Seasonal Trends Are Headed to Spring Splash

Leaving behind the chunky knits of winter, spring ushers in more colorful wardrobe options. This season’s trends deviate from the traditionally springy styles, showcasing florals and Pantone’s color of the year, “Greenery,” a not-too-bright lime.

Whether you want a total revamp or a few new pieces, our Spring Splash boutiques have a bead on trendy looks, from jewelry and accessories to apparel.

Fashion

Kennett Square’s Marché will be stocking preppy looks with an edge. “Florals, lots of stripes, flowy pants and tops, and off-the-shoulder are hot,” says co-owner Liz Carter, who also anticipates some bohemian styles.

Customers can expect everything from casual and comfy to date-night wear. Enjoy brands like English Factory, DREW, Greylin and Veronica M.

In West Chester, Tish Boutique will have a similar, although slightly more bohemian, aesthetic. “One of the biggest trends I’m seeing is the cold shoulder. It’s a really flattering look,” says owner Ashley Tischler.

Stripes will manifest in a “real bold, bright, Nantucket-preppy sea style,” she says. And denim will get a twist this season, with different hems that are frayed or asymmetrical. Tish brands include Saylor, Stylestalker and Cupcakes & Cashmere.

Those hoping to delve into prints while maintaining a traditional style will find the answer at Haverford’s Patricia Adams. “I’m seeing a lot of vintage-looking florals, palm prints, pineapples, and a lot of stripes,” says owner Kate Wallace.

Dress toppers, especially in cashmere and silk, will be popular at the boutique—and great for transitioning weather. Brands like Cortland Park Cashmere and Julie Brown will be available.

LuLaRoe will also have plenty of prints, paired with traditional silhouettes. “There’s a lot of focus on the dress in the spring,” says Philadelphia-based LuLaRoe fashion consultant Jen Caviglia.

Pleated skirts and feminine styles with a nod to the ’80s will be all the rage. The Amelia dress is among Caviglia’s favorites. “It’s perfect for work and—if you switch your heels—perfect for a date,” she says.

Paoli formal-wear purveyor Van Cleve Collection will have numerous dresses in bright colors for everything from work to a night out. “Colors range from fuchsia, melon and greens to a lot of cobalt blue. And we always have black,” says owner Deborah Van Cleve.

Even better, the dress materials are easily packable, making them ideal for spring getaways. Cold shoulder will also be popular at Van Cleve. Expect designs from John Paul Ataker and Alberto Makali, among others.

Jewelry

When it comes to jewelry, diamonds never go out of style, says award-winning Chadds Ford designer Alexis Kletjian. Her eponymous brand uses multiple metals, including rose gold and white gold, making the pieces versatile across seasons. Her seven-star bracelet embraces the green trend with emeralds. “Emerald is a timeless gemstone, perfect for spring and energetic renewal,” she says.

For those looking to subtly follow a trend, Kletjian says, “Layering is a trend you can invest in because it always comes back.”

Wayne-based Stella & Dot stylist Jo Keleher is also seeing lots of layering in their spring collection, inspired by chief creative officer Blythe Harris’ travels to India. “We have several new tassel necklaces. They’re fun to throw on with simple outfits, and they transition easily from season to season,” Keleher says.

For colorful looks, head to Patricia Adams, which will feature bright shades and lots of gold, including from designer Julie Vos, whose creations have a statement aesthetic. The Haverford boutique will also offer Évocateur. “It’s like decoupage. It’s beautiful, unique pieces,” says Wallace.

Accessories

Bags and scarves are getting the spring treatment with colorful hues, too. Lighter versions of infinity scarves and scarves with tassels will make transitioning from winter to spring a breeze. As for bags, colors will be bold and pastel. The inventory at Marché will include America & Beyond. “We have some great summer bags—tote bags, beach bags—in bright colors coming in. They’re all handmade and imported, with funky, wild colors,” says Carter.

Bucket bags are also going to make a resurgence, according to Keleher. She loves Stella & Dot’s Marin Bucket Bag in navy. “Blue is the new black this season. We have a lot of navy and light blue in our collections,” she says.

Even water bottles are getting a refresh. Tish Boutique will be stocking the playful and practical S’well. “They come in different prints and colors, and it’s a fun way to have a reusable water bottle,” says Tischler.

Formal and Bridal Wear

Whether heading to a gala, a wedding or another formal event, soft colors will be popular in formal wear this spring. “Neutral, pale green, pale blue and blushes are very trendy,” says Van Cleve.

Accessorizing formal wear this season is sleek and clean, with just a pair of earrings and a bracelet, or an elegant and eye-catching necklace that drops down the back.

As for bridal, styles tend toward soft and feminine in spring. “A sheath dress is always a favorite trend for bridal and bridesmaid,” says Debbie Collins, owner of Media’s The Dress Matters, which carries Morilee, Maggie Sottero, Jasmine Bridal, Christina Wu and Jacquelin Exclusive. “Many brides are wearing blush, champagne and light gold. Bridesmaids are looking pretty in pink, and navy blue is popular.”

Dip-dyed ombré veils are also gaining traction. And Van Cleve manager Abby McGrath says nude linings and blush colors are trending. “What we are seeing is that ethereal feel—very soft, very feminine,” she says. “A lot of florals and a fair amount of prints in the fabrics, too.”

Beauty

Pair fresh fashion with glowing skin to complete your spring look. While nude makeup is always popular and easy to coordinate with bright prints, a bold eye or lip is on trend this season.

The chemical-conscious brand Beautycounter, which eschews many common chemicals found in skin-care and makeup products, has introduced its spring palette, Desert Sunrise. Find it online or through local consultants, including senior manager Emily Pastore of West Chester.

Experience these and other area boutiques at Main Line Today’s SPRING SPLASH on March 7 at Drexelbrook.