Fashion Essentials: Spring Must-Haves for Under $50
Usually I feature items that I consider timeless; things that you can wear again and again no matter the season. For the very last edition of the Fashion Essentials series, I’ve decided to highlight something that a lot of people either skip entirely or go overboard on: seasonal trends.
I consider trendy items essentials in a college girl’s wardrobe. Adding a trendy item to an outfit full of classics is a fun way to experiment with fashion, and proves you know “what’s in”. However, having a closet full of last season’s hottest trends isn’t realistic or smart: trendy items should be simply for fun, and not investment pieces or long-lasting essentials. Because no one wants to spend big money on short-term items, I’m going to focus on spring trend essentials for under $50.
1. Clear Accessories
Photos via Style.com: Left – Prada, Right – Fendi
Transparent jewelry and accessories were hot trends on the runway this spring. Fendi’s spring show featured clear lucite clutches (above right) and wedges, while Burberry Prorsum sent models down the runway with transparent amber bangles on their arms.
I think clear accessories can be integrated into many different styles: they can be super modern with a sleek, monochrome outfit, or fun and girly with spring florals. A thick, clear lucite bangle looks 60′s mod, and clear rimmed sunglasses imitate the clear bags, heels, and shades Prada sent down the spring runway (above left). Here are some cheap items that will achieve the same look:
Product Information: Transparent blue necklace – Lord & Taylor, Clear rimmed sunglasses – Windsor, Clear stone bracelet – Lori’s Shoes
2. Warm Weather Leather (and Faux Leather)
Photos via Style.com: Left – 3.1 Phillip Lim, Right – Loewe
Leather (and faux leather) jackets were a must last fall, and they are still in for spring. Leather was used in unexpected places as well on the spring runways: items like dresses and tanks were sent down the runway in lightweight leather.
Most of this season’s hottest leather shades are faded neutrals, which is a great way to lighten up the bulky fabric for spring. I like the look of light, creamy leather (faux in this case) against an otherwise-dark outfit. The contrast allows the focus (the leather!) to shine. Pale leather also looks great with peachy and pink colors, which are also perfect for spring.
Product Information: Leather jacket – Forever 21, Denim leggings – Tilly’s, Burnout tee – Tilly’s, Flats – Kohls, Readers – Forever 21, Necklace - Urban Outfitters
3. Denim Details
Photos via Style.com: Left- Ralph Lauren, Right – D&G
As I’m sure you’ve all been heard (and seen), denim is the “fabric of spring” this year. Although you could easily work the look with your favorite pair of jeans or a chambray shirt, I think denim worn in unexpected ways is much more exciting. Trying a denim bag, pair of shoes, or headband shows a bit more effort than a simple jean jacket (although jean jackets are still cute, and great for spring).
Product Information: Denim flats – Old Navy, Striped cardigan – Old Navy, Dress – Charlotte Russe, Belt – Anthropologie, Textured bag – Urban Outfitters
4. Nude Colored Pieces
Photos via Style.com : Left – Tibi, Right – Valentino
Whether they’re accessories or clothing, nude-colored items are essentials for spring. Valentino’s spring collection (above left) featured textured nudes, and Tibi accented brights with nude sandals (above right). Here are two nude accessories to help you get the look.
Product Information: Chain handle bag – Aldo, T-strap heels – ASOS
So… what do you think?
What spring trends are you looking forward to? Do you think you could pull off Ralph Lauren’s evening denim? Would you wear the trends featured here? I’d love to hear from you!
Posted on on March 3, 2010 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Budget, Denim, Essentials, leather, Lucite, Money, nude, Runway, Shopping, Spring 2010, Spring Fashion, Trends
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Cathy
I can’t wait for spring! The only “must-have” I feel like I must have is the nude heels. They will go with anything and it’s a way for me to try the trend without looking washed out (I have fair skin). If I find a clear bracelet that I like I might end up purchasing that too though. :)
Libby
I feel like nude accessories could be an essential item that you could get away with spending more money on. Nudes are neutral and go with anything and with any style, and a nude heel makes legs look super long so why not spend a little extra?
vanessa anne
I agree with Libby, I feel like nudes will be a little bit more than just a seasonal trend. certain kinds of nude clothing could be considered basics, like nude pumps. on the other hand, certain other nude pieces lean towards the trendy, seasonal side. with all that set aside, nudes are the only thing I look forward to from this list. I’m not a huge fan of the whole transparent, denim thing, and leather is a maybe.
la petite fashionista
i like your picks! I’m a huge fan of the nude heels, I need all the height I can get and these work wonders for giving the illusion of tall-ness!
