Grand Strand Style: Spring Fashion Preview
The official start of spring is just around the corner, and as temperatures finally begin to thaw, dressing for spring takes on a new look and feel.
While runway shows of top designers showcased a collection of trends for the season, here in the Grand Strand spring is all about chic details and adornments.
To preview the hottest spring looks, we partnered with local boutiques Socialite in Murrells Inlet and Lila Rose- A Chic Boutique, an online retailer (ShopLilaRose.com) based in Surfside Beach.
Dressed in Color
Whether it’s a baby shower or date night, you can never go wrong wearing a chic dress. For spring, bright colors and flattering cuts are on trend to dress away the chilly remains of winter.
“Shifts are so versatile. You can dress them down with a wedge or dress them up for any occasion,” advises Rachel Shields, owner of Socialite, a contemporary women’s boutique in Murrells Inlet.
Graphic patterns in hot pink, orange, turquoise and yellow mixed with neutral shades like black, white and tan add dramatic flair to the simple shift cut of the Trina Turk Nalana Dress ($258, Socialite).
For a simple date night look, pair the dress with a nude wedge, like the Chinese Laundry Cutout Wedge ($70, Socialite) and dangly gold and turquoise Helen Marie Earrings ($36, Socialite).
Or, for a more subdued color palette, opt for a collection of pastels. Alexandria Cowell, owner of Lila Rose – A Chic Boutique, an online retailer of women’s clothes based in Surfside Beach, says Pantone’s colors of the year- Rose Quartz and Serenity- have been in demand for spring. The pink/blush and light blue hues give a softer, fresh feel to any look.
To try this color trend, pull on the Seersucker Box Pleat Dress ($44, ShopLilaRose.com). The soft blue and white striped seersucker creates a sleek outline thanks to the box pleats and fitted bodice.
“Box pleats are so flattering,” says Cowell about the dress’ cut and versatility, which can easily make the transition to summer thanks to the light cotton fabric.
To wear it now, accessorize the dress with an Ivory Straw Fedora ($16.99, ShopLilaRose.com) and simple gold and jeweled Bangles by Sweet Tea Jewels (starting at $28 each, sweetteajewels.com). Finish the look with the Natalia Blush Sandals ($45, ShopLilaRose.com). These sandals add a bit of edge to the look thanks to the stacked heel and die-cut lace up pattern.
Updated Retro
If you loved the look of 70’s fashion then you’re in luck this season. Billowy tops, suede, tie-dye, fringe, and rompers were all hot trends during spring 2016 fashion week.
“Everything is very 70’s inspired,” says Shields about styles this spring.
For dressed up vintage inspiration, try on the BB Dakota Fringe Suede Skirt ($69, Socialite) with the Michael Stars Off the Shoulder Tee ($68, Socialite). Off the shoulder necklines were on trend with many major designers this season, and the flowy suede fringe detail of the skirt adds a bit of girly flair to the basic tee.
Accessorize the look with statement jewelry accented in turquoise- Helen Marie Tusk Earrings ($40, Socialite) and Betsy Pittard Turquoise Statement Necklace ($68, Socialite)- and simple black flat sandals, like the Dolce Vita Wrap Sandal ($78, Socialite).
If you like the ease of an all-in-one piece, then a romper should be your go-to piece for spring. A romper is cut in the same silhouette as a jumpsuit, but instead of floor skimming pants, it features shorts.
Florals for spring are often a must and the Show Me Your MuMu Floral Romper ($132, Socialite) combines the two trends with stylish ease. The blush flower print is accented with black, beige and green. For a true vintage look, add a pair of wood-heeled suede clogs, like the Dolce Vita Suede Wooden Heel Clog ($168, Socialite), and the large floppy Mud Pie Marilyn Sun Hat ($44, Socialite).
While bell bottoms were an iconic fashion piece of the 70’s, skinny jeans are still having their moment. To create a vintage look using your favorite pair of skinnies, add a bit of tie-dye to the mix.
To create a retro look, Shields paired Citizens of Humanity White Raw Edge Denim ($169, Socialite) with the Bella Dahl Front Tie Tie-Dye Top ($118, Socialite). The subtle pink, grey and white tie-dye glows for spring next to the crisp white denim. The versatile nude Dolce Vita Slide-on Mule ($138, Socialite) and gold Helen Marie Tassel Necklace ($48, Socialite) finish the look, perfect for a night out with friends.
Casual, Striped Chic
Stripes are very popular this spring- in all sizes and colors. Whether it’s thick stripes in bright hues or pinstripes in soft hues, stripes are not only flattering but are very versatile. Cowell says they look fresh when paired with coordinating patterns and prints, like leopard.
If you’re looking for a chic beach cover up that can take you from the pool to a casual get-together, then the St. Barts Tassel Poncho ($45, ShopLilaRose.com) is the one for you. Its classic white and black striped pattern is accented with turquoise tassels and looks just as good over your swimsuit as it does with a simple tank top, Maggie Distressed Cropped Skinnies in Medium Wash ($48, ShopLilaRose.com), and brown Toula Gladiator Sandals ($35, ShopLilaRose.com).
Athletic inspired looks are another hot way to show your fashion stripes. The Brantley Red/Gray Striped Raglan Top ($35, ShopLilaRose.com) is casual chic thanks to its red and white pattern, grey sleeves, elbow patches, and cuff detail. Step into a pair of slides or sneakers and pair it with your favorite pair of jeans or shorts to finish the look.
Accessories are Everything
If you can’t build a new wardrobe for spring, shopping for a curated collection of accessories is a great way to add a bit of seasonal style.
Blush and nude tones, leopard print, turquoise, florals and gold are perfect accent pieces for updating a look.
One item Cowell would recommend for your spring wardrobe? A floral oblong scarf.
“There are so many ways to wear them,” she says.
This story was originally published March 8, 2016 at 2:42 PM with the headline "Grand Strand Style: Spring Fashion Preview."