It’s no secret that this year everyone is loving stylish basics and wearing them on repeat. My daughter Rachel and I were recently asked by Who What Wear to share the easy and effortless pieces that California girls like us are wearing to stay comfortable and fashionable. In our latest mom and me feature, “We Live in California and Think These 8 Easy Staples Complete a Wardrobe,” we share the basics that we wear on heavy rotation. Read on to see how we style these staples to stay chic and stylish during a southern California winter.
Read moreWho What Wear Feature: The Spring Trends We're Loving
The warmer winter weather this year has me thinking that it’s the perfect time to make room in my closet for some of the newest spring fashion! In a recent article for Who What Wear, “We’re in Our 50s, and These Are the 10 Spring Trends We'll Wear the Most,” my blogging BFF Janet Gunn and I once again do our best to take the guess-work out of how to style some of our favorite budding trends as we say hello to spring!
Yep, it’s almost time to put away our teddy coats and boots in favor of all the looks we started coveting way back in September, when Fall Fashion Week gave us a sneak peek of what was to come in late March when spring officially arrives.
As women in our 50’s we’ve learned that when it comes to trends, it’s best to pick and choose. Just like deciding on the right diet or hairstyle, a girl has to decide what works for her, not for her sister, bff or favorite super model.
Since there’s a lot of fun fashion on the horizon, we’ve done our best to sift through it to share our short-list of favorites that you may want to flirt with. Below you’ll find the Spring 2020 looks we’ll be embracing with open arms; giving you inspo to start preparing your closet for warmer temps and these hot new trends!
Full Bloom
Florals
Spring has sprung and flowers are definitely blooming in the fashion world! Have some fun styling this blossoming look with a trending western bootie or loafer.
Shop the look in the carousel below!
Dy-No-Mite!
60’s and 70’s Vibe
The 60’s are back…and, so are the 70’s! Wallpaper prints, patterned midi’s and flowy fabrics all have us feeling groovy.
Shop the look in the carousel below!
White Out
White is Red Hot
Got White? Wear this non-color, color from head to toe and channel a fresh, clean vibe, or add just a slight touch of white to your look with an accent shoe or handbag.
Shop the look in the carousel below!
Inside Out
Lingerie As Outerwear
Lingerie as outerwear is going to be everywhere. You won’t find us sporting midriff baring bra tops, but we will be embracing this trend in our 50-something way. Pair a slip dress with a white sneaker and chunky cardigan (both are two more big trends for spring) or wear a feminine cami with trending white bottoms.
Shop the look in the carousel below!
The Scoop on Sherbet
Pastels and Sherbet Colors
Pops of color will be seen everywhere this spring, but so will the softer shades. The sherbet and pastel side of the color wheel have definitely captured our attention and are kind to most skin tones.
Shop the look in the carousel below!
Top Tier
Tiered Dresses and Skirts
Long or short, multiple tiers or just a couple, this is the perfect flirty trend to usher in springtime’s playful feel.
Shop the look in the carousel below!
Let’s Polka!
Polka Dot Patterns
Marc Jacobs once said “There is never a wrong time for a polka dot”, and we couldn’t agree more.
Shop the look in the carousel below!
Go With the Flow
Scarves
The scarf is having a moment. Whether tied around your ponytail, or worn on your head to hide a bad hair day, this accessory is working over-time this spring.
Shop the look in the carousel below!
Flower Power
Decorative Pins and Brooches
We noticed this accessory started making a comeback a couple years ago, but for Spring 2020 they are in full bloom as flower pins are seen planted on tops, sweaters and jackets.
Shop the look in the carousel below!
In the Bag
Structured Bags
Whether it’s itsy-bitsy, boxy, a sling or framed, there’s a bag for everyone this season. We love the modern take of these structured bags shown in trending white and fun, full transparency!
Shop the look in the carousel below!
Click HERE to read the post on WhoWhatWear!