Katherine
Very cute outfit; I love when you guys blend pricier items with affordable ones. That Charlotte Russe dress is adorable! Can’t wait for the weather to warm up…
Emily the Panda
I don’t think I agree with the clear accessories… especially if it’s a bag. Nude themed clothing/accessories is definitely a must! Plus it’s so easy to match with current wardrobe pieces!
Chelsea
I need that Aldo bag, I saw it in People Style Watch.
Jason
Love your taste…great choices!
Kristen
I’ve been wanting nude heels for a while now! I need to save up some $$ and get a decent pair that I can keep for a while.
I think the clear accessories are weird, too. They remind me of those Jelly sandals I wore when I was like 10. It was all gross when your feet got hot and you could see your skin sticking to the clear plastic. Ick!
Saraa
Clear clutch? Might as well carry my things in a tupperware container, same effect (let the whole world see me carry my tampons and other personal items) and for a fraction of the cost too :)
diana
I really like the outfits you’ve created and yes, I would wear a couple of the pieces. I’m most looking forward to wearing denim. I love wearing denim jeans but, I also love the idea of wearing denim as an accessory.
Breanna
I laughed at Saraa’s comment ;) I’d love to have a pair of nude pumps (which I also consider as a staple), I just haven’t found a perfect pair yet. Maybe with nude trend coming up I’ll get them this season? Other trends are rather a “skip” for me, except the clear trend maybe – I think I can pull off a crystal bracelet or earrings, but certainly not a clear bag!
Cathy
LOL Sara. So funny and true! Yeah a clear bag is just ridiculous. I remember clear totes were a trend a few years ago when I was in high school. I’m not sure if that was just in my school or not. It was the weirdest, tackiest thing.
Dominique
I would love a pair of nude heels, but with my dark skin (I’m mixed) I feel like I can’t find any that match my skin tone. :-( SO unfortunate.
I had a dress like that charlotte russe one but with more yellow, and I thought I would wear it a lot… but for some reason I just couldn’t get over the yellow and I felt like people would think I just messed it up in the wash with bleach or something, lol.
I’m not a big fan of warm weather leather or fur (seems silly to me) but I have a black leather jacket that’s a great transition piece when it’s still mildly winter not yet warm enough.
Lastly, I really like the clear sunglasses on the model…. wonder if I could pull off something like that ;D
Breanna
The clear sunglasses looks like a welder goggles to me ;)
Audrey - Ohio State University
saraa – I’m not a big fan of showing off my personal belongings either! Notice I didn’t feature a clear bag as one of my items! Clear bags remind me of junior high, because for some reason I think that was like the cool thing back then. hehe. But i think a clear lucite bangle or two would give a modern twist to a classic wardrobe like mine ;)
For those of you who mentioned liking the clear sunglasses, Editor’s Closet (kinda similar to Gilt Group) has clear Guess shades on sale for $20. Cheap! I think they would look great on tanned skin, but I’m paler than pale!
Audrey - Ohio State University
I don’t think that link above to Editor’s Closet will work, so here is CF’s personal invitation to the site.
Oh, and Dominique, here is a picture of Kerry Washington (love her!) wearing nude heels. They are 2-3 shades lighter than her skin color and look amazing! I don’t think the nude has to match you skin perfectly to look great! Hope it helps!
Jenna
I love the nude/neutral trend the most – it is definitely the most versatile of the trends for an adult wardrobe.
Dominique, try searching for tan and beige shoes when you look online for neutral heels, there may be some deeper colored choices than just “nude.”
I like the denim accents (there is a GAP denim blazer I have my eye on!) and I also like the clear accessories trend but I think it looks best on jewelry. Clear bags – no thank you.
I have 2 pairs of colored jelly shoes (red/pale blue) I wear every summer. When I am on the beach, they are super comfy and fun to wear in the water. The material has gotten a lot better (sturdier, less sticky) since the jelly sandals they had when we were kids but they are ridiculously comfy since they form fit your feet.
Isabella
Nude heels are good , but clear bag is big no-no for me..
Laura
Hi, just wondering who’s the author of the picture (of the girl in the field…)? Love it!
Erin
I’d like to argue that nudes and leather are always in style… those are more classics for me (personally of course)
great post though, love the lucite pieces you chose!
Scentsy lady
I am loving the nude shoe– great way to lengthen the leg and the neutral tone is perfect for spring!
Zephyr - CF Editor
Laura – The photo is from istockphoto.com – I forget who the photographer is, but if you search on there, you’ll find it! xo