Biggest Fashion Trends for Spring 2021

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Spring means it’s time for a wardrobe refresh! As usual, there are tons of spring 2021 fashion trends worth keeping your eye out for. If you’re like me, you want to try them all – from strappy details to sheer fabrics to wide-leg pants and everything in between – but let’s take a step back and focus on which trends are worth investing in. Focus on the overall direction of fashion this season rather than hyper-specific pieces; this will help you achieve a relevant but practical style that works for more than just a season or two.

We’re passionate about helping you find your style, regardless of what’s on-trend, and incorporating new inspiration each season. Reach out to us if you’re looking for extra help navigating the vast world of fashion and finding your personal style. Plus, we offer virtual services to make it easier than ever! Having a foundational style to work off of can help you narrow down which trends are right for you. Avoid the buyer’s remorse. Be deliberate in your new spring purchases!

So, which trends do we think are worth the investment this season? Keep reading for the colors, shapes, and fabrics we think will give new life to your closet and will feel fresh for seasons to come.

Pastels

pastel spring style

About the Trend

They’re not just for Easter anymore! With 2020 in the rearview mirror and warm weather ahead, there’s optimism in the air. Pastel colors represent a gentle, hopeful attitude, which makes them one of my favorite spring 2021 fashion trends.

The past few years, we saw a lot of neon from designers and celebrities. You may have noticed through the pandemic that neutrals became even more popular than before – not just for the average person on the street, but for influencers and celebrities alike. Minimalism makes sense in a time where things are so unpredictable! As the promise of normal life creeps back in, many designers are easing into soft pastel hues. I would argue it represents our desire for practicality that still brings joy. As a bonus, these will pair effortlessly with any neutrals you stocked up on during the pandemic!

Tips and Tricks

Pastels are most fun and unexpected in pieces we normally see in a neutral palette. Think classic pieces like cardigans, suits, blouses, and midi skirts. They’re just as easy to wear in a muted pastel hue and have that little something extra to brighten your day.

Of course, these are easy to mix with neutrals: A lavender skirt and grey tank, a sage blouse and camel trousers, a baby blue blazer over a white tee. But, they can be even more alluring when mixed together in a look. Try the sage blouse with a light salmon trouser, or the blue blazer over a creamy yellow tee instead. Because they’re all in the pastel color family, it’s hard to go wrong. My favorite styling trick is to add chunky jewelry or a leather jacket to contrast against the delicate pastels.

Statement Trousers

spring fashion trends 2021

About the Trend

Another spring 2021 trend we’re obsessing over is the statement trouser! This may come as a relief to those of you who are tired of wearing the same old dark wash skinny jeans every day. That style dominated for years, and we’re all ready for a little more variety whether it’s in new jean trends or new trouser styles.

The “statement” component of the pants could be the material, print, silhouette, or embellishment detail. Some notable variations this season are leather joggers, plaid print pants, and paper bag waist styles. We saw these rise in popularity through the winter, and they’re still going strong. I’m loving how much fresher these options make ALL of my wardrobe feel. Even your humble t-shirt feels inspired when tucked into a paper bag waist pant. For this reason, they’re more than worth the investment.

Tips and Tricks

Many of the statement trousers that are in stores now play with silhouette more than we’re accustomed to: kick flares, wide leg pants, even balloon leg shapes. These can be intimidating when your current rotation is just sweatpants, leggings, and skinny jeans, but we encourage you to give it a try! They bring a boost of confidence and joy to getting dressed. You might even discover a new shape that looks amazing on your body type. As always, we would love to advise as you try out these new statement trouser trends!

Depending on your profession, a statement trouser can mean something different for you. For example, a venture capitalist should go for a tailored pin stripe trouser, where a stay at home mom may want to wear a statement skinny jean.

Concerned you’ll make the investment and never wear your statement pants? Try a pair that has only one or two details that you don’t already have in your closet. For example, if you always wear sweatpants and joggers in neutral tones, a black leather jogger is a great choice. A wide-leg, pastel-hued leather pant has a much lower chance of getting worn.

Second Skin Pieces

ribbed spring fashion trend

About the Trend

The perfect pairing for your statement trousers? A fitted cami, bodysuit, or ribbed tee. In fact, skintight clothing is one of the major spring 2021 fashion trends to keep on your radar. These body-hugging styles are a far cry from the sultry bodycon looks of last decade. Instead, they have a decidedly sleek, sophisticated effect this season. Imagine the intersection of undergarment inspiration and 90’s minimalism.