Who What Wear Feature - I'm 54, and These Are the Trends I Will and Won't Wear
Having the experience of knowing when to embrace certain style trends, and when not to, just comes down to being conscious of your own body type; what looks good on your shape and what makes you feel fabulous and confident. Over the years I’ve realized I can love and appreciate a look on someone else, but just because it looks great on a model or a friend doesn’t mean it’s right for me.
Who What Wear is my go-to, online fashion bible for all the latest and greatest in style, so I am always excited when they ask me for my point of view to publish on their website! Check out my latest featured post below, “I’m 54, and These Are the Trends I Will and Won’t Wear,” because fashion is not one look fits all…
Before moving to Los Angeles and launching my blog, The Glow Girl, I lived in New York City where I was the Founding Editor of an online fashion and lifestyle magazine. A large part of my job was to be on the hunt for the latest style and fashion trends and to share them with my audience. Experimenting with these trends and seeing so many come and go over the years has helped me develop a distinct style guide! I realize now that it’s important to only wear the trends that work for your style, body-type and taste. As a woman in my mid-50’s, it feels good to adopt the trends that make me feel confident when walking out the door, and to ignore flash-in-the-pan trends that don’t. Check out the trends I will and will not wear below!
WILL WEAR: Cropped, High-Waisted Jeans
Cropped jeans are always a good look as long as they are high-waisted to elongate your leg. They can be worn with all types of shoes from heels to sneakers, sandals, and booties. I prefer ones that have stretch in them for comfort —not only are they on trend but they also hold in your tummy!
WILL WEAR: Animal Prints
I love animal prints and have been wearing them for years. They are super trendy right now but have always been a staple in my wardrobe. If you like them but want to be less bold, try wearing accessories like belts, bags and shoes that complement your existing wardrobe.
WILL WEAR: Boyfriend Blazers
Sporting an oversized boyfriend blazer is always in style—I’ve been wearing the same one for over 10 years! These blazers are nice investment pieces and make any outfit look a bit more sophisticated and buttoned-up. I love to wear mine with jeans and a t-shirt a la Anine Bing!
WILL WEAR: Feminine Dresses
I adore dresses that have feminine details like puffed sleeves and floral patterns. Paired with a nice bag, a dress with these details requires minimal accessories and always looks sophisticated and chic!
WILL WEAR: White Booties
Wearing white year-round from head to toe is here to stay and a great alternative to black. These white “cowboy-style” Sam Edelman booties are so versatile - I get more compliments on them than any other shoe in my closet! I like to wear them with dresses, skirts, and jeans, making them the perfect staple.
Click on the images below to shop the trends!
WON’T WEAR: Short Biker Leggings Paired with Blazers
I see mixing these two styles together as a passing trend! Keep the biker leggings for workouts only if you need to wear them. I am not a fan, as they cut off the thigh in a place that can make legs look shorter.
WON’T WEAR: Chunky Sneakers
These “ugly, dad-style sneakers” certainly made a comeback from the 90’s but I won’t be wearing them anytime soon! They can look unsophisticated and do nothing to help elongate the leg. I recently purchased a pair of Nike Cortez sneakers that capture the trend and are flattering and feminine!
WON’T WEAR: Short Crop Tops
The shorter crop tops work if you are under 30 and sporting a six-pack! An alternative to these tops is to wear one that is cropped right where the waist of your pants hits. I wear these tops with high-waisted jeans and sometimes even show just a sliver of skin.
WON’T WEAR: Tiny Sunglasses
These sunglasses are disproportionate to any adult face and can look silly! Plus, they offer very little sun protection for the eyes. I like sticking to classic aviators, cat-eye, and oversized sunnies!
WON’T WEAR: Neon Clothing
This trend is a flashback to the 90’s and was super popular at the spring 2019 fashion shows but to me it just looks tacky! If you want to capture this trend, I suggest wearing an accessory like a neon belt or shoes—or just try an electric colored mani for less of a commitment.
I hope you find this blog post helpful when choosing trends to adopt into your wardrobe!
xx Melissa
Check out the full feature on Who What Wear HERE!