If you’re in need of a wardrobe revamp or trying to keep up with the latest spring styles, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. And regardless of where you fall on the fashionista spectrum, there’s always something new to learn and try.
We reached out to some of the hottest fashionistas on the Web to bring you their advice for sprucing up your closet as the days get longer.
Whether you’re starting from square one or looking to nail the boldest #OOTD on Instagram, keep reading for the best-of-the-bests’ tips for looking your best as we spring into spring!
What’s your go-to accessory?
Emily Schuman, Cupcakes and Cashmere: The number one accessory that pulls an outfit together is a great piece of classic, structured outerwear — whether that’s a long menswear coat, belted trench, crisp blazer or leather jacket. No matter what you’re wearing, it looks more elevated and put-together with one of these pieces on top.
Tanesha Awasthi: A great handbag, like a carryall tote or ladylike satchel in black that goes with everything. Handbags are the one item I splurge on because they instantly elevate an outfit, especially when mixing high and low. My accessories (handbag and sunglasses especially) are typically on the higher end, while my clothing is affordable to moderate.
Brie Bemis, Sophistifunk: Having confidence. Personal style isn’t just about what you wear but how you wear it and carry yourself.
Krystal Bick, This Time Tomorrow: As I get older, I’ve realized my taste in jewelry has simplified itself. I gravitate toward a few key pieces that all have special meaning to me. As far as one style trick to enhance any outfit, I think everyone needs a smart tailor up their sleeves. The simplest outfit can still turn heads if it’s fitting you in all the right places.
Caitlin Lindquist, The Dash of Darling: My favorite accessory to pull an outfit together is a great pair of sunglasses. It’s the easiest way to give your look a finishing touch without having to spend a fortune.
McKenna Bleu: The number one accessory that pulls any outfit together is confidence! I’m a big believer in being confident in whatever you are wearing, whether it’s your gym clothes, office attire or a glam look for a fun night out on the town. No one is you and that is your power, feeling confident and owning your outfit choices is a force to be reckoned with!
Some bloggers swear by the same tried-and-true accessory …
Grasie Mercedes: SHOES!
Linda Quinones, Live Laugh Linda: I’ve learned that a pair of shoes can be a game changer when it comes to creating a look. If I’m looking to dress down an outfit or give off this effortless vibe, I’ll throw on a pair of sneakers, but if I’m looking to dress up an outfit or wearing something that can’t be dressed down I’ll add a pair of heels or a great pair of flats.
Blake Von D: The perfect shoe — whether a pop of color or a sneaker to give your favorite dress a casual twist — can take a look from drab to fab in seconds.
How to up your #OOTD game:
What trends should we look out for this spring?
Emily: I’m really excited about the cold shoulder trend. That little peek of shoulder is such a fun way to show shoulder that’s not as revealing as a full off-the-shoulder silhouette. I’m also really excited about the lingerie trend — showing a peek of a really beautiful bra through a more exaggerated arm hole or basic blouse.
Tanesha: As a girl who loves to break the rules and encourage others to do the same, prints, especially stripes, florals, windowpane and gingham, are on my radar this spring because they aren’t easy to wear, but when worn right, they’re magic!
Brie: I’m loving everything laced-up, from espadrilles to heels to blouses! I’m also loving bell sleeves, flowy ruffles, metallic loafers, and retro tennis shoes.
Krystal: I’m always a sucker for a good denim trend and I love that we’re seeing more cropped flared jeans coming out now.
Caitlin: My personal favorite trend of the moment is the dark romanticism inspired by the Victorian era. Think high necklines, lots of lace, ruffled sleeves, regal details and rich trimmings. It puts a little bit of a dark spin on prairie prettiness, which aligns perfectly with my bohemian yet feminine style.
McKenna: This spring trend I’m looking forward to the most is certainly the wide leg trousers and crop tops. Let’s face it, when your everyday fashion forward pants feel like pajama pants, that’s a winner in my book!
“I’m always a sucker for a good denim trend and I love that we’re seeing more cropped flared jeans…”
- Krystal BickGrasie: I love the high waist cropped flare jean! It’s not for everyone but it has a great ’70s vibe, which I think is perfect for spring. I like to wear my pair from DÔEN with floral tops and basic tanks.
Linda: Off the shoulder shirts and dresses. And lucky for me, there are a ton of great ones available in the market currently.
Blake: With the warmer spring months come bright colors and pastel palettes. With that in mind, I’m looking forward to trying out new lipstick trends. After finally embracing the red lip, I’m ready to move on and try a few other spring shades.
Still have no idea where to start? Here’s how to find your own fashion inspo:
Emily: Start looking through images to find inspiration that’s appealing to you from icons (both past and present) with excellent style — whether in a magazine, Instagram or Pinterest. See what compels you. Nothing is permanent — your personal style will evolve and it’s important to have fun and take risks in order to find out what works for you and your own personal taste as well as body type, and what doesn’t.
Tanesha: Figure out what you love, whether it’s showing off a certain body part (or concealing certain areas), bold colors or neutrals, and have fun with fashion! Personal style is about wearing what you love, not what fashion rules or others say you should wear based on body type or size.
Brie: Invest in the essentials first because it’s a lot easier to mix and match when you have a few good basics to start out with. A few basics that I think are worth investing in are a good-fitting pair of jeans, nude pumps, black flats, a classic white tee, a chambray shirt, a neutral handbag, and a faux-leather jacket.
Krystal: Don’t be afraid to experiment! I’ve gone through my fair share of style phases and trends, some of which I loved, some of which I should never have put on my body. All of them helped me realize what I do love to wear and what I don’t love to wear. As far as an easy place to start, I think WhoWhatWear does a great job at dissecting easy style tricks at different price points.
“Don’t blindly follow the trends — if it doesn’t suit you, don’t do it.”
- Caitlin LindquistCaitlin: The most important thing when it comes to your personal style is to wear it with confidence. So start by looking for pieces that reflect who you are. Don’t blindly follow the trends — it if doesn’t suit you, don’t do it. This will allow you to feel comfortable in what you are wearing, which translates into style confidence.
McKenna: My best advice for any girl who is looking to step up their style game is to find what inspires you! What type of look do you think portrays your personality and your everyday lifestyle? Pinterest is an excellent resource to find inspiration or fashion blogs.
Grasie: I would say start with what you already have. Really dig into your closet and clean it out! Before you start, make a Pinterest board of outfits you love or that inspire you and get creative. Look at all the clothes you already own and see if you can create a version of your favorite looks.
Linda: Find your inspiration. Every now and then I fall into a style rut and hate everything in my closet. And when that happens I spend time going through Pinterest, Tumblr, blogs and Instagram and taking note of looks, pieces, vibes that really draw me in. But I think it’s important to make it your own rather than copying a whole outfit.
Blake: Start where you feel comfortable. Whether it’s switching out your T-shirts for a few button-ups or trading in your sneakers for a comfortable heel, start in your comfort zone and as your confidence grows, so will your style choices.