Tips and Tricks

Skintight tops are a go-to in my wardrobe because they make the perfect backdrop to showcase more dramatic silhouettes elsewhere in an outfit, such as wide-leg pants. On the other hand, these unfussy styles are in keeping with the rising interest in minimal fashion when paired with other simple garments. They look great either way you style them! Best of all, the lack of bulk and clean lines make them ideal for layering. Don’t be afraid to combine your second skin pieces with other trends: try a long shirt jacket or oversized blazer over your tight bodysuit for a fun play with proportion.

There are so many ways to make this trend your own. Keep things classic with a fitted turtleneck, go edgier with a mesh mock neck, or try a plain ribbed tank for endless styling possibilities. Chances are, you have some of these pieces sitting in your closet already! If you only ever wear your camis under other tops, now is your chance to let them shine by themselves. You’ve got to love trends that don’t require you to spend money!

Are the camis and bodysuits in your closet not looking decent enough to wear out? This is the perfect opportunity to refresh these basics with great quality pieces. Fit and fabric quality will be essential here as there aren’t any ruffles, embellishments, or pleating details to catch your eye.

Wrap Up 

New trends can sometimes feel intimidating, or we might doubt that we can pull certain styles off (like embroidery on our denim jacket). We’re here to tell remind you how fun it can be to play with your style! The change of season is a great reason to explore your style with fresh eyes. Hopefully, this has helped to get your wheels spinning and you’re excited to try these spring 2021 fashion trends! We have loved incorporating these trends into our closets and think you will too. 

If you’re looking for help bringing your style vision to life, check out our personal shopping and styling services. From finding old gems in your closet to sourcing and styling new pieces, we’ll take care of it all. Being on-trend shouldn’t feel like a chore.

Have fun styling these new spring pieces!

Let’s Hear It For The Boys: Men’s Style

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Fashion is for everyone, and it’s time we take a moment to discuss men’s style! Chances are that the concepts of fashion and style bring images of women’s clothing to mind. Having personal style is not gender-specific, and everyone should benefit! It’s a medium for self-expression, a confidence builder, a tool for creating your personal and professional image. It would be a shame not to take advantage of these perks.

Men’s fashion typically evolves at a slower rate than women’s fashion. It’s not as flooded by of-the-moment trends or pressure to “keep up.” Therefore, there is a common misconception that men opt-out of fashion, or that getting dressed merely involves putting on a shirt and pants that don’t clash. There is so much more to it than that! Don’t shut the door to finding your personal style.

If you have never stopped to consider your personal tastes in clothing, this task can seem daunting. How do you find your ‘look’? Fortunately, we’ve helped numerous men and women to develop their style. We would love to help you, too. Reach out to us to chat about what your style goals are, and we’ll help you get there.

Why Fashion for Men is Important

Not convinced that fashion is a worthwhile investment? Let’s talk about why we think men’s style is worth the time and money.

For better or for worse, appearance carries a great deal of meaning in our society. The way you’re put together – hairstyle, hygiene, and style of dress – is often the first thing people see when meeting you. Your style is crucial to first impressions. Depending on what it communicates, it can even determine the opportunities you’re offered socially and professionally. Make sure your image on digital platforms reflects well upon you, too!

Perhaps this all sounds shallow. Understood another way, appearance is a handy shortcut to gather information about a person: Would they make a good candidate for a job? Would they be a good romantic match? Examining the way someone expresses themselves is an efficient way to get to know them. An interviewer may see that you’re meticulously dressed and gather that you are detail-oriented in the workplace. Fashion is an amazing tool to communicate who you are without saying a word. 

Though style can be used to guide people’s perceptions of you, your appearance should ultimately still be for you. This is incredibly important! Developing your sense of style can help you feel more in tune with yourself, serve as a creative outlet, or simply bring you joy. Make sure it’s true to who you are. Wearing clothing that you feel great in provides a huge confidence boost. Why not start each day on a positive note? Increased confidence can make a world of difference in all aspects of your life.

The Importance of Tailoring

A crucial component of men’s style is having clothes that fit correctly. Even the finest clothes won’t look good if they don’t lay well on the body. There are several things to pay attention to for a good fit. This primarily concerns structured items like suits and dress shirts.

Outerwear

First up is blazers and suit jackets. Pay attention to where the shoulder seams lie. A poor fit is indicated by a shoulder seam that extends past your shoulder (too big) or a seam that’s creeping toward your neck (too small). Be sure that when the jacket is closed, the fabric around the abdomen doesn’t hang loosely, pull, or wrinkle. Also, check that the collar lays flat against your shirt collar.

Shirting

For button-down shirts, you want your shoulder seams to align with your shoulders as previously described. Next, check the sleeve length. They should end at your wrists without extra length causing the sleeves to bunch. The ends of the shirt sleeves should be visible with your blazer or suit jacket on.

