Spring fashion forecast

Fashions this spring will be decidedly feminine with soft, draped garments that feature ruffles, cut-outs or insets of lace or sheer chiffon.

Colors for spring "are lighter and brighter, and a little more pastel than past seasons," said Ashley Decker, owner of Whole Life, which carries organic clothing for women and men and fair-trade products in downtown Grand Forks.

The most popular spring clothes "are definitely on the casual side of life," she said.

Hemlines are shorter, while cut-out and laced-up footwear elongates the leg. Shoulder cut-outs mix with high necklines.

"We're seeing a lot of older styles—such as the '70s and Victorian style—coming back, but with a modern twist," said Alexy Safranski, creative director at the Kittsona boutique in Grand Forks.

The overall look is "relaxed, feminine, soft," Safranski said, and it transitions easily from day to night.

Elements of '70s fashion—floppy wide-brimmed hats, bell sleeves, flared-bottom pants and fringe accents—that have been noticeable for several seasons continue to inspire, with a little tweaking.

Tie-dye, a favorite fabric treatment of the '70s, "is making a big comeback," Safranski said. "You'll see it in tops, tanks, rompers and dresses."

Reminiscent of the Victorian age, fancy damask-design fabrics add "a fun pop of color" to an otherwise subtle palette, she said.

Ruffles adorn blouses, tank tops and skirts—"not too big, but to add texture and definition," Safranski said.

Soft, draping cowls will continue to be popular this spring, Decker said.

This steady, cool-weather staple will take on new life as spring approaches.

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"The cowl-neck tunic moved well for us this past fall," Decker said, "and it'll be repeating in lightweight fabrics, like tissue knit, in the spring."

Soft pastels

Trending colors for spring 2016, according to the Pantone Color Institute, are "rose quartz," a dusty blush, and "serenity," a soothing periwinkle blue.

The institute's color experts usually pick one color they believe will be reflected in fashion, home decor and design. This year, departing from tradition, they picked two.

"Anything that pairs well with those colors, such as soft blues and mint greens, and soft pinks, blushes and corals" will be a good color choice in fashion, Safranski said.

Also, navy and mustard are expected to be among spring's favored colors, she said

"These colors are very complementary to any other color or skin tone," Safranski said.

They can be a starting point from which to enliven your outfit with pops of bright color as your mood or the occasion dictates.

Color-blocking also continues to capture high visibility as consumers look ahead.

"It's a very strong look," Decker said. "You see it in black, white, grey and cream, but, along with the basics, I like to see people wear more color. Color doesn't have to be scary."

A smart fashion strategy focuses on garments with "basic lines, played up with color," Decker said.

"Pretty neutrals with pops of color—like a bright fuschia or a vibrant green—would be good choices."

Decker encourages customers to try "pieces that stretch them a little bit," she said, "where they say, 'Gosh, I never thought about that.' "

Boho to Bali

Patterns are abundant in spring fashion and run the gamut from geometric to florals and more.

"Stripes are big," Decker said. She expects clothing such as a sleeveless, striped cowl-neck tunic, will be popular.

"Stripes never go out of style," Safranski said, "but I'm seeing them as bigger and bold this season."

Patterns that lean ethnic, boho-chic or South Seas also take center stage this spring.

Florals are a personal favorite, Safranski said. "They're soft, chic, elegant and edgy.

"I'm a 'feminine-edgy' person. I love floral, but give me a leather jacket."

Safranski also recommends mixing leather, denim and floral for an updated look that conveys the glories of being fearless, free and feminine.

Denim, a perennial favorite

Denim, which remains at the forefront in fashion, is showing up in pants, skirts and jackets again this spring.

"You can mix denims (in an outfit) as long as they're two different tones," Safranski said.

Consumers will notice the use of chiffon, lace and satin in cardigans and kimono-style tops that function well as a versatile layering piece, she said.

The art of combining elements of various textures and knits in a single garment continues to be a fashion phenomenon.

Overall, clothing will be "more loose, flowing and free," constructed using fabrics that are "soft and breathable," Safranski said.

Play with accessories

Just because the weather's warming doesn't mean you have to abandon scarves altogether.

Multi-patterned scarves, in lightweight fabrics, can amp up the visual appeal of a solid-color T-shirt or pullover. Short tassels add color and a sense of whimsy.

In jewelry, watch for geometric shapes to be prevalent in necklaces and rings.

Some of the most popular looks feature the druzy stone, Safranski said.

Choker necklaces, which started to gain momentum last fall, remain popular, she said.

Longer, statement-style necklaces are "elegant, classy and chic," Safranski said.

"You can take a simple version and wear it in the daytime or as an element to dress up your outfit for the evening."

On the whole, purses will be smaller, lighter and more structured, Safranski said.

Clutches and cross body handbags are good choices.

"The smaller size lightens up your whole look," she said. "In spring, you want something that's light, airy, clean and crisp."

Choose one that's slim, with an adjustable strap.

"Handbags with a fringe are always in style," she said.

Shoes: Cut out, laced up

The lace-up look will everywhere—including flats, wedges and heel-style shoes, Safranski said.

In the flat ballet and booty styles, laces can rise all the way to the calf.

Cut-out details add to the laced-up look and lend a bit of novelty to utilitarian function.

Footwear will feature block-style heels, she said. "Those nice, thick and chunky heels are comfortable to walk in."

Whatever you choose to make your unique fashion statement this spring, enjoy the process, Safranski said. "It's fun—you can always have fun with it. Express yourself with it.

"If you feel good in it, you're going to look good in it. Confidence is key."

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