The time change yesterday is one of the last indicators that Spring is officially on the way! Goodbye winter coats, chunky sweaters and over-the-knee boots or OTBs. Hello Spring dresses, open-toe everything and pastel colors.

There are so many Spring trends popping up all over the place and it might be hard to figure out what trend will work best for you. Not to worry! I’ve scoured all of the latest blogs, magazines and clothing stores for you (you’re welcome) and have come up with a short list of three items that you should add to your wardrobe for Spring. Are you ready? Let’s go!

1. Polka dots
I know what you’re going to say. “Polka dots! Really?” Yes! Polka dots are big this season, but don’t feel like you have to go crazy and buy a whole polka dot ensemble. It’s definitely a statement making pattern, so you don’t want to go overboard. Too much can be overwhelming and a bit childish looking. Pick one polka dot piece…a blouse, pencil skirt or cigarette pants and pair it with a solid color. Maybe try polka dot accessories like a clutch bag or an umbrella (ella, ella, ella, eh) for those rainy Spring afternoons. Polka dots always seem to find their way back into the “on-trend” rotation, but this time they have returned with a twist. Instead of the traditional white dots against a black or navy blue background, we’re seeing white dots and multicolored dots against non-traditional colors like forest green and copper. Give this trend a try and after it runs its course, store them somewhere in your closet. I’m sure it will come back around as a “must-have” trend in the next few years.

Natasha Zinko Polka Dot Blouse

Polka Dot Rain Boots

Saloni Portia Polka-Dot Crepe Peplum Midi Skirt

2. Straw bag
Nothing says Spring/Summer more than a straw bag and this new trend comes in so many fun shapes and sizes. Up until this season, most of the straw bags I’ve seen were typically a large tote size. Now, I’m seeing them in clutch, bucket and medium size. And if you think, straw bags are only for the beach, then I beg you to think outside of the box. Straw bags are making their way into the corporate office, on brunch dates with your girlfriends and to happy hour with co-workers. Though I’m a big fan of a neutral color straw bag because they basically go with any and everything, bold colored straw bags can be the pop of color you need to break up a monochromatic ensemble.

San Diego Hat Woven Straw Bag

Loeffler Randall Straw Travel Tote

Sophie Anderson – Nilsa Circle Toquilla-Straw Cross-Body Bag

3. Flare sleeves
I’m happy to report that flare sleeves (or bell sleeves) are still on-trend. I actually wrote about them in my last Spring trends blog and I guess they have now become sort of a classic. I don’t know if it’s the way they flow when you move your arms back and forth, but wearing flare sleeves always makes me feel really feminine and graceful. Nowadays there are so many flare sleeve options…from blouses to jumpsuits and dresses, and the flares come in various sizes from extremely voluminous to slightly narrow. Flare sleeves are the quintessential Spring piece because they normally come in light, breathable fabrics that provide enough coverage for those cool days, but not too much to where it seems like you’re dressed for a snow storm. Flare sleeves are a perfect Winter to Spring transition piece. Try pairing a flare sleeve dress with OTBs and a sleeveless duster.

Avenue Lace Bell Sleeve Top

Eloqui Emerald Bell Sleeve

Charlotte Russe Off-The-Shoulder Floral Bell Sleeve Top

Now that I’ve taken all of the hard work out of figuring out what you should wear this Spring, which piece or pieces are you going to add to your closet? Let me know below. Or if there is a trend that I didn’t mention, but you plan to wear, let me know below too.

xoxo,
shannon b.