Dress Pants

For proper length, there should be a subtle break where the pant hits the top of the shoe. The correct length is key to avoiding a sloppy, disheveled look. The waist and hips shouldn’t have any pulling, wrinkling, or sagging. Your selected leg style will impact the fit through the legs (e.g., slim, slim straight, straight), so nailing this fit is a little more nuanced. As a rule, ensure that they are comfortable and look proportionate in volume to the rest of your look.

That’s a lot of measurements to get right! Often, it’s hard to find items that tick all these boxes straight off the rack. Find a tailor you trust for letting out a pants hem or making other alterations to your suits. Looking for something perfectly customized to you? There are also options for made to measure suiting. This will ensure the best fit possible. Remember, good tailoring is the difference between looking sloppy and suave.

Key Pieces

We have discussed the importance of men’s style and well-fitting clothes, so now let’s delve into what types of garments are needed to achieve your style goals. In general, look for versatile pieces you’ll wear time and time again.

Jeans

A key piece to any modern wardrobe is a great-fitting pair of dark wash jeans. The great thing about denim is that it can be effortlessly dressed up or down, especially if it’s a clean dark wash. Jeans are perfect for weekend wear, running errands, travel, and even date night. For those with a business casual dress code at work, you can get away with wearing them to the office, too. Look for pair that fits you well in a modern cut with a little bit of stretch for comfort.

Shirts

What you pair your jeans with will determine just how casual they look. Make sure you have at least a t-shirt and a casual button-down to choose from. Every man should also have a tailored button-up shirt in his wardrobe for dressier occasions. This will be worn for years to come, so ensure it fits well! Stick to classic colors like neutrals and blues to ensure maximum versatility and longevity.

Jackets and Suiting

A sport coat or blazer is the next essential to add to your shopping list. Look for textured weaves to give it a more casual spin. Pair with jeans or other separates. Another must-have piece is a sleek suit in a dark hue. As discussed above, this should fit you flawlessly! You’ll wear this for all kinds of special events over the years, so it’s best to choose one that is timeless.

Shoes

While you probably already have a leather dress shoe in your wardrobe, you may not have options for more casual wear. A sneaker is essential. This is not the same as an athletic shoe! Often, this will be a sleek leather style. Your sneakers can be effortlessly paired with jeans, chinos, and even some trousers for a fashion-forward look.

Wrap Up

Use this guide as a starting point as you venture into men’s style, but feel free to explore what works best for you and your lifestyle. Eager to get started on your fashion evolution? Shopping is next! Check out our personal shopping services.

We’ll select pieces for you that make sense for your needs, fill the gaps in your wardrobe and have the best cuts and silhouettes for you. To make things as easy as possible, we also offer virtual services so you can upgrade your look from the comfort of your couch. There’s no reason to put it off anymore!

How to Properly Store Your Winter Clothes

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The warm weather ahead means it is time to put away your bulky winter clothing. This week, we have some winter clothes storage ideas to share with you. If you’ve already read our tips on transitioning your closet between seasons, you know there’s more to it than simply shoving your coats to the back of your closet. Take the time to properly store your clothing. Trust us, it will make your life so much easier next year.

The most obvious benefit of thoughtfully storing your clothes is that everything will be ready to wear next winter. You won’t have to dive through boxes of balled-up clothing to find what you’re looking for or spend hours washing and steaming your clothes. Taking a little bit of time now will prevent a major headache later.

Beyond this, proper storage means your items will last longer. The fibers will be safe from moisture, bugs won’t find their way into your favorite sweaters, and your boots won’t become warped and shapeless. Save yourself the frustration and money you would spend on replacements next year. Take an afternoon to neatly store your winter clothes.

Closet Clean Out: It’s the Perfect Time to Donate and Sell!

winter clothes storage ideas

Before we get into winter clothes storage ideas, a quick closet clean-out is in order. Now is the best time for it: as winter wraps up, your memory of what you wore this season is still fresh in your memory. Go through your winter wardrobe and get rid of unworn clothing and accessories. These may be items that look past their prime, no longer fit, or you simply don’t get excited to wear anymore. There is no point in having items you won’t use taking up storage space for the next 6+ months!

Clear Out the Clutter

The best tip for this process is to be honest with yourself. If you didn’t wear it this year, it is very unlikely you’ll start wearing it again next winter. It bears repeating that a closet full of items you don’t love will make it so much harder to get dressed in the morning! You will find inspiration in a curated closet full of pieces you love, not in boxes full of unworn clothing you’re waiting to love again. Look over our closet clean out tips to get you started or book an appointment with us for an effortless start-to-finish experience.

