Spring Fashion Guidance From a Wardrobe Stylist
These expert tips will have you looking chic all season long!
Kinga Krzeminska
You’ve thought about spring cleaning, what about a wardrobe edit? As the months turn to spring, now is a great time to grab the clothing items that can last you a season and donate the items that you think you might wear one day but probably won’t. This process can be overwhelming, so we enlisted Chellie Carlson, an incredible Los Angeles-based wardrobe stylist, to give us insight on what to wear and how to wear it, this spring.
Get Your Undergarments in Order
Above all else, Chellie recommends going for a bra fitting. She does a bra-fitting with all her clients because it truly changes the way you present yourself, your posture and how your clothes fit. For spring she recommends getting a good nude T-shirt bra, a racerback bra, and a strapless bra to work with all of your outfits this spring and summer. Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s are both great spots to go for bra fittings.
Tailor Your Pieces for the Perfect Fit
We are all built differently and not every piece of clothing off-rack will have the perfect fit. Chellie recommends taking everything, even your lower quality pieces, to get hemmed. Doing so will make an inexpensive clothing item look designer.
Go Light with Denim for Spring
Trade in those heavy dark denim jeans for a lighter colored denim for spring. Sorry, but skinny is out. You’ll want to go for more of a straight or wide leg. A little bit cropped is the newer silhouette.
Don’t worry about finding a million you love; Chellie recommends one or two pairs to get you through the season.
You’ll want to buy high quality versions of your jeans. Chellie often works with Veronica Beard, A Golde, Mother denim, and Frame cropped wide leg.
Grab a Few Good Blazers
Blazers are great transitional pieces to take you from day to night. Colorwise, Chellie says it could be a pop of color or a classic black. Blazers are great for summer nights or fall too.
Level Up Your Skirts and Dresses
Midi skirt, about to your calf, is the length that is hot right now for skirts and it’s something you can wear throughout spring, summer, and fall. A denim midi skirt is a great pick that you’ll get a lot of use out of. You can even snag a midi skirt in more of a suiting material and wear it to work.
A slip dress is a favorite in Chellie’s book, a silhouette she thinks looks good on everyone. You can dress it up or down, pairing with sneakers or a low heel, and using that must-have blazer for chilly nights.
Get Comfortable in your Footwear
Good news! High heels can take a back seat this spring. It’s all about the sneakers and kitten heels. A good, crisp white sneaker is always a good idea and it can be dressed up or dressed down. A low heel, like a kitten heel, is also in. We no longer have to trade comfort for fashion.
Grab a few Staple Shirts
This spring, Chellie recommends having a handful of different tops for the season. Although many scoff at the thought of a bodysuit, she highly recommends getting a few to really balance out your body for a flattering look. Places like Aritzia and Skims are a great place to start as they both carry a variety of styles from ballerina to square neck. Camisoles are another must have to wear as is on a warm night or under a blazer.
Who says you can’t have a little fun with your fashion? Chellie is a big fan of graphic tees whether it’s your favorite band or something else that drives you. She recommends Revolve for a large selection and don’t be afraid to cut the shirt a bit, just don’t cut into the graphic. Finally, Chellie recommends that everyone gets a crisp white button down, in the length and style that works for you.
Good for Chilly Nights
We can’t forget outerwear. The trench coat is in this spring and it’s perfect for day and night. It’s also great for travel. Try the classic camel or add in a pop of color if that’s more your speed.