Spring Trends 2020 - Maxi Dresses, Psychedelic Prints and Vests

If you have been following along as I look at the Spring 2020 Trends, then you are well aware this year’s trends are full of patterns and diversity. If your style is classic, you’ll find pinstriped suiting and button up shirts; if you prefer color, you’ll be amused with abstract florals and tropical prints; if boho vibe is your thing then today’s post is for you. When I think of boho style, I think of 60’s and 70’s inspired prints, fringe and maxi dresses. While today’s outfit has no fringe, it definitely calls to one’s inner hippy.

I got this flower power maxi dress last year on the clearance racks at Meijer. I was attracted to the large flowers, the rusty orange colored background and the crochet overlay on the bodice. The dress has spaghetti straps, but since it is still cold out, I decided to layer a long sleeve tee underneath.

I purchased this striped long sleeve tee just after Christmas at Maurice’s. I thought the navy stripe worked well with the blue in the dress and the rusty color is similar enough to the rust of the dress to make a fun print mix.

I’ve styled this denim vest from Christopher and Banks on the blog before many times. It is a workhorse in my wardrobe and is appropriate for all seasons. See how I styled it for spring, summer, fall and winter by clicking on the seasons.

A couple of simple jewelry items are enough to make a statement without being overdone.

You’ve seen this Simply Vera, Vera Wang bag on the blog before. I’m thinking maybe a cloth bag or something like my fringe bag would have been a better choice. I almost feel like this bag was out of place. I think it looks nice with the colors involved, but doesn’t really fit the vibe of the outfit as a whole. I feel the same way about my boots.

These Baretraps boot from DSW first made their appearance on the blog last fall. You can see that post here. I love having a variety of boots and these with their slouchy fronts, spat-type appearance and wood stacked heels are just plain fun. However, I don’t think they were the best choice for this outfit. Maybe a pair of my suede ankle boots or even some sneakers would have been a better choice. What do you think?

At the last minute I grabbed a scarf to wear as a type of head band. My daughter said I looked like Frankie from Grace and Frankie. Which of course made me laugh. Lily Tomlin is a great actress and comedian.

What do you think of this outfit? Would you wear a boho style like this? Do you like to wear maxi dresses or vests? Tell me your thought in the comments below. I always love to hear from you and thank you to all of my subscribers and those of you who take the time to follow along and make comments.

I’m including a few shopping links. These are affiliate links which means if you click on a link, I get a few cents; if you purchase something through a link, I get a little bit more. Thanks to all of you who have looked at those shopping links. I really appreciate it.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Denim Daze 2.0 - Vest - Dressy

A monochrome look, to me, always seems more dressed up than other looks using similar pieces. Style a black pair of pants with a multi print blouse and you have a great work outfit. Style the same pair of pants with a matching black blouse, heels and pearls and you have made yourself ready for a night out on the town.

Denim, by nature, is casual. Originally created as work wear for farmers, miners, lumberjacks and other physical labor jobs, denim was not meant to be worn to the opera or the theater. However, denim has come a long way since its original inception back in 1873. We now have various washes, weights and colors of denim, making it a much more versatile fabric for real life events, both casual and dressy.

In order to make this Christopher and Banks, denim vest seem more dressed up, I chose to pair it with a chambray, bell sleeve dress for a glitzed up monochrome look that I would wear with confidence to any number of more dressy events.

I found this cute, Massini, chambray, dress on the Meijer clearance rack a while back and it was one of those things I felt I couldn’t pass up. You know the feeling. It is not only cute and fits, but it is the right price and you have nothing like it in your closet. I love dresses, but do not wear them very often, but still, that doesn’t stop me from occasionally purchasing one that I absolutely love.

This dress has a full zipper in the back, a fit and flare silhouette, and is light weight. It works well on its own or when styled with a vest over the top. Wearing a vest still lets the fun sleeve bells strut their stuff, but gives you extra coverage and layers if the weather is cooler. I’ve worn this piece with a knit vest, suede boots and tights in the chillier months.