Give Back

A clean closet offers two main benefits: clarity and inspiration as you get dressed in the morning, and the opportunity to donate or sell your unwanted items. Donating your clothing that is still in good condition allows you to give back to your community. That coat may not be working for your lifestyle anymore, but it might be perfect for someone who wouldn’t be able to buy it new. Your clothing is given a second life rather than prematurely ending up in a landfill. If you’re getting rid of brand name or designer clothing that is in good condition, try selling it! You can use the extra cash toward your spring wardrobe refresh.

Prep Your Clothes

Next up, prep your clothing for storage. You will want to clean your clothes, ensure they’re fully dry, de-pill sweaters, and repair any damage before placing them into bins. These winter clothes storage ideas ensure that they are in the best possible condition for the months ahead.

Cleaning

Clean all your winter clothes according to their labels. Yes, that may mean a big end-of-season trip to the dry cleaner or spending a little time doing hand washables. The minor inconvenience will be worth it. Any lingering odors and stains could set if left alone, so be sure that everything is as fresh as possible. Moreover, old stains and odors can attract critters. You don’t want to find tiny holes or insects in your favorite sweater next winter. You should also let your clothes air out to dry completely before storing. Moisture on your clothes (or in the storage bin) can lead to a mildewy smell or mold growth.

Repairs

Notice any damage to your winter clothes? Take care of it now so you don’t have to worry about it at the start of next winter. You may be stopping at the dry cleaner to have them cleaned anyway, so ask your dry cleaner to make any necessary minor repairs: sew on a loose button, fix a ripped hem, even de-pill your sweaters. You can easily repair and de-pill them at home if you would prefer, or for more extensive work, take them to a tailor.

Now would also be a good time to give your winter boots a little TLC! Brush and clean suede to make it last, condition, and polish leather so it doesn’t crack, resole your boots before they’re worn through. Your local shoe cobbler can work some serious magic.

Storage: Protect, Label, and Seal

how to store winter clothes

Finally, it’s time to get your clothes and accessories into bins and out of the way for spring. It seems like a straightforward task, but we have a few more helpful ideas for winter clothes storage to share. These will ensure they are protected and organized.

There are a couple of crucial precautions to take while loading your clothing into bins. Be sure to wrap any items at risk of snagging (hint: sequins, lace, metal embellishments) in acid-free tissue paper to keep them safe. You will also want to stuff your winter boots with tissue paper – or newspaper if you don’t have tissue – so that they keep their shape. It’s generally recommended to keep all your shoes and handbags stuffed while not in use, but it’s especially important during storage. They’re more likely to be squished and distorted when packed in tightly.

Now, break out the plastic bins, under-bed storage, vacuum bags, or whatever your go-to storage solutions are. We recommend airtight containers if possible. We want to minimize any opportunity for moisture or bugs to creep in. Organize your items and start packing them. If you’re using multiple containers, be sure to label each by its contents. This will make unpacking them so much easier when the time comes. Lastly, find a convenient place to keep your stored clothes and you’re done! Everything is now ready to go for next year.

Wrap Up

We hope these winter clothes storage ideas are helpful and give you peace of mind that everything is safe and sound for the next couple of seasons. It may sound like a lot of work, but it will go more quickly than you would imagine. You’ll thank yourself later! Now you can get back to daydreaming about the warm sunny days ahead…

If your closet is looking a little drab and barren now, it may be time for a spring refresh. We would love the help you find the items that will tie your spring wardrobe together. For added convenience, you don’t even have to leave your house! Check out our virtual service offerings such as virtual personal shopping. On the fence about if now is the right time? Read what our clients have to say about their experience. 

Transition Your Closet from Winter to Spring

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The promise of spring is in the air as the snow melts and temperatures start to rise. You may feel ready for the change of season, but have you started to transition your closet from winter to spring? I don’t mean simply putting on shorter sleeves or fewer layers before you head out the door. It’s also not just about heading to your favorite store and spending hundreds on trendy new items. Instead, this season change calls for making some adjustments to your closet to make getting ready as seamless as possible, keep your closet de-cluttered, and promote inspiration as you get dressed for the day.

A major theme of the season is always spring cleaning: reassess your needs, clear out the old, make room for the new. It helps us to look forward and promotes hope. Bring this positive energy to your wardrobe, too! To make this transition in your wardrobe, you will want to critically examine what you have in your closet now and what you will need for the months ahead. When items you aren’t currently wearing are filling up your closet, they can visually weigh it down so that getting dressed feels like a chore. Start the season on a positive note with a quick wardrobe refresh.

