Spring has definitely Sprung! Trees are growing their leaves, flowers are blooming, my coats and boots are stored in boxes and my feet are pedicure ready for sandals and barely there heels. Prior to Sweet n’raw’s Fashion Week special, we began covering this season’s strongest trends: Emerald, the Beetlejuice stripes, the palate cleansers, the floral prints and more. But there’s one thing about trends, no everyone likes to follow them and they don’t suit everyone who attempts to wear them. That’s why I have made my grocery list (Ok, ok! Shopping list… if only grocery shopping was that fun), packed with all the items that one must own this Spring and Summer and classified into colors, patterns and prints and even occasions. Over the next few days, I will be showing you two parts of the list in one post (I don’t want to bore the socks out of you with endless images and texts that resemble a puberty diary) and then we will be moving on to another section: How to wear our recently purchased “groceries”. So get your note pad and star scribbling, and then the fun part, start crossing out the items you already have or have just bought! Ready?
Prints and patterns are the best way to give that basic pair of pants the ultimate twist or to spice up an entire ensemble. This Spring, they are getting bolder and more fun than ever. Here’s the items you simply must have in your closet:
- The statement wedges: Whether you go for patterns, graphic or fabric prints, a flashy wedge sandal is a must this Spring. Charlotte Olympia and Zara have a great selection, but this Sergio Rossi pair took my breath away.
- Volume + stripes: Skirts with some structure always come in handy when creating playful looks, add some stripes (one of the biggest trends this season) and you have a winner. Skirt is from MSGM.
- Peplum with a twist: Last Fall, the peplum was everywhere! This Spring, it stuck around but with a new twist: colorful printed and textured. This fierce little number is from Preen.
- Tribal clutch: We all know and probably own tribal skirts and mini shorts, but how about some tribal arm candy? Zara has a bunch of options, including the one in the picture.
- Bold and flat: Long, pointy and flat is the new ballerina. Don’t discard them until you try them. This printed pair is from Zara.
- Head-turning trainers: Isabel Marant set them loose and we have loved and worshipped high-tops ever since then. Leave it to Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci to put some silk and prints into the already lovely equation.
- Wild jacquard: I have to blame Jenna Lyons for my jacquard pants obsession and thank the rest of the designers who followed. This Spring is not only about printed pants, it’s also about the texture. Pants, Kenzo.
- Show-stopping shift: With the digital print revolution, you don’t need to spend $3,000 on a Mary Katrantzou or Peter Pilotto (pictured) dress. A shift with a bold pattern is a life savior when the heat is unbearable: you’ll look cute and put together, but you’ll feel comfy and fresh.
- Pattern knits: Fall gave us graphic jumpers, Spring is giving us patterned ones. Ideal for when creating texture and print mash-ups. Jonathan Saunders (pictured) has a great selection.
- Shorty and spotty: A major staple and one that I can guarantee you’ll use over and over are a pair of leopard shorts.
- Red bright lips: It’s all about a bright, almost orange pucker this Spring.
- Colorful crochet: Bold colors and Missoni? What’s not to love?
Romantic pieces are not only pretty but also useful. You can get playful with them, pair them up with unexpected pieces: a biker jacket perhaps, or some hardcore boots on a lacey dress. You can put together a girly and ladylike ensemble. This season you will need the following:
- Pastel wedges: Pink, powder blue, minty or lavender, you choose! Stella McCartney is responsible for this darling babies.
- Retro sunnies: Think ladies of Mad Men, maybe Jackie O if she is more your style. Stella is also responsible for this pair.
- Firty skirt: flouncy with volume and in a pretty color and fabric. It’s not only for dressing up but can also be worn off-duty with a sheer tank or a tee. This pink number is from Miu Miu.
- Ruffle top: Chloe did ruffles, so did Gucci and Balenciaga. And since the white Chloe shift is almost unreachable, a romantic ruffled blouse is the perfect substitute. Blouse, Chloe
- Vivid bikini: Zimmermann has the best shapes when it comes to swimwear, but also the best prints. They make the most vivid and romantic, almost retro floral prints and you, my friend, need to own one of their bikinis.
- Princess flats: I assume you already have your mirrored heels, but you definitely need your glittery and sparkly pair of flats. Perfect fo when you want to add a touch of bling to an off-duty look or when you want to ditch the heels for an evening and still look picture perfect.
- Floral pants: Choose your style: harem, tapered, skinny, capri or wide. This come from the extraordinary mind of J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons.
- Creamy & lacy: A dress, no matter the length or shape, no matter the sleeves or the neckline, in creamy lace will always come in handy when it comes to sunny weather. This piece of art is from Jesus del Pozo.
- The pretty clutch: Pretty colors and heavy embellishment make this kind of bag the perfect companion for an important event or a fancy dinner. Purse, Lanvin
- Cutie pie jumper: Last Fall, Graphic knits were all about mad dogs, growling tigers, fierce eagles. This Spring is all about deers, pretty birds, cute cats and darling doggies.
- Floral shorts: I don’t need to say anything more, you should know by now that this are a must. Peter Som makes this pink pair.
- Afternoon tea heels: I have named them that way for a reason: Think about the kind of shoes you would wear if invited to an afternoon tea party in a garden. Ankle straps, printed fabric, girly details. You can find this pair on Zara.
There you go, from the bold to the lovely. Are this items already inside your closet? If not, start looking! On tomorrow’s post I will give you the on duty and off-duty items, don’t miss it!
Sweet kisses…
Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis
Image sources: Net-a-porter, Topshop, Polyvore, Farfetch, Zara
All texts, illustrations and collages are made by me, it’s forbidden to re-post without previous request (sweetnrawme@gmail.com) and images must link back to this site
