With each new season comes new trends. Some are practical and comfortable, like the athleisure trend, while others are more obnoxious and ridiculous, like the neon biker shorts trend. Of course, as with everything in life, there’s a spectrum. You could either be the girl (or guy #staywoke) who embraces the animal print trend with a simple cheetah belt, or be the person who goes full throttle in a latex animal print onesie. So, rather than just writing off every ridiculous-sounding trend as something you could “never” pull off, try incorporating the trend in a less dramatic way instead! Here are seven of this spring’s most anxiety-inducing style trends, and how to rock each one in a more simplified, natural way.
1. Surfer Girl
I know you won’t believe me when I say this, but it’s officially time to whip back out those puka shell necklaces and Tamagotchis. Okay, maybe you don’t need the Tamagotchi, but those things were fun as hell, so might as well while you’re already getting out your pukas. And like, by the time you’re done with this list, you’ll realize that literally everything from your pre-pubescent past is coming back for spring. So really, it’s just a matter of time before we’re all playing with our long-forgotten, starved to death Tamagotchis and Ferbies again. But anyway, if you’re not ready to go full Johnny Tsunami with this trend then just pick a cute surfer girl vibe accessory that’s more subtle, like these cute hoop earrings from Free People!
Free People River Way Hoop Earrings ($28)
2. Western
Let me start by saying that this isn’t permission for you to wear your best cowgirl look from that one rodeo-themed frat mixer in college. Please keep your cheap-*ss cowgirl boots in the back of your closet or like, donate them to charity or the trash or something. It’s very easy to look costume-y with this trend if you’re not careful. Add one too many fringe pieces or buckle belts and you’ll look like a bad country singer reaaaal quick. So basically, the key with this trend is to only wear one piece at a time that has a Western vibe. For example, wear these Steve Madden boots with jeans and a tee and you’ll look stylish af without going over the top.
Steve Madden Billey Bootie ($129)
3. Tie-Dye
Just like all terrible things we want to leave in the past, like that pathetic on-again-off-again cheating ex, tie-dye is back and rearing its ugly head for spring. It’s time to summon your inner adolescent summer camper-self, because tie-dye is about to be big. I’d even go so far as to suggest dragging yourself over to Michael’s to get one of those “As Seen On TV” suped-up tie-dying kits ASAP because like, that’s how trendy it’s going to be. Or, maybe have that aforementioned ex go pick one up for you; at least make him useful for something. If you’re not ready to go tie-dying everything you own, take on the trend in a little less dramatic way with a cute tie-dye scrunchie or maybe just a cropped crewneck tee.
4. Feathers
My beloved childhood icon, the one and only Big Bird, clearly served as the muse for several designers’ Spring 2019 collections. Feathers are a huge trend for spring, with everything from feather dresses, jackets, and lots of accessories. If you’re not ready to go all out “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird,” then embrace the trend with a simple pair of feather earrings like this super cheap pair from Forever21. They add just the right touch of elevated style to even the most seemingly basic outfit.
Faux Feather Drop Earrings ($5)
5. Crafty
I told you this spring’s trends are all nostalgic of our youth, so it should come as no surprise that the crafty look is another trend we can expect for Spring. I mean, between tie-dye tees and beaded accessories plus crochet tops, you could just look to those ’90s summer camp photos for outfit inspo. You could probs even post one to Insta right now and get a ton of likes since vintage-style photos are like, soooo in.
Free People Rainbow Tank Top ($108)
6. Animal Print
As Lil Jon would say, “Welcome to the jungle, b*tch.” Everyone and their mom is already currently wearing animal print, and we can all expect this trend to continue well into Spring. This trend is one of the easier ones, given that most animal print pieces come in neutral shades, which means they’re naturally more subtle and more versatile. I suggest getting an animal print accessory or pair of boots to incorporate the trend while looking the least tacky. If you’re feeling more bold, try rocking a chic leopard coat or jacket.
Pretty Little Thing Leopard Skinny Belt ($15)
7. Neon Pastels
If you simply have an Instagram, then you know that lately, the Kardashians have been more into neon than dating NBA players. But you don’t have to go Kardashian-level-extra to embrace this trend. Add on a simple neon accessory, but in more of a pastel shade, and it’s all you need to brighten up your look while incorporating this Spring trend. Take this Rebecca Minkoff bag, which can be added to any outfit as a statement accessory and make you look stylish af.
Rebecca Minkoff Avery Crossbody Bag ($87.50)
I get it, no one wants to look like they’re trying too hard to be “trendy.” Rather, we all want to look stylish and on-trend. So skip the tacky-trendy and unleash your inner Insta blogger by incorporating these spring trends in more subtle ways. And like, not by going to Charlotte Russe and just buying an ugly af bodycon cheetah dress.
Images: Free People; Pretty Little Thing; Revolve; South Moon Under (2); Shopbop; Forever21
