Just a week or so ago I was doing makeup on a shoot with a separate very young and enthusiastic fashion stylist. The theme of the shoot was loosely Park Avenue Princesses springtime looks, It started off well enough but when little Miss fashion star dragged out a very over-styled floral outfit I thought I had suddenly been transported into a Garden of Eden nightmare. It was clearly the definition of trying too hard to make a point…we get it you are going for a floral trend…floral dress, floral bag, floral shoe, floral earrings…eeeh gads my love it’s death by floral!
But it did get me thinking that perhaps dear readers you too might be unsure as to how much is too much when it comes to certain trends so hopefully I can share a few “rules” of dressing this season.
Military/Utilitarian
There is always something ultra cool about a military inspired look and this season is the perfect time to try the trend on for size. The key to this look (as with all trends really) is choosing a few key pieces that have a utlitarian detail without being too literal.
A khaki or olive colored skirt or dress with oversized buttons and straight tailoring are perfect like this one dress from lagarconne.com
Pair it with a great brown leather or army green handbag like this one from Botkier at zappos.com and leave the rest of your accessories chic and feminine.
If you are going for a more casual look like shorts, skip the chunky boots of years past and try a wide belt with ankle sandals like these Deeny & Ozzy Canvas Wrap sandals from Urban Outfitters (Love them!)
Florals
When it comes to wearing florals there is a fine balance between looking like you just stepped out of a children’s novel and having a chic sexy edge. To be sure that you are safely in the latter if you choose a floral dress make that your statement piece and add on accessories that are neutral. This Dolce & Gabbana pink cotton shift dress has classic tailoring and a retro vibe with that gives it a grown up feeling.
Pair it with these Alexander Wang pumps for a power statement or these lacy Pour La Victorie pumps from piperlime.gap.com
As for jewelry keep pieces to a minimum but choose those with impact like this glass pearl necklace from Lee Angel at netaporter.com
Denim and Blues
Denim jackets, skirts and shorts are making a big revival along with chambray shades of blue. It can be a tricky thing to pull off a head to toe denim look so mix it up with neutrals or brights to avoid looking dated. I love this Yves Saint Laurent look from Spring that epitomizes how to wear the trend.
Limiting yourself to one or two pieces of denim as shown tend to pull the look together in a chic way. This darling denim shirt from yesstyle.com is the perfect companion for a white skirt or pair of jeans.
And these Beckett denim wedges at netaporter.com are a divine way to add some denim to your wardrobe.
I wish I could afford one of these dresses! They are so pretty!