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Spring/Summer Fashion 2016: Dressing for Comfort

By April 21, 2016 No Comments

Woman in denim jacket and skirtSpring has sprung! In New York, we’ve already had a chance to peel off some of the layers and keep our overcoats at home but over the next few weeks spring fashion will be in full force

Starting off with blue jeans, denim prints are all over the place. Isabel Marant Etoile Maddy embroidered boyfriend jeans and this Sibling denim jacket are a couple of examples that caught my eye. However, this classic Levi’s Trucker Jacket will never go out of style and it cost just $69.50. You can pair it with pin striped paper bag trousers from Topshop that cost $75. For under $200 that is a stylish look that can be changed up with different tops and shoes.

You might be wondering, what are paper bag trousers? While they’ve been in for the last couple of years I’m seeing even more now. They are high wasted and cinched at the top, usually with a low-slung belt so that fabric gathers at the top. Most are wide legged such as this pair from Tibi however this more tapered look from Burberry is just as eye catching.

Carwash pleats that were big last fall have given way to micro pleats. There are plenty of haute couture examples to be found. This Stella McCartney midi skirt is stunning. J. Crew and others are using them to spruce up their look as well. I think this navy micro pleated skirt accompanied by a sailor shirt is perfect for work or weekend wear.

The Victorian era was a long time ago but this spring we’re seeing it rear its head again with ruffles, flowers, puffy sleeves and high necklines. Some of the prints remind me of Laura Ashley patterns, which I don’t usually associate with what’s hip yet I must say that I’m pretty impressed with some of the designs from J. W. Anderson such as this Ruffle Trum Collar Dress and Ruffle Trim Polo, both which give a 21st century Goth spin to Victorian motifs.

Recently, I wrote about how sleep ware has influenced street fashion, not realizing that it was going to be that big this spring and summer. Both lingerie like fashion and this bathrobe like belted blazer from Zara are moving beyond the boudoir and into public spaces. What can be more comfortable and comforting than this?

Warmer weather and fewer layers can feel freeing. I love dressing up throughout the year yet in the late spring and summer when it gets sticky in New York, comfort becomes even more of a priority. Yet there is no reason why you cannot feel and look great in what you wear.