As I start this season’s article, I, like many of the US on the east coast are either in need of an ark or snow plow.  WOW-what a fall/winter (& last year) we have had in the South!  I had even thought of writing about trends in rain gear b/c it’s raining ALL of the time and everyone is wrapped in nylon or plastic bubble…..But I snapped out of it and looked for a fresh perspective with wearable trends that all elements can enjoy for Spring 2019.

I loved Sue’s article last month, “Wardrobe Wellness” and wanted to continue her message when you’re dressing yourself or clients.  Locating and wearing clothing that are authentically YOU.  Trends are just that, short lived and sometimes hard to relate to for many non-fashion or everyday people.  Clients in my area of the South are predominately conservative and they may only want to incorporate the latest color into their wardrobe.  If you’ve had a “hard to dress” client, I’m sure you can relate.  

Spring.  The time for new beginnings, fresh perspective (my buzzword), maybe a new wardrobe or at least a few NEW key pieces to update your wardrobe.  Although you’ll see Pantone’s “Living Coral” on the forefront, let’s discuss some other wearable trends you’ll see for Spring 19’.

Wood, Fire and Earth-Ruffle Trend

I’ve been incorporating more Water~The Contemplator into my wardrobe lately because I’ve been trying to be more creative and just “Be”.  Ruffles are one trend that you’ll see everywhere and from dainty ruffles around the neck or cuffs to dresses covered in giant ruffles.  Statement sleeves are still very popular and every element can add ruffle either with the sleeves trend or on another part of the garment.  Adding a chiffon fabric to the ruffles will continue the fluidity that Waters crave.  Remember, ruffles will add width or thickness so placement is key but if worn correctly they can hide a multitude of “concerns”.  Maybe your client has very thin arms, adding ruffles on her upper arms may balance her out proportionally to her hips or bust.  Adding a ruffle diagonally across the body will create drama but also break up the body and is flattering.  

Earth, Water and Metal-Utilitarian Trend

The Utility Trend, also called Safari or Cargo Chic will have earth tone lovers swooning!  From cargo pants and skirts with patch pockets to trench coats and oversized jackets, Earth~The Caregiver along with Wood~The Crusader will be intrigued with these simple, sold colored designs.  Check out your local Army/Navy or Military store to add authentic yet affordable accessory pieces, like an extra long surplus belt in Olive Drab, to cinch your waist and have extra length to loop around the buckle.  These pieces will mix with the ever-lasting Athleisure trend.  Simply throw on your leggings, aka yoga pants, t-shirt an oversized trench with your scarf head wrap and look surprisingly stylish.  Wood lovers will enjoy all of the oversized pockets and spaces for gadgets while Earths will love the color scheme and boxier shape of some items. Men can easily adapt to this trend.  Shades of khaki, olive drab, mustard, and creams round out the color story.  Add a stripe or floral print to punch up the look and your unique twist.  

When a Fire element wants attention, they may add fishnets or open weave clothing to their mix, or maybe an asymmetrical neckline with lots of cutouts. As The Captivator proves, skin is in!  Let’s start with Fishnets.  They’re not just for hosiery anymore.  Look for oversized open weave tops (think crochet), sweaters, toppers.  Yes, they make a great swimsuit coverup but most Fire’s may expose this trend with a different eye.  Other elements may be scared to add this trend but I encourage you to think outside of the box.  Maybe you’ll see a handbag or shoe with a fishnet design on the leather.  Of course, fishnet stockings will always be a classic in my mind, adding them to a traditional dress or separates will up-level your look.  

Asymmetrical necklines will be seen in tops and dresses.  This is a beautiful way to show off the shoulder/neckline with out diving to the depths of the deep “V” plunging necklines seen on award shows.  

All elements can partake in the Blazer trend or as I like to call it “BossGirl!”  Worn with jeans and boots or dressed up in the corporate arena more traditionally.  Oversized or perfectly tailored.  Plaids, prints, solid or leather.  Blazers will be everywhere and in all fabric options!  Personally, I love them slightly oversized with a great pair of dark denim (skinny) jeans and a fantastic pair of chunky heels.  Menswear stripes, patch pockets, mandarin collars, worn belted or alone and buttoned up.  Your clients may already have a blazer in their wardrobe that your artistic touch can tweak and update.  Push up the sleeves, add a scarf instead of a blouse underneath.  Mix and match the colors and prints your put with the blazer to give it an edgier look. 

What can I say about Polka Dots that you’re not already familiar with?  Except the Metal~The Connoisseur elements may be drawn to them. Metals may love a column of color with dots as the accent. Large or small dots will be seen on every type of clothing.  Pants, blouses, t’s, shoes and accessories.  Just add your elements personal style and top it with a dot and you’ll be on trend.  You’ll see metallic dots adorning evening gowns.  Tiny dots as lining with another larger print on top.  Polka dotted swimwear in your favorite colors.  Water elements may want an abstract round shape.  Woods may see spots on their fitness attire, Fire’s will demand BOLD colored dots like hot pink and orange and Earths’s will want their dots to blend into their more conservative attire.  

This season determine what trends are right for you and your clients but as always, have FUN with them.  I like to treat trends as an accessory for some clients.  Wishing you all a beautiful SUN filled spring!