From annual classics like floral dresses and crisp white shirts, to statement-making wide-leg culottes and floppy-brimmed hats, the spring season brings with it a bevy of classic and cutting-edge trends sure to please every fashionista.
Holt Renfrew’s vice-president of exclusive services Lisa Tant, a former West Vancouver resident, flew in from Toronto recently to present a spring runway show at the luxury department store’s downtown Vancouver location. She identified four standout styles for spring 2015.
Sleek minimalism
Think Claire Underwood from TV’s House of Cards. Classic silhouettes in black, white, cream, navy and stone make a subtle statement.
“It’s all about simplicity of the shape and simplicity of the material,” Tant says.
Achieving this sophisticated look is an investment.
“What I always say to customers is buy the best quality you can afford in pieces like this because they should last you a long, long time,” Tant says, adding, “If you think it’s a bit too plain, these pieces make a wonderful background for accessories.”
Minimalist ensembles don’t need to be as form-fitting as those worn by Robin Wright’s icy character. In fact, silhouettes have gotten looser this season with wide trousers, long tunics and oversized vests all making an appearance on the Holt Renfrew runway.
Designers who have gone ultra-luxe, ultra minimal this season include Victoria Beckham and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.
Hippie deluxe
At the opposite end of the fashion spectrum, the 1970s revival look is anything but minimal. It’s Mary Tyler Moore meets modern-day music festival fan. Flared pants, wedge heels, wide-brimmed hats, suede details and fringe are all throwbacks to a bygone decade. Tant isn’t one to tell people not to wear trends after a certain age, “but,” she says, “I think if you’re going to indulge in the hippie ’70s feel, you need to be young.”
For those who lived through the ’70s and want to revisit this look, Tant suggests wearing one or two retro pieces rather than a full head-to-toe getup. For example, a simple wrap dress has its roots in the ’70s, but it won’t look costume-y on a more mature woman.
Florabotanica
Florals always make an appearance at this time of year. This season, look for bright, graphic, artistic prints and pair them with existing staples in your closet. This trend is ideal for those on a budget who want to freshen up their spring wardrobe with just one or two new garments. Adventurous dressers might opt for a pair of floral puddle pants, while a bloom-covered jacket or handbag adds a more subtle pop of colour.
“A floral print clutch is a fun way to update your basics,” Tant suggests.
Luxury Italian labels Gucci, Etro and Roberto Cavalli have all embraced the floral look for spring 2015.
Athletic inspiration
This style is influenced by active wear, but it’s much more sophisticated than jogging pants and an oversized T-shirt.
“This is such a great West Coast style,” Tant says. “It’s not like you’re just walking out of the gym, but it’s those kinds of fabrics and details that are really dressed up and look great day to day.”
For example, a bright blue leather jacket over loose silk trousers is “practical and comfortable, but also really stylish.”
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For those looking to incorporate 2015 trends into their existing wardrobe without going broke, Tant recommends investing in a couple of versatile pieces that can be worn multiple ways. A simple floral skirt, for example, might be paired with a jean jacket on the weekend, a tailored blazer at the office and a silk blouse for a night on the town.
“I’m a big proponent of understanding how to change it up and style things differently,” she says. “Unless it’s an evening gown, don’t buy something that you can only wear one way. If you can’t imagine different ways to wear it — and sometimes you have to challenge yourself to think that way — then don’t buy it.”
