast of Glee, Entourage, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and more. She is also a dedicated member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and served her chapter as Vice President and executive board member. When she's not editing Her Campus articles, you can expect to find her at the gym, shopping, eating chocolate, or watching any show on Bravo. Elizabeth is preparing for a career in print or broadcast journalism, and loves working for Her Campus!