Spring is a time for all things flowery and fresh: floaty dresses, soft Easter egg colors and feminine details.
This spring designers went soft with these traditional favorites and more. Soft pastel dresses, girly bows and ribbons, and touchable fabrics like satin all made appearances on the runway.
But girlishness wasn't the only inspiration for spring as designers added modern interest with cargo pants, Asian influences, even surf-inspired styles.
Here is a rundown of some of spring's best new looks:
Dressed up
Dresses make a comeback this year with beautiful proportions and details.
From the super-short minidress (Gucci) to retro prints and full skirts (Marc Jacobs) dresses look right for both daytime and night.
Pair with matching coats, pumps and soft hair (nothing too "done" or you'll look dated).
Bows, ribbons, dots, halters and Asian influences are all strong looks in this category. Great for all age groups and lifestyles
Short stories
The return of the miniskirt is making huge style news. Thigh-grazing minidresses and skirts were seen on runways from New York to Milan, with the best of the bunch in brights (Versace, Prada) or full and flirty (Chanel).
Pair with everything from sexy ankle-wrap heels to flat metallic sandals.
Extremely short skirts look best on the under-30 crowd; others opt for modified lengths a few inches above the knee.
Big tops
Billowy tops and jackets over lean pants, miniskirts or short shorts signal a silhouette change from the allover sleek look of past seasons.
The satin bomber jacket (Stella McCartney) is one version of the fuller top. This fun, versatile topper pairs with everything from jeans to sexy skirts.
Pants: Cargoed and cropped
A great foil to spring's softer looks, functional cargo pants and cropped styles can take the softer tops and make them look modern.
Keep fuller-cut cargoes flattering by choosing drapey, not stiff, fabrics.
Cropped pants -- a couple of inches above the ankle -- are a fresher look than capris.
Hit list
- Surfer-influenced swimwear and daywear (Balenciaga, Luella Bartley)
- Trench coats
- Asian-inspired tops and dresses
- Skinny pants
- Pencil skirts
Beauty
- Ponytails, buns, bangs
- Pink, glossy lips
- Lined, shimmery or smoky eyes
Footwear
- Metallics
- Slingbacks
- Punk-inspired hardware
Bags
- Hardware details (zippers and buckles)
- Bows
Pack away
- Peasant blouses
- Hippie chick styles including gypsy skirts and fringed bags
- Toile everything
- Tooled leather
