Just Add Blue
Seasons change, and trends come and go. While some fashion fads are just that–fads–and should stay that way (looking at you, teeny-tiny bags), others, like seasonal colours, can be a good investment for your wardrobe. When you add a new accessory, top, skirt or jacket in the current shade du jour, you can stay within the bounds of your personal style while looking current.
This spring and summer, it’s all about soft, cloud-like baby blue. Expect to find this airy colour everywhere from the fast fashion warehouses to the security-guarded couture shops. To help make your search that much easier, I’ve tracked down eye-catching pieces that will bring your closest into the present season without a major lift.
It’s spring, so celebrate the sunshine with one-and-done outfits that minimize brainpower. I’m talking about dresses and jumpsuits: the most laid-back way to look pulled together and profesh. Banana Republic has several flow-y and drape-y powdery blue dresses. For more formal or wedding guest-ready looks, turn to Reformation. You can always count on J. Crew for a smart-looking shirtdress (or two). If you’re looking to splurge for a special occasion, this cut-out one-shoulder number from Misha is a stunner. Matching pant suits are another don’t-think-too-hard dressing style that’s office-friendly but chic, especially in cornflower blue.
Pants are a fun and sometimes overlooked way to add a splash of fresh colour to an outfit. And the warmer months are the right time to trade in your tried-and-true dark jeans and slacks for something softer, lighter, and airier.
If you’re open to embracing another trend, this pair of baggy blue parachute pants from Anthropologie might be right up your alley. Sky blue trousers can pep up your workday fit without veering too far from your typical office wear, and J. Crew has some breezy linen options that will transition happily to your summer vacation.
L-R: Anthropologie, Favorite Daughter, J. Crew, Aritzia, Zara, Reformation, Zara
To loosen things up in the bottoms department further, add a pale blue skirt or two into the mix. You don’t have to commit fully to the powder blue aesthetic with this funky twofer from Anthropologie, and you can go long or short with this trend from brands on the higher and lower ends of the spectrum. Hey, I’d even count this light-wash denim number from Zara as a contender (you’d check two trend boxes in one here, denim outfits are having a big moment this spring).
L-R: H&M, J. Crew (on sale!), Beyond Yoga. Reformation, Aritzia, Reformation, Anthropologie, Zara, Zara
Moving on up to the torso department, there are 90s-inspired mid-drift bearing crops, roomy oxfords, classic sweaters, and baby-soft baby blue baby teas in this season’s shade.
Back L-R: Reformation, Reformation, Reformation, J. Crew, Zara, Front L-R: Zara, Aritzia, Theo the Label, Minnow, Quince
Layer a tank under a sweater, blazer, or other topper for a subtle nod to the trend, or go for this stripe-y matching set from Favorite Daughter for a chic and youthful ladies-who-lunch vibe.
L-R: Everlane, Everlane, Anthropologie, Zara, Theo the Label, Quince, Everlane
Finally, accessories and shoes are one of the best ways to dip your toes into a fashion trend without a major money or space commitment. In almost every price range you can find great earrings, necklace pendants, and hair clips that can help draw an outfit together.
L-R: Lotte, Jane Win, Anthropologie, Kurt Geiger, , Staud, Anthropologie, Staud, Zara, Reformation, Zara
Lizzy Briskin is a freelance lifestyle, food, and travel writer.