Take Inventory of What You Have Vs What You Need

winter to spring outfits

Before we dive in, take a step back from your closet. We need to determine if you have everything you need to transition your closet from winter to spring. It’s harder to maintain an objective eye when standing in front of your closet! Try making a checklist of what types of items you will want to wear this spring.

Create a List

Start with broad categories. For example, a bullet point on your list could be three lightweight jackets/cardigans or two casual dresses. Take your lifestyle into consideration: Do you work from home? Do you have kids? What does your day-to-day life look like? The item types and numbers will be different for everyone. Don’t forget to include shoes, bags, and accessories!

After you’ve compiled your list, compare it against what’s in your closet now. Note what you still need. Don’t forget to also keep track of what is in your closet but not on your list. If there are a lot of items in your closet that are unaccounted for, this may mean it’s time for a closet clean out.

Closet Clean Out

End-of-season closet clean outs are always a good idea. This is when your most and least worn items are still fresh in your memory, so you know which unworn garments can be filtered out. Plus, there’s no sense in storing items that you don’t plan to wear next winter. Make sure you get rid of any items that are no longer in good condition and are unable to be repaired. Check out our full list of closet clean out tips to get started! Looking for more hands-on professional guidance? Reach out to set up a closet clean out with us. Read over our pre-appointment guide for more info on what to expect.

Sort, Store, and Add Items Back in

Transition Your Closet From Winter to Spring

The next step to transition your closet from winter to spring is sorting your clothing and accessories by season. This will be much easier now that you have edited your closet down to the essentials! By sorting, you will be able to see your checklist from the last step start a little more clearly. How much spring clothing do you actually have? This will be a two-part step of storing your winter clothing and pulling any spring items that are currently in storage.

Store Winter Pieces

First, let’s get the winter items out of the way. Grab your heavy sweaters, coats, thermal leggings, winter hats, gloves, and heavy scarves that you know you won’t be wearing until next year. You may not want to store everything. For example, a cotton sweater or two and your lightweight scarves may still be practical during the seasonal transition.

Once you have sorted out all the items you want to store, prep them for storage. Make sure they’re clean, dry, and neatly folded so they’re in prime condition next year. Determine where you will store them. Winter clothes can be pretty bulky, so you may want to find space-saving solutions such as vacuum bags for when they’re not in use.

Add Spring Items Back In

Winter to Spring Wardrobe

Next, grab any spring items that you stored over the winter. Add some of your light layering pieces, casual dresses and skirts, shorts, and open-toed shoes back into your closet. You don’t have to add everything back in at once! If you know that you won’t wear shorts until it hits 70 degrees, you can keep them stored until we approach summer. It’s best practice to store clothing until it’s ready to be incorporated into your wardrobe, as this makes getting ready as simple as possible. However, you may not want to sort through your clothing again in a couple of months. Do what works best for you!

Add a Few Trend Pieces and Spring-Ready Staples

You’re almost done! The last step to transition your closet from winter to spring is to add in any new items you need. Refer to the checklist you made earlier. What are you still missing? You will want to fill in any staples that you’re missing (hint: did you toss any basics during your closet clean out that need to be replaced?) and consider adding in some trend items. We love basics, but a few trend items keep things feeling fresh and inspired!

For basics, consider your go-to layering pieces. Tops may include tanks and camis, tees, and sleeveless or short sleeve blouses. For bottoms, look for skirts (consider midi lengths for the transitional weather!), shorts, and spring-ready denim. Light wash straight leg jeans are an on-trend basic that is at the top of our list this year. For finishing touches, look to light jackets and cardigans, neutral sneakers, and maybe a fun scarf or belt. Make sure you have basics that are suitable for work, casual wear, and date night. This may sound like a lot to fill your closet with, but most pieces should work for multiple occasions.

Trend pieces are next. Clueless about where to start? Look over what you have so far. If you’re bored with your bottoms, consider adding some fashion-forward denim options. Bored with tops? Look for tops with a statement sleeve. Take a peek at our blog page to learn which trends are currently on our radar.

Wrap Up

Your spring wardrobe should now be ready to go! Taking the time to transition your closet from winter to spring may seem like a hassle, but we promise – doing it the right way will simplify your morning routine later. Plus, it helps ward off the temptation to buy all new clothing each season. It’s all about seeing the clothing you have with fresh eyes.

Still, it can be a lot of work. We would love to help, and it’s more convenient than ever! We offer virtual services including closet clean outs and personal shopping for those who aren’t interested in meeting in person at this time. If there are any other wardrobe services you’re looking for or questions that you have, reach out to us. We will work to create a solution for whatever your needs may be.

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