Time for a Pant Refresh

Updated pant trends are coming in hot for spring! We’ve seen the introduction of wide leg and high rise pants over the last several seasons but this spring they are front and center like never before. There are a number of variations in colors, prints and styles that you are sure to find something you love.

I’ve noticed an emphasis on pants in stores lately. The simple classic chino style we see every spring is still there. But this time it’s not front and center. The focus is on bold bright colors and prints, high rise silhouettes, wide legs, joggers, and just about any twist on the classic pant. If this type of item isn’t already in your wardrobe, now is great time to think about adding a new pant to your closet.

Here a few tips when purchasing stylish pants. If you’re petite and choose a wide leg pant, keep the print small. When wearing a wide leg pant, keep your top fitted. It tends to be more flattering when only one article of clothing is oversized. A high rise won’t be flattering on everyone. The length of your torso will come into play here, so be sure to try these pants on before purchasing as all styles won’t fit the same. Cropped pants will work well on just about everyone but especially great on petites as they give the illusion of making us look taller (especially when paired with a heel).

A numbers of styles and varieties of pants are available at any of your favorite shops right now! I found a number of different options at Anthropologie that I loved and have included a few highlights to give you some ideas. Start thinking of ways to spruce up your spring wardrobe with a focus on your pants!

Wanderer Utility Pant

Globetrotter Joggers

Lola Wide-Leg Linen Trousers

Pam Wide-Leg Pants

Delos Wide Leg Pants

Seashore Striped Pants

Prints on Trend for Spring!

Who is ready for spring?? Me, Me!! We had the opportunity for a nice warm getaway recently which makes coming back to the cold, rain, snow and wind…. well, unbearable. Ugh. But I am trying to look on the upside, spring is not that far away and spring trends are already in stores!

So for those of you who might be headed to a warmer destination, inventory is in stores so you have a chance to do a little shopping before your trip. You might be wondering what the trends are for this coming spring and what you might expect to see in stores. Jumpsuits and rompers are still very popular. Prints are especially hot right now and can be found in a number of different silhouettes. Pastels and pops of color are trending as well.

In looking for something new for this upcoming spring, I found a dress that I fell in love with from Draper James. This is my first purchase from the brand and I suspect it will not be my last. This dress (as shown below) fits perfectly with all the feminine details you could ask for in a spring dress. With a split neckline and a delicate print, this dress is well on its way to being so versatile that it will last through multiple seasons. Not only do I love the smaller print (looks great on petites) but also the flowy nature of the style.

See below for a few select other styles that are currently available and on trend for spring. There are a variety of options available in any color and silhouette you prefer at any price point. Find the dress that suits you best!

Draper James Printed Popover Dress

Tory Burch Printed Shift Dress

Tory Burch Printed Deneuve Dress

Banana Republic Floral Ruffle Wrap Maxi Dress

J. Crew Factory Smocked Tie Front Dress

The Importance of Personal Style & a Powerful Message

One of the first questions that I always ask my clients is “how would you describe your personal style?” There is no wrong answer to this question. The answer is and should be entirely dependent on your personal preference. You’ve spent years if not decades building your wardrobe (whether you realize it or not) and in the process deciding what you like and don’t. You find styles that you’re attracted to or items that you fall in love with. Perhaps over time you find that you gravitate towards a more classic/preppy wardrobe. Perhaps you prefer to keep up with a trendy wardrobe. Maybe you like skirts and dresses over pants. Maybe you demand comfort and live in whatever wardrobe provides that. The options are endless, but what matters is that you recognize and identify a style as your own.

My personal style is classic with splashes of trendy and preppy thrown in for fun. I like timeless pieces that will last several seasons. I like a neutral base with pops of color. I feel confident in black and/or white and always heels. It took me a while to figure this all out but now it’s how I define my wardrobe.

As a part of the process in defining your personal style, you may also be deciding what looks best on you and how you want to present yourself. This is where it’s worth putting some thought and consideration to your wardrobe. Be deliberate in your decisions regarding what to wear, what to buy and what to purge. What you ultimately keep in your wardrobe will be a reflection of those decisions.

Staying true to that personal style and living in it, allow you to be comfortable in any situation. Whatever the occasion, you can dress appropriately without having to abandon your style. One example of this that I love is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, recently sworn in as the youngest woman to ever serve in Congress. This strong woman showed up to her swearing in ceremony in red lipstick and hoop earrings. Why is this significant? Ocasio-Cortez tweeted about her lipstick & earrings. Here is what she said:

This young Congresswoman was making a point. She stood not only for her district but for all young women struggling to figure out how to fit in. She showed us all that we can be true to our personal style, be true to ourselves and who we are in any situation. We can pave our own way… make our own path.

I’m impressed by the strength and confidence in this young Congresswoman. But we all have the ability to do the same. Perhaps not on such a large scale, but each of us encounters situations where we might hesitate to be ourselves. Summon that confidence to be exactly who you are by thinking of your own version of lipstick and hoops, whatever that might be.