The Most Wearable Spring Trends, According to Our Rather Stylish Readers
Welcome to #WhoWhatWearing, a series in which we highlight you, our stylish community of readers. Each of the following looks came straight from a photo you tagged us in on Instagram. Want to be featured next time? You guessed it: Use #WhoWhatWearing on the outfit posts you want us to see.
I’ll admit that I am dubious at times when it comes to opting in to the latest trends. For me, the long-term unsustainable impact of keeping up with season after season of the newest It items—or the fact that some trends aren’t practical at all—makes it harder to hop on the bandwagon. Nevertheless, as I scrolled through all the spring outfits our readers tagged us in, I couldn’t deny the truth that not all trends are created equal; some really are worth embracing. Our readers have proven that some of spring 2020’s biggest trends are not only easier to style than one would think but also that some of these are—dare I say—easy to wear in the coming season and beyond. So ahead, you’ll find the trends our readers love the most and their tips for pulling them off flawlessly.
Lingerie-Inspired Pieces
On Kat Hsu: Orseund Iris Velvet-Trimmed Cotton-Canvas Bustier Top ($685); Mejuri Locket Necklace ($100); Prada Re-Edition 2000 Nylon Mini-Bag ($725)
As we roll out of our state of hibernation, it looks like the boudoir styles aren't staying in the bedroom come spring, and honestly, we’re here for it. But I promise editors aren’t just clamoring for corsets, garter belts, and slip dresses. As Who What Wear reader Kat Hsu told us, "I love pairing lingerie pieces for a casually sexy just-threw-this-on ensemble.” But if you’re intimidated by the look, Kat suggests pairing your lingerie-inspired piece with "similarly colored trousers for a clean, monochrome look accentuated by a colorful touch like a bright purse or fun earrings.”
On Kat Hsu (left): & Other Stories High Rise Jeans ($79) and Tube Tank Ivory ($195); On Kim Seidensticker (right): Orseund Iris Ribbed-Knit Corset ($175); Agolde Criss Cross Upsized Jean ($188)
Still not convinced to take that bra out on the town? Let Kat's twin and fellow Who What Wear reader, Kim Seidensticker, show you. As she told us, "I think lingerie-inspired pieces are so fun to style for spring. I like to style them with oversize blazers or wide-leg trousers for a look that is a mix of masculine and feminine.” Meaning you, dear reader, can also pull off this look come springtime. All you have to do is style it in a way that works for you.
Suited Up for Spring
On Daniela Moreno: Salisa Blazer02 ($215) and Trousers05 ($179); Margi Gaba Moo Bag ($249); Missoma Gold Roman Arc Coin Necklace ($180)
While suiting has been a thing for a moment, something about the trend for spring feels, well, groundbreaking. Daniela Moreno backs us up on this sentiment, professing, "I love wearing light and neutral-toned suits in spring because it adds a bit of masculinity to the season's trends that tend to be floral dresses.”
On Niki Mallikarachi: Frankie Shop Single Breasted Cropped Blazer ($139) and Tie Cuff Trousers ($109); Nike Air Force 1 Shadow Leather Sneakers ($110)
Suits truly are spring’s most versatile trend, and no one makes that case quite like Niki Mallikarachi. She explains, "I am into suits for spring because they are so easy to put together effortlessly and can be dressed up or down depending on your mood!” Business casual or polished, you can’t go wrong with a suit for spring.
On Chiara Perera: Racil Casablanca Striped Double-Breasted Blazer ($250) and Striped Wool Pants ($258); Manolo Blahnik Starfish Sandal ($505)
"Suits are the perfect piece to add into your wardrobe for spring. They are the gift that keeps on giving,” Chiara Perera professed to us. No truer words have been said, but it must also be noted the versatility of this trend isn’t limited to how you approach styling; there’s a whole world of colors and prints you can cop to take part in this trend. And if you’re unsure what type of suit is for you, take a cue from Perera and try a pinstripe suit this spring. It’s a surefire way to pull off the trend.
The Fabric of Spring: High-Shine Satin
On Allison Romero: LPA Top 532 ($128); Zara Flared Pants ($50)
For those of us living in colder climates, the best thing about spring is being able to peel off the heavy layers and swap them out for lighter fabrics. But no matter where you live, high-shine satin is a fabric anyone can get behind for spring, and Allison Romero agrees. She stated, "I live in a climate that’s warm year-round, so silky satin pieces are some of my favorite ways to transition into spring and give my closet a little refresh.”
