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 Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing, as well as in event planning for corporations, not-for-profit organizations and private clients. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics. |
| Spring is nearly here and with it comes the end of heavy winter wear and the welcoming of lighter, lovelier spring fashions. Trends for spring 2016 are, by and large, as soft and billowy as the season itself. Here are some of the most popular trends as seen from runway to your favorite stores to shop: Spring fashions include very soft, feminine details this year. From ruffles to sheer fabrics, this year’s styles are an ode to the lightness of the season. Most designers have incorporated ruffles either as trim or fully from top to bottom. Sheer slip dresses abound, many with lace detail. Pants are shown as wide legged and flowing, whether full length or cropped. Expect to find soft chiffons and organza – sheer and ethereal, but requiring layering for practical use. Many of the styles are a nod to Victorian styles of old, with high necklines, bows, and puffy sleeves. A huge trend for the season is bare shoulders. Make sure you’re ready to bare your shoulders with off the shoulder, one shoulder, asymmetrical and cut-out styles for both tops and dresses. This trend began more than a year ago, but has now rocketed to a top trend. Every year we find one past decade represented with a modernized version of itself. This year, the 90s is that decade. With minimalist looks, rave, grunge, slip dresses with sneakers, and even velour track suits making their way down the catwalk, it is clear that the decade that gave us Nirvana and Pulp Fiction has more to say. For those who prefer to make a bolder, more daring statement, trends to fill your closet will include evening wear with some sparkle or shimmering fabrics, flamenco style skirts, deconstructed oxfords, graphic stripes, and richer, bolder spring colors. Outfits with several bold colors – a veritable power rainbow are a strong statement being used by many of the top designers as well. Tangerine is the clear winner in color, with bright, grassy green and cherry red well represented. That is not to say that softer colors are not represented – buttercup, ice blue, a pale rose pink, iced coffee and ultra-light grey are the top colors of the season. They take traditional spring colors and turn them on their sides a bit, providing new variations that are fresh and fine for women and girls of every age. Accessories for the season include chunky chains and chokers, extra-long earrings, lots of layered accessories over an outfit, flat shoes (more slipper than shoe) and even tiara-styled headbands. All decked out and updated from the 90s, the backpack is the hands-down number one accessory of the season. Whether your soft side or your daring side is the one stepping up, there is an array of fashion choices online and in stores to bring out your best side. Enjoy the spring, have fun with the fashions and remember to feel good about how you look. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 