2015-05-21

The 70s look

The 70s epitomised freedom and the hippie culture, and today’s designers capture the essence beautifully whilst bringing things right up to date. Natural fabrics such as cottons, cheesecloth and linen are the fabrics of choice, with free-flowing skirts, loosely styled peasant blouses with lantern sleeves, and simple jewellery combining to create a look that’s uncluttered yet sophisticated. Or recall a hint of ethnic culture with your spring outfit, such as a kaftan-style tunic or dress, complete with vibrant ethnic print.

Flares

Flares were everything in the 70s and no spring outfit collection is complete without at least one pair. Choose a flattering pair that hug your hips then flare gracefully outwards to give a gentle swing as you move. Classic blue denim is always a great choice, but fabrics like cotton or linen make a superb contemporary option. Team your denims with a light peasant tunic, faux fur gilet and platform boots, and add a tooled leather belt for a final touch of authenticity. Or try a classic sailor-striped tee with a light linen jacket for a different take.

For more flare jeans outfits, you can also read this article.



Katarzyna Tusk in dark blue flare jeans from River Island perfectly matched with a white skirt from Mango and the casual trench coat is from Zara

Gingham

Forget your old school dress – gingham has finally come of age, so ponder the possibilities with your outfit ideas for spring. Pretty little checks are perfect for a vintage shirtdress or as added panels to a cheesecloth peasant smock, making it one of the cutest outfits for spring. But gingham can also be bold and beautiful, using a larger print that’s often cut on the bias. Sassy shorts and slash-neck tunic look great in zingy gingham, or choose a lively minidress with a black patent belt to cinch the waist.

All white outfits

When searching for spring break outfits, it’s hard to imagine anything cooler than all white. Marry the flowing style of the 70s with the effortless elegance of contemporary spring designs and you have a match made in heaven. Team separates such as slimline trousers, ripped skinny jeans, vintage-style flares or pencil skirts with stretch tees, chiffon blousons or cropped tunics to create your unique mix ‘n’ match combo. Or go the whole hog and choose a stunning shirtdress, an eye-catching maxi dress or off-the-shoulder satin tea-length dress. Add a loose jacket or gilet for the finishing touch.



Mary Seng in a simple white casual outfit, white top and white denim denim cut offs. One of spring and summers big trends

Top and white denim shorts: Urban Outfitters

Sheer transparency

One of the hottest of the spring style trends 2015 is the transparent look. Overlaying an attractive under-layer with a gorgeous sheer overlay is a superb way to reveal a little without going over the top. Silks make a beautiful base layer, often comprising briefs and a bra-style top with sparkling sequinned or beaded embellishments to really catch the eye. Delicate filigree lace gives a different feel to this spring trend, or try a dress that layers opaque and translucent panels to stunning effect.

Classic navy hues

Nothing conveys smart elegance better than striking navy blue, and with its echoes of naval styling, this colour is making a real statement this spring season. White makes a crisp contrast, whether that’s in classic sailor stripes, smart ginghams or created with matched separates. For a nautical air, try a sailor-striped tee with blue denims or white pedal-pushers, together with authentic espadrilles, or match with a flared mini-skirt and lace-up sandals for a totally different take. A gingham mini-skirt duo with cropped tunic top exudes a continental air, whilst a floral print dress with drop-waist makes the smartest of spring work outfits.

Eye-catching prints

A well-chosen print can make or break your cute spring outfit. This season’s trend ranges through little sprigged flowers, plaids, ginghams and polka dots, and symmetrical ethnic prints. A plethora of flowers is always a wonderfully feminine choice, gracing beautiful sundresses, loose-flowing skirts and mini-dresses alike. For a sharper look, choose vibrant stripes in a tailored skirt suit, a horizontal striped skirt with plain stretch top, or polka dot dress and matching plain jacket. And to capture the spirit of the 70s, wrap yourself in a kaftan dress with specially designed ethnic print.



Kenza Zouiten in a boldly printed dress and white shoes

Dress: Nelly, Shoes: Jennie-Ellen, Sunglasses: Karen Walker

Romantic boho style

For casual spring outfits, then the romantic boho style is just what you need. With the ethereal beauty of the Bohemians, this captivating trend lets you give your femininity free reign. Long flowing cheesecloth dresses or layered chiffon skirts are the order of the day, often with sprinklings of pretty florals or subtle patterns. Layers of frothy lace over sheer silks and satins give this look its womanly appeal, embellished with sparkling beading, glittering sequins or jewelled motifs. Wide-legged pants make a stylish option to the skirt, keeping the free-flowing movement and accenting the romantic.

Vertical stripes

Sleek and slimming, vertical stripes are considered the ‘must have’ in any wardrobe, and you can’t go wrong here when choosing outfits for spring. For understated elegance then go for narrow stripes, perhaps matched with wider neutral bands, which give the illusion of height without shouting too loudly. Wide-legged pants, together with a plain long-sleeved stretch top, make a wonderful casual outfit, or choose a mini jumpsuit with plunging neckline to make more of a statement. Bold stripes really catch the eye, so choose a smart tunic dress, classic blouse or even figure-hugging leg warmers to really stand out from the crowd.

