Surprising Inspiration for Spring Style

Believe it or not, peasants, bikers, the iconic 80s and today’s pop divas, will define our warm weather wardrobes.  Sounds scary, but actually there’s loads of looks and pieces to please us all.

 

Pleasant Peasant

Last year’s Boho style has gone back to its roots – the farms and countryside of Europe and North America.

Case in point, here’s an Esprit top available online. Cute! Great with slim white or denim jeans. (Keep the bottom half slim to balance out the blousy top.)

For or those bigger up top – best to steer clear of this volume adding item or select a toned down version, like the Banana Republic look below.

 

 

 

 

Find your inner peasant with a layered skirt, balanced out with a more fitted (not tight) top. Old Navy has patterned and plain versions:

 

Or, salute North American country style with a checked shirt – here’s an Old Navy cami version, complete with pin tucks (Ye-Haw!) perfect with jeans and the upcoming season’s chino comeback (see The Amazing 80s below)…

 

 
 

Biker chic!

Rev up your style with leather and studs. One of the must-haves as we transition out of heavy outerwear is a great black leather jacket . For the very best investment and versatility, select a form fitting design with just a hint of biker bling.  This Danier version can go from office with pencil skirt or pants to casual weekend or party wear with jeans, tunics and boots.

 

 
 

For a lighter biker look, seek out a leather jacket in soft beige of grey.  This Joe Fresh version in pleather has miles of versatility:

 

For subdued biker attitude, look to accessories with studs, such as a luscious leather belt or bag. See how this plain sweater has been revvved up with studs on the collar and belt:

 

 


 

 The awesome 80s

Can’t believe the decade of dubious design continues to influence our trends in the 2000s! Spring 2010 will se the preppy, punk and techno looks of the influential era. 

Arguably, preppy pieces (which never completely disappeared) are the easiest to wear due to their classic cut and colours.  Case in point, the trench if you haven’t got one, get one! (You wont regret it) – now available in a multitude of hues, but back bigtime in beige.  Here’s American Eagle’s:

 

 

As for the mainstay of casual Friday, the chino has recived a major makeover, and re-appeared in shapes to suit every body.

The chino skirt is a versatile option for the office (with heels and a shirt and/or jacket) and makes a nice alternative to capris or pants with t’s at the weekend. Old Navy has a pretty pleated version: 

 

Punk?  Yes, punk! No need to wear safety pins as earrings – but you will see ripped jeans and zippers adding interest to our outfits.  Even Banana Republic is a little bit punky with their “busted” jeans.  You’ll also find jeans and chinos with paint splats:

 

If you love the sharper techno style of Human League, then you’re in luck.  Colour blocking, big sleeves and shoulders, and asymmetrical dresses, tops and tunics along with the skinniest of jeans, pixie boots and pointy pumps are everywhere. Suzy Shier has a number of options:

Or create your own 80s outfit with the new basics – leggings, long tunic T’s and wraps.  Take a look at Reitmans’ suggestion:

  

 

Pop Diva Design

Lady Gaga’s gear might look well, gaga, but has more influence that you might think on the styles in our stores.  Just take a look in the footwear section.  Shoes and sandals have become sculptures this season. Here’s a diva design from Spring:

Or this slightly more subdued style from Old Navy:

  

 

As as for wearing our underwear as everyday wear, well, we are unlikley to go as extreme as her Gaga-ness, but nonetheless, underwear’s influence has invaded dresses and tops. Take a look at this bustier dress from Guess:

 

 
And, new look lingerie tank from American Eagle:

 

 

So, what are your thoughts and faves for Spring 2010?  Are you inspired by peasant pieces or biker bling?  Preppiness, punks or pop divas? Let us know in the comments section below.