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Spring fashion 2014

Spring fashion – What do you love? -What do you want? – What can’t you live without?

This season there are many new trends, many of which borrow elements from days gone by.

Skirts are front and center in the fashion parade of trendy looks for SS/14. Paired with a crop top (yes, they’re back!) they are a nice alternative to a flirty dress.

For the last few seasons fashion “gurus” have stressed the “no matchy-matchy” rule. The most stylish look in a crop top/skirt combo is a matched set. I will say that this is one trend best left to the younger generation. For more coverage you can layer a crop top over a longer blouse or T shirt.

Pastel hues always make the spring scene. Warm weather outfits are trending in peach and mint green. The “it” color for 2014 is radiant orchid. It’s an easy color for all skin types to wear and can be paired up with just about any shade you can imagine. If you don’t like an overall pastel look, opt for a shoe or purse paired with a neutral color.

Florals are all a bloom on skirts, dresses, tops and pants. Expect to see lots of reds and pinks on neutral backgrounds of black or white. Let your floral be the stand-out piece of the outfit. Keep accessories neutral, allowing the print to do the “talking.” Match the background color of the print instead of pulling a hue from the floral pattern. Keep jewelry at a minimum.

The newest trend in jewelry for spring is the “choker.” This simple collar necklace has a maximum impact with any outfit. Try pairing a choker with a V-neck, or undo the first few buttons of a shirt or shirtdress and let it peak through.

Menswear has inspired the look of this season’s shirtdress. Wear it loose, cinched in with a belt or over a pair of leggings. A shirtdress creates a casual look and is a great alternative to shorts in warmer weather.

What would be a new season without a new pair (or two) of shoes? Look for D’orsay flats as a nice change of pace from heels. These pointy-toed flats are cut out on both sides with a closed toe and heel. They can be found in soft leather, a variety of artsy fabric prints and sequined for a chic night time look.

Gladiator sandals are shoes that definitely make a statement. They can be strappy and simple, just wrapping the ankle or knee high. Since this is a shoe that stands on its own, make sure to keep the rest of the outfit simple.

The short slender kitten heel has re-emerged, gracing the glossy pages of fashion magazines. First made popular by fashion icon Audrey Hepburn, it was designed in the late 1950s as formal fashion attire for young teenage girls. Kitten heels were often referred to as trainer heels, indicating their use in getting young girls accustomed to wearing high heels. Women of all ages can feel dressed up without the discomfort of wearing a higher heel.

Another shoe style that is a “blast from the past” is the mule. This slide-on style can give any outfit an on-trend vibe. You can choose from casual looks, such as wedges or chunky heels, or a dressier stiletto. They look great paired with skirts, skinnies or cuffed boyfriend jeans. Showing some heel always makes the leg look longer.

One last word on the Spring 2014 fashion scene is the “it” bag for this season – the bucket bag. Basically a daytime carry-all, the bucket bag is available in eye-catching colors and patterns. Like all bags it is available at a variety of price points.

Hopefully spring weather is just around the corner and you can turn your thoughts to the newest trends that Spring 2014 has to offer.

OnTrend is a fashion column written by Jacquie Bennett, formerly of Milroy, who now writes from her home in California. She can be reached at jabennett48@embarqmail.com. Read her blog at www.glitzglamourstyle.com.

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