Sometimes it just takes one new thing to unleash a little creativity into your closet. We were both hitting that time of year when we were tired of wearing the same pieces in the same ways, so we called Annie Frances Style Consulting. Annie is a stylist we have used many times for photo shoots; in real life, she’s an expert at helping clients organize their closets so they can get dressed every morning no matter what the day might hold.
She made a fabulous video about spring trends and challenged us to go out and buy one item that’s on trend and that mixes with pieces we already own to make at least three looks.
Spring/Summer Trends
Here are her trends:
Fancy Details: Tops and dresses with florals, ruffles, fun buttons and patterns. Think about your look above the keyboard.
’80s Power: From acid-washed denim to blazers with padded shoulders and nipped-in waists, the ’80s are back.
Neutrals: They never go out of style and putting together a monochrome outfit always looks polished.
Bright Colors: Add a pop of saturated color to mark the end of a drab winter.
Annie’s Looks
Annie went for a neutral look with this adorable romper from Rebecca Minkoff, which was on sale for $104. She jazzed it up with accessories to take it from cooler temps into warmer weather. It’s also that great addition to a wardrobe that can go from a dressier day at the office to a weekend brunch. And how cute is that headband? Love it!
A quick change of hair, jewelry and shoes and you have three totally different looks, which is why Annie’s a stylist (duh!). Let’s see how we did.
Marjie’s Looks
Since I bought only one item (and my birthday is coming up) I felt okay splurging on it. This green Alice & Olivia sweater regularly costs $330 but is on sale for $248 at Saks Fifth Avenue. I don’t have a lot of green in my closet, so I felt this fun, comfy piece would add some oomph to my spring wardrobe. And according to Annie, knits and bright colors are big!
silky skirt and sporty shoes 
tie-dye jeans with neutral accessories 
Crisp white blouse, black jeans and booties
Annie told us that mixing a silky skirt with sneakers is in right now, as are acid washed jeans (hello ’80s). I used versions of both to create my first two looks. Annie suggested I tuck the sweater in—I’ll try that next time. For my third look I broke up the green by pairing it with a crisp white blouse and rolled up the sleeves.
Laura’s Looks
My one piece is a tunic: Maeve Rita Printed Tunic Blouse, $88 at Anthropologie. I like the mix of colors and that it can be worn as a loose shirt, but it also functions as a jacket. Versatile!
The first look is with white jeans, classic. Then I paired it with a stretchy black skirt and white boots. If you’re younger than I am, you could swap the skirt for the very on-trend black bike shorts. Finally, it’s not warm yet, so I wanted a look that added a layer and the dark and light denim seemed not too matchy-matchy.
Your Looks
Tag us on Instagram @stylechallengers with your spring wardrobe style challenge looks! We’d love to share them.
Style Challengers 