Three confusing spring fashion trends and how to wear them

Like I mentioned yesterday, spring really is just around the corner, and malls are stocking their shelves with floral dresses and skirts, bathing suits and shorts. But with the beginning of each season comes a host of new trends that can be mind-boggling and difficult to pull off. These trends usually trickle down from the spring runways, which we first saw back in September. It's always fun to pontificate which wacky clothes will get knocked off at the likes of H&M and Forever 21, and now we finally get to find out. Of course, we're not all fashion models who can easily pull off sky-high heels, bare midriffs and ruffles galore. So how do we translate these high-fashion looks to reality? Let's see.

Trend #1: Clogs

Seen on: Chanel's spring hoe-down themed runway

 

style.com

Can we do this in real life? Probably. When I first saw these clogs on the runway, I had instant flashbacks to a pair of grotesque Candie's clogs I owned in middle school, and I definitely don't want to pull them out of retirement. The beauty of style is that it's open for interpretation, so I'd recommend seeking out some slightly less extreme clog-like shoes with studs and chains that make the look more modern. 

1. Steve Madden; 2. Target; 3. Steve Madden; 4. Veganchic.com

Trend #2: Peplum skirts and dresses

Seen on: Several spring runways, most notably Victoria Beckham

style.com

Can we do this in real life? Sure! But remember a few guidelines. Any time you have a piece of fabric flaring out from your waist, you risk looking a little wide in the hips. I learned this lesson the hard way in a Forever 21 fitting room. If you want to rock the look in a way that's flattering, stick with dark colors and stay away from crazy patterns. If you're really hesitant, choose a skirt or dress with a top layer that extends beyond the hips. 

1. Wet Seal; 2. Forever 21; 3. Aqua

Trend #3: Crop Tops

Seen on: Erin Wasson for RVCA

Can we do this in real life? Kind of. Unless you've been doing major ab workouts, my guess is that you don't want to strut around town in a crop top. However, there is a way to pull this trend off in a modest way if you wear a crop with a pair of high-waisted paints or skirt. Your belly won't be exposed, but you still get the drape-y effect of Erin Wasson's top, above. Make sure the top is loose-fitting, and you could even wear it over a slim tank top for a cool layered look. 

1. Forever 21; 2. ASOS; 3. Forever 21; 4. Urban Outfitters; 5. American Apparel

Topshop's pretty spring clothing

A while back, I talked about my futile quest to find some pretty lingerie-as-outwear tops and dresses. I found lots of hard-to-wear corset tops, but nothing I'd be willing to leave the house in. It completely slipped my mind to check Topshop--the UK's answer to H&M. I normally count Topshop out because of geographical issues. They finally opened a store in the U.S. about a year ago, but it's in New York, which is close, but not close enough for lunch break shopping sprees. Either way, they have some really pretty, delicate looking camis, skirts and dresses that won't leave you looking like you popped out of an 80s-era Madonna video. Behold:

Any of these pieces would be a great addition to a spring/summer wardrobe--they look soft and flowy, and would keep you cool on a stuffy day. I know it's only the beginning of March, and we haven't quite arrived at spring yet, but it sure is nice to daydream about it.

experimenting with floral patterns

I've never been huge on prints--I'm not sure why I shy away from them. But alas, with a little extra Christmas money in my pocket and some post-holiday sales in the shops, I got a floral skirt from the Urban Outfitters sale rack to experiment with (note: I realize the skirt looks better on the model and it's cheaper in stores than online!).  My sister predicts florals will be huge in spring 2010 (you don't say!), so I took some fashion cues from her and paired them with my Olsenboye combat boots for a little 90s throwback ensemble.
This is my first-ever outfit post. I don't know how often I'll do these, but I figured I could experiment with my new camera at least. Lord knows I need the practice--I'm an awful photographer.

new year's eve is over

But I just bought these sparkly shorts at H&M today (on sale, $10!). I don't know what it was about them that drew me in, but I just had to have them.  I feel like they could have been semi-appropriate for New Year's festivities, but that's all over.

Seriously, does anyone out there have any idea how I can pull these off?? Right now I'm thinking either under a mini dress or with tights and a baggy cardigan.  I just don't want it to be overly lookbook.nu-ish.

Worse comes to worse, I can always use them for Halloween or something.

romp and circumstance

What is it about rompers that intrigues the stylish? I've been seeing them all over the place and in many different styles. They're relatively comfortable to wear--and pairing them with a belt or a sweater makes them look less juvenile. They can work for day or nighttime as well, which makes them quite versatile. My faves so far have been the vintage-looking ones from Marc Jacobs and Urban Outfitters. They're a throwback, they're innocent and actually pretty flattering if you can get one that fits your body. It seems like this trend is going to be as controversial as Uggs and Kanye West shades. But, if worn properly, I think rompers are pretty cute.

For those of you who are a little hesitant to attempt this spring trend, here's an example of a romper worn correctly:

And incorrectly:

It's not hard to figure out why the latter is a romper faux pas.