by Silk Allen

(Plain Press, March 2019)I smell the promise of spring in the air: the days are getting lighter, brighter and longer and there’s that collective look of hope that we give each other as we pass by strangers on sidewalks while crunching dirty snow under our salt stained boots hoping that this will be the last day…

And the stores we love are getting in on the act by stuffing racks to the capacity with clearance items and markdowns in order to make way for new season staples and must have items that we can’t imagine wearing while still bundled up in puffer coats and scarves.

FASHION

However, we don’t have long to go and I wanted to be the first one to give you a heads up on a few of the most popular and easiest to wear looks because although fashion trends come and go each season, sometimes we don’t know what will be a hit or a miss until we try it ourselves or see it on our stylish peers.

The runway is full of fun ideas and fantasy fashions that are not expected to be worn in the streets, but every once in a while, a few key trends will pop up that will certainly add spice to your wardrobe! Here are 5 trends that will go on sale at your favorite store and are actually universally flattering.

   Sorbet and Neon Colors: The future’s looking bright and colorful with a focus on pastels and loud colors. Stick to tailored silhouettes for the baby blues and pale pinks, and try a bold electric purple clutch, or a hot pink heel. Standout colors include a pistachio shade of green and a show stopping, Day-Glo orange hue that I haven’t seen since the 90’s.

   Boilersuits: Jumpsuits have been all the rage for the last few seasons and with good reason! They work for almost any occasion, can be dressed up or down and it’s a one and done no brainer outfit that doesn’t take much else to work. The boilersuit is the cooler, sophisticated older cousin of the jumpsuit that smokes cigarettes and causes sartorial scenes at the local McDonald’s. You should get one.

   Wide leg pants: Raise your hand if you are tired of squeezing into skinny jeans and leggings- thank the fashion gods for wide leg pants and joggers! Ladies, put the skinnies and yoga pants on hold and pull up a pair of wide leg pants in a variety of fabrics (including denim) or easy to wear jogger pants so that you can stylishly and effortlessly run errands in.

   Tie Dye: Guess what print is back- but not in that obnoxious hippy dippy generic t-shirt way- tie dye! But this time around, the psychedelic print is featured on luxury fabrics and embellishments, and looks grown up, compared to the DIY rubber band version. Although that still looks pretty cool to me too, especially when worn with a denim mini skirt and a pair of lace up sandals.

   Shorts: I know there is somebody reading this right now who hasn’t worn shorts since the 80’s and don’t plan on starting now. However, now would be a good time to change your mind because they have a fit for everybody- cycling shorts for the super bold, slouchy Bermudas for the artsy type, and tailored knee length duchess satin versions for the super fancy set that likes to dress their shorts up.

So now that you have your Spring 2019 Trend Guide, please don’t go run out to the nearest mall or plop yourself in front of the closest online shopping cart. Tuck your debit card away for a quick moment, and shop your closet instead. See what you can dig out the back of your closet and do a little spring cleaning on the sly to make room for the newest trends. Out with the old and in with the new! And as always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to hit me up ladysilk@thehouseoffly.com or follow me on Instagram for more fashion and style advice @alltheflythings.