How do you feel about trends? To be honest, I’m not a big fan. Because the idea behind trends is that you need new clothes to feel fashionable. Some people will say that you need the new trendy color to feel stylish this spring. Or the latest trendy pant shape. Or the of-the-moment trendy shoe. But you don’t – you can feel perfectly fashionable and stylish without worrying about trends at all.
But there are two things that I do like about trends. First, when a trend aligns with your style, you can take full advantage of it. For example – if you love magenta, it’s on trend right now. Which means that you’ll have a wide selection of magenta styles to add to your closet. Or if you love wide leg trousers, they’re on trend right now, too. So, you can find more ideas and inspiration than in seasons past, both with options to buy and ways to wear them.
The second thing I like about trends is when they’re less about a specific item or color, and more about how you put things together - because you can participate in the trend with clothes you already have. Which is why I wanted to talk about a couple of trends that are happening right now.
Here are two outfit ideas that are on trend for this spring and summer, that you can try with what’s already sitting in your closet. And (if you’ll pardon the swimming analogy) here’s how you can dive into the trend, test the waters, or just dip a toe in.
THE DENIM ON DENIM TREND
I find it funny to hear that denim is a trend this spring. Because, when isn’t denim a trend? But this season, you’ll find denim in every imaginable iteration – from jeans to jackets to dresses to shirts to jumpsuits to shoes to bags (and probably something else I’ve forgotten). And one big look out there is denim on denim – wearing multiple blue denim pieces in one outfit. If you don’t like this idea, skip it. But if you want to try, here are a few ways to do it.
DIVE IN
A full denim on denim on denim look is the ultimate version of this trend – but you don’t need to go overboard to enjoy it. Pair a denim jacket with a similarly toned denim midi skirt (also a big trend this season). Then add a denim accessory to elevate to true fashionista status. This can be a fun way to revive your denim jacket if you’re always wearing it over a printed dress. (But if you’re tired of your denim jacket, here are a few alternatives.)
TEST THE WATERS
The easiest way to play with the denim on denim trend is by grabbing casual pieces that are already your wardrobe workhorses. Pair a chambray (or denim) shirt with blue jeans. And you can either go for similar shades or a deliberate contrast. I think the matching vibe feels the most fresh, since it’s a take on a monochromatic look.
DIP A TOE IN
If you want to join the denim trend in the simplest way possible, grab the denim dress that’s been sitting in the back of your closet. It’s a full denim outfit, without having to worry about which shades of blue denim go together. And then accessorize as you like – my favorite accessories for light and medium denim are white and pale neutrals. (Tap here for my favorite type of dress, accessorized three different ways.)
THE SHORTS SUIT TREND
The shorts suit trend is basically wearing a blazer with matching tailored shorts. It’s been slowly trending for a few seasons – but this spring, I’ve seen a ton of options. And it’s actually a great warm weather outfit idea when you want to feel super polished, but it’s too hot for pants (and you’re not in a skirt/dress mood). And the best part is that you can pull an outfit together from what’s already in your closet.
DIVE IN
The purest form of this trend is the full suit idea. But if you don’t have matching separates, stick with the dressier vibe by choosing tailored pieces – a structured blazer (click here for why I love white blazers) and shorts that are cut like trousers. And you can amp up the dressiness with a heel or wedge. Then wear this for everything from the office to drinks with the girls.
TEST THE WATERS
Take the trend down a notch for the weekend with a relaxed blazer and denim shorts. The blazer dresses up the shorts, and the shorts tone down the blazer. Which results in a fun, stylish, totally cool vibe that you can outfit in a bunch of different ways this season.
DIP A TOE IN
If you’re not into the blazer idea, how about trying shorts with a different third piece? Wear a cropped utility jacket and tailored shorts and you’re leaning into the trend – but in a way that feels more authentic to your style.
Will you go into your closet and create one of these trending looks? If you do, feel free to send me a photo or DM me on Instagram to share.
If you’ve thought about getting help to feel more intentional with your wardrobe, click here to see what a bunch of my clients have to say about evolving their style. And read this to learn more about the process I’ve used with over 300 clients to help them feel great in clothes (whether they’re on trend or not!).
Outfit details (from top to bottom):
Paige denim jacket, Free people tank, Frame denim skirt, L’Agence denim sandals, Argento Vivo earrings
Nordstrom chambray shirt, AG cropped bootcut jeans, All Saints bag, Oliver Cabell mules, Tory Burch belt
J Crew denim dress, Steve Madden wedge sandals, Madewell bag, Nordstrom earrings
Theory blazer, Open Edit shorts, & Other Stories tank, Dolce Vita sandals, Ettika earrings
Halogen blazer, Zadig & Voltaire graphic t, Kut from the Kloth shorts, Veja sneakers, J Crew belt
Rails utility jacket, AG shorts, Veronica Beard t-shirt, Splendid mules, Nordstrom earrings