Golden yellows

Like a ray of sunshine on a grey day, a beautiful yellow spring outfit brightens your whole outlook. And whether you love the zingy citrus of lemon, the richness of pure gold or the sweetness of honey, there’s a yellow to match your skin tone and warm your heart. Lemon makes an appearance as a striking plain hue for a shapely skirt or skater dress, or with contrasting features such as braiding, floral patterns or panels. Whirling layers of chiffon in a deeper honey tone make a gorgeous evening gown, either on their own or with a single layer over satin under-layers. A golden colour scattered with black polka dots makes the perfect fabric for a skirt suit or shrug off the rain in a classic ‘Paddington-style’ duffle raincoat.

Wide-leg pants

The effortless freedom of wide-leg pants has made them a deservedly popular choice for spring outfits for women and their versatile styling options merely serve to reinforce their appeal. Dark plain colours make wide-leg pants the perfect foil for bold vibrant tops, with dramatic prints and bright colours looking amazing, but they look equally at home teamed with plain tops for simple elegance. Neutrals and cool pastels present an effortlessly chic aura, allowing you to look cool, clean and polished, especially when accented with contrasting accessories. And wide-leg pants look wonderful worn with fitted or loose tops, casual or formal, and long or short sleeves.

Printed wide-leg pants

Wide-leg pants let you look smart and sophisticated or sweet and demure, but for a delightfully feminine look, a pretty printed pair is a wardrobe essential. Exquisite little florals make a beautifully romantic impact, whether you choose a monochrome mille fleurs, sprigs of rosebuds, or a scattering of buds. To catch the eye more boldly, a dynamic print featuring zig-zags, patchwork or stripes are all great options, or why not go for an innovative print that enhances the silhouette of the pants. Choose between calf length or full-length, depending on the occasion, and team with a close-fitted top for maximum impact.

Long over long

Layering your clothing has long been a favourite way to create an individual look and this season’s long over long spring fashion trend is no exception. Long over long lets you team your separates together to give a wonderful sense of height and elegance without looking overpowering. Printed leggings overlaid with a plain chiffon skirt, perhaps with a revealing slit for added interest, looks amazing when matched with a long-sleeved stretch polo and faux-fur gilet. Or try a full-length satin dress, caught at the waist with a contrasting belt, underneath a long flowing sleeveless jacket. And make an unforgettable statement with a long jewel-toned satin evening dress with a gorgeously embellished lace layer for a rich ornate outfit.

Button-fronted skirts

When choosing your best outfit ideas for spring, a button-fronted skirt should feature high on your list. Classic blue denim makes the button-fronted skirt a style staple, and there’s plenty of choice when it comes to specifics. A retro-style denim mini-skirt with metal buttons looks fabulous with a plain tee, traditional button-through blouse, or revealing crop-top. Add a denim biker jacket to complete the look. Or opt for a longer version, with full-length buttoning for sophistication or a shorter row to reveal your shapely legs. If you want a change, leave denim behind and try a flared mini in white or gentle pastel with black contrasting buttons, or a suede mini-skirt with scalloped hem and contrasting belt.

Revealing slit trend

If you’re seeking a cute spring outfit with a hint of daring, then embrace the slit trend. From the shortest of minis to the longest of maxis, and even extending to slit-designed tops, a slit lets you show your silhouette to the world without flaunting it. At its simplest, a slit that stretches from floor to thigh in a plain-cut skirt or evening dress look simply breathtaking. But the slit can also bring added enhancement to a layered chiffon dress, swirling to reveal your legs as you walk. Use a slit to give added interest to a layered outfit such as a long skirt over leggings, or use multiple slits to make a panelled skirt more eye-catching.

Versatile bandanas

Whether you sport long flowing locks, a stylish bob, or a short cropped look, add the ultimate accessory to your cute spring trend with a striking bandana. You can style your bandana as a simple hippie band worn on the forehead, as a wide Alice band for a demure look, or a twisted turban for a hint of Fifties allure. Pick a stretchy fabric for a close-fitted hairband style or try a long chiffon scarf for adding trailing ends that evoke the free-spirited hippie ambience. Pretty polka dots, tiny florals, and pin stripes all have a subtle appeal, Jacquard and psychedelic designs recall the 70s, and animal prints and metallics add some real pizzazz to your look.

Sky-high platforms

Of course, spring fashion outfits are never complete without matching footwear, and this season the platform is all the rage. Naturally, there’s a platform for every possible style and occasion – the only problem you’ll have is limiting your choice. There’s an unparalleled range of colour options, including muted or bright plain hues, contrasting dual-toned version, and every conceivable print from florals to stripes. If flares are your thing, then platform mules or sandals made for each other, so opt for strong leather panelling for a retro 70s feel or lighten things up with a strappy sandal. Delicate strapping with little embellishments such as buttons or bows make a skirt suit divine, whilst platform loafers, brogues or trainers suit a more casual outfit. And nothing screams Cinderella princess louder than a glittering metallic court shoe that sparkles like cut glass.

Lace-up legs

Get your legs noticed with an awesome pair of lace-ups. An understated ankle version will attract just the right amount of attention, whereas a conspicuous full-leg pair will make you look drop-dead gorgeous. And lace-ups are not just limited to an extension of the strappy sandal, beautiful though this is. Now you can find lace-up Roman sandals or lacy motif sandals that look completely at home with hippie or boho ensembles, as well as lace-up boots with a dazzling display of lacings to the knee (and sometimes beyond!). Flat lace-ups are comfortable and look great with your casual outfits, whilst shapely lace-up stilettos are the epitome of high sophistication.

Helena Glazer’s outfit is one of elegant ease. White jeans from Paige, warm camel blazer from J. Crew, brown lace up shoes from Aquazzura and the bag is from Pietro

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