Some of us love florals, pastels, bows, ruffles, lace, polka dots and all things fresh and springy. If you do, you’ll have plenty to choose from this and every spring, with blush and orchid pink being the hues of the seasons and floral prints aplenty available from nearly every major label. However, for those of us who prefer mostly black and gray, look best in jewel tones or generally just aren’t fans of the girly or feminine looks that seem to be inspired by spring flowers and all things sweet and Easter-egg hued, there’s hope. And it doesn’t involve taking (too much) inspiration from Wednesday Addams. Here’s how to update your look for spring without diminishing your core fashion personality…
Switch Up The Fabrics
Natural fibers like linen, cotton, and silk are nearly as cool when done in black, gray, or deep jewel tones as they are in pastels. For instance, this AYR belted sleeveless dress in burgundy linen is a wonderful warm weather piece, or do the classic little black dress in a cotton-linen blend, this off-the-shoulder option from James Perse is fantastic.
Say Spring With Jewelry
Gemstones in saturated pastels like amethyst, rose quartz, peridot, and topaz have an undeniably springy quality, but can be adapted to fit nearly any aesthetic. Plus they don’t take up nearly visual space in your outfit as a floral top or scarf. Opals and moonstones are also nice, and pearls in all shades work well too, especially vibrantly dyed pearls or tahitians. Faux’s fine, we won’t tell! These Kendra Scott drop earrings in seafoam green or these in white opal would pop against a black top.
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Solids In Spring Shades
Hate the popular prints but don’t mind a spring/summer color palette? Mix a few solid pieces in these hues with your blacks and grays and you’ll be ready for the season and true to your personal style. For instance, this ballet pink Ramy Brook blouse would be perfect with black, gray, white, and pretty much any shade of blue denim that you can find.
Compromise On Color Palette
Florals don’t have to be overly sweet or tropical, so consider doing spring’s most popular print in a color palette that appeals to you. A black background with contrasting colorful blooms still reads as “spring” but fits in perfectly with a mostly black wardrobe, this Diane von Furstenberg crossover blouse is an excellent example.
Lighten Up Your Neutrals
If you normally wear black, switching to a soft gray, camel, ivory, white, or even navy as your main base neutral goes a long way in spring and summer (plus lighter colors will keep you cooler in hot weather as well). A trendy but still somewhat traditional oversized men’s style button down shirt in a soft French blue like this one from Hussein Chalayan might be the perfect thing.
Do you typically wear mostly black or other dark colors? How do you adapt for spring? Or do you just stick to black all year round, seasonal dressing be damned?
Pictured Above (from left to right):
AYR The Linen Utility Dress, $225
James Perse Off the Shoulder Dress, $225
Kendra Scott Elle Earrings, $55
Kendra Scott Dani Statement Drop Earrings. $130
Ramy Brook Paris Blouse, $325
Diane von Furstenberg Floral-Print Silk Crossover Tie Blouse, Multicolor, $328
Chalayan Oversized Striped Cotton-poplin Shirt, $510
– Jacqueline Zenn
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