Haute or Not: A Blog

An insider’s take on the trends set to define spring and summer

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I’m so excited to kick this off by sharing that I’ll be joining Ross this summer as a Fashion Office Intern, where I’ll be diving into trend forecasting and analysis. With that in mind, I wanted to highlight a few trends I’ve been noticing – both through my experience working in institutional and fashion-focused social media marketing, and as an aspiring trend forecaster.

And now that New York weather is finally starting to feel somewhat bearable, it’s the perfect time to get you ready for a colorful, fashion-forward spring. (Also, just to note – the order of these trends isn’t ranked in any way!)

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CHUNKY CLUTCH HANDBAGS

This is one of my favorite trends right now. I think this kind of handbag instantly upgrades a look, and fits into all sorts of styles while still being really functional. I also think these handbags are just so classy and beautiful; they don’t feel too overwhelming. Some on my current wishlist are The Amelia Italian Clutch in Natural Raffia by Mark and Graham (can personalize it with initials), The Summer Woven Glam Small Clutch in Natural by Marc Jacobs via Nordstrom (unique claw clip hardwear), and the Extra Large Full Circle Frame Clutch in Black Crinkle by AIMEE via Nordstrom. 

BANDANAS/SCARVES

One of the most underrated accessories in my opinion is the bandana. You can style them in so many ways — wrapped as a belt, used as a layering piece over the waist, in the hair, tied on a handbag — the opportunities are endless. I personally foresee them becoming more popular being styled in natural hair for the summertime, perhaps paired with a simple tank, some longer or baggy denim shorts, some flip flops, and sunglasses. 

“TIFFANY” BLUE & CORAL

I have started to see a spike in bright  blue – dubbed “Tiffany Blue” – handbags (see below a beautiful Balenciaga City), dresses, and more. With a coral-orange color also coming into play, I think that these two colors will be front-loaders in a colorful summer ahead. With the rise of pattern mixing will then come color mixing, and I expect to notice these two colors coming in ‘haute’ together. 

LARGE SHAPLY EYEWEAR

This probably doesn’t come as a surprise to most of us as we go back and forth as a society with small eyewear vs large eyewear, but I think that we are back to a large eyewear year! Big, bold circles or rectangle frames will take control over the small ovals we have been seeing for a year or so now. While I think those will still remain popular, I’m predicting statement eyepieces might overtake them this summer. Plus, they’re a great simple accessory to make any outfit pop. 

FRINGE 

Fringe is said to be making a major comeback this year, highlighting hemlines, jackets, skirts, dresses, handbags, and more. However, as the year goes by, I have seen this morph away from an all-fringe boot or jacket into hemlines on scarves or skirts. This is for sure one to keep a closer eye on as we approach summer – it may be difficult to incorporate being that it is usually suede making for a heavier and warmer fabric composition, but I am really curious on the development of this trend as we approach warmer weather.

Closing

Reach out to us for further questions on any photos used – sourced from Pinterest and store webpages/websites.

Best of luck to all of our fashion friends out there building up your wardrobe for this upcoming warmth!

Talk soon,

Syd