On Sarah Butler: Fabiana Filippi top and pants; Chloé Small Aby Lock Bag ($1547)
"Shiny satin fabrics are my go-to for elevating a spring outfit,” says Sarah Butler. "Whether it is a satin top, slip dress, or trousers, the luxe fabric always has a sophisticated vibe, which I love. To keep the look feeling refined, I opt for solid colors over patterns in this fabric,” she explains. Satin for spring is a no-brainer.
Black & White
On Francesca Carolina: Dazie Nicolina Backless Top ($50) and Nicolina Slip Skirt ($60); Senso Brooklyn Sandals ($199); Dylan Kain The Linda Bag ($168)
Don’t get it twisted: If the S/S 20 runways taught us anything, it’s that black and white for spring can be bold. From stripes to polka dots, we’re fans, but you don’t have to just take our word for it. Francesca Carolina told us, "I love black and white for spring because it’s such a crisp look. It also means you’re not limited to your accessories!” Whoever said black and white were boring clearly didn’t see our readers' outfits.
On Hannah Hill: ASOS Check Wrap Dress ($54); Steve Madden Kagan Ankle Boot ($60); Jacquemus Le Chiquito Leather Mini Bag (sold out)
If you’re still not convinced about black and white for spring, look to reader Hannah Hill for inspiration on how to pull off this color palette for spring. She states, "Black-and-white prints are versatile and chic, but don't be afraid to go for bold silhouettes with asymmetrical hemlines and perfect puffy sleeves!” It doesn’t get more fun for spring than mixing in colors and various hemlines to take the classic palette into the new season.
Shades of Green
On Meeka Hossain: Misha Giulia Blazer Dress ($260); Schutz Analeah Boot ($295)
Green for spring? I can hear your eyes rolling. Despite it being slightly cliché, from its previous iterations of pistachio on the runway to mint for this season, this color in all its various forms clearly hasn’t stopped growing on us. If you’re not sure how to embrace mint green for spring, Meeka Hossain’s tip for adopting this color is to add edge by pairing opposing colors together. "Toughen up the dreamy mint hue by adding a contrasting color like black,” she suggests.
On Chainky: Gimaguas Ona Top ($108); Dal Hae The One Choker Necklace ($156)
"You can never go wrong with green for spring,” Chainky told us, and we have to agree. But don’t feel tethered to adopting mint as the only hue to try for the season. You can still ride the trend’s wave by playing with other shades of green this spring. Ultimately, it comes down to the color you feel the freshest in, and according to Chainky, "this particular shade of green has a tropical vibe that brings some heat.” Who wouldn’t want to add a little tropical heat into their lives?
'90s Shoulder Bags
On Lenna Ha: George Keburia Oversized Sunglasses ($220); Vintage Christian Dior Street Chic Columbus Bag ($495); Rafa Homme Patchwork Denim Pants
At some point, you’ve probably already encountered former versions of this bag trend. Think back to the Fendi Baguette or Dior Saddle Bag. And while these bags aren’t going anywhere this spring, you can expect a shift to a more individualist approach to this trend. As reader Leena Ha told us, "I love ’90s shoulder bags for spring not only because of how practical they are, but they add some class to my otherwise grungy style.” Whether you’re like Ha and choose to adopt the trend based on your approach to style or you opt for a labelless version of this trend, the best thing about ’90s shoulder bags is that it is something you can incorporate into your life on your terms.
On Tash Baker: Lacausa Long Sleeve Crewneck ($77); Flash Eva Pearl Sleeper Hoops ($249); Jurate LA Necklace ($124); Bonito Golden Layering Necklace Trio ($215)
What makes a trend truly viable is its ability to be rebirthed, re-worn, and reincorporated into our lives. The ’90s shoulder bag embodies that. It’s been popular before, it’s popular now, and it will probably be popular again, so even if after getting to the end of this story you’re weary of trends, this may be the easiest one to adopt because it's the perfect combination of timeless and wearable.
Next: These Are the Biggest Spring 2020 Trends, Period
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Who What Wear) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked on Who What Wear's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.
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