The only other things I had to add to this simple, but stylish outfit were the accessories. Since the vest has silver bling on it, I decided to have silver for my jewelry, shoes and bag. Simple pie, right?

This outfit came together quite easily because I had two pieces that were the same color. I don’t think this would have been quite as dressy if I had a vest that was a darker or lighter wash. Remember, when you have an event and you don’t know what to wear, a monochrome look will always be chic and stylish.

What do you think of this outfit? Do you think I accomplished the casual and the dressy with this vest? Are these outfits you would wear? Specifically could you see yourself wearing a monochrome denim outfit for a fancy occasion? It is always refreshing to think outside the box.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Have a great weekend, everyone.

I’ve included a few shopping links for chambray dresses. There seem to be a ton of these around right now, so it might be a good time to invest in one. They can be very versatile, especially if you get a button up, shirt dress type, which you could wear as a jacket, vest or dress in so many different ways. Have fun shopping.

These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Styling a Maxi Skirt with a Denim Vest - Post 2

This week my post doesn't have a dramatic change from last week (see the casual look here). I am still wearing the same skirt, lace tee and denim vest. The only changes made had to do with my accessories. 

Last week I styled this look more casually with black espadrilles. This week they were swapped out for my nude peep toe heels. I tucked the lace tee in rather than leaving it out and I added a belt for a more polished look. 

In addition, I changed out the casual beaded necklace for a long gold chain with gold fringe and dangles with a matching bracelet. The gold also matched the gold of the belt. 

Lastly I added my sparkly pewter clutch. It is amazing how easy it is to change an outfit from casual to dressy. All you need is a few different accessories and a little creativity. The great thing about this sort of styling is that you can just throw a few things in a bag and go from the office to a night out with just a few simple changes.

Photos by Rebecca Trumbull. Make up by Rachel Christensen.

Shop the look:

Print maxi skirt - Macy's - $55.99

Denim vest - Christopher and Banks - $44.95

Lacy white tee - Christopher and Banks - $39.95

Nude peep toe heels - Zappos - $69.00

Belt - Mod Cloth - $22.99 

Necklace - JC Penney - $16.80

Next week I will be doing a recap of all these looks, so you can see them side by side. I hope you have enjoyed this series. Have a great week.

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots and the Ageless Style Link Up and with Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. Friday linking up with Nicole of High Latitude Style and Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots. 

Styling a Maxi Skirt with a Denim Vest - Post 1

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

I've had some people suggest that I post both pictures from these last few weeks to see the casual and the dressy photos side by side. I will be doing a post recap in a couple weeks where I will show all the outfits styled both ways, so keep that in mind. 

This week's post centers around a boho type maxi skirt styled with a denim vest. I am wearing a white tee that has a lacy layer in the front. I told my daughter that our next shoot needs to feature photo's with more details. We were in a hurry when we did this shoot, just trying to get some pictures for posts, then go to a movie. Next time we won't have something scheduled after our shoot, so we can take our time.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

You can see the bling on this denim vest that I got from Christopher and Banks. I have decided, bling is one of my style staples. You can just make out the lacy overlay of the tee shirt. The necklace was a longer bead and metal mixed type that I doubled to make a casual chic choker. I like the way it brings the colors in the skirt up around my face.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Here you can see the colors of the skirt, which included red, black, off white and a touch of pink. I wore my black espadrilles and carried a small pewter hobo bag. We bloggers are trying to encourage you to think outside the "fashion" box and realize, you don't always have to match your bag with your shoes. I still tend to lean to the conservative side when it comes to matching. I chose the pewter bag as it creates a cohesiveness in the outfit with the silver on my necklace and the metal buttons on my vest. I also wore my tee hanging out creating that casual, comfortable feel and look.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

This one was just for fun! I look as though I am seeing a spider, but I think my daughter was telling me to look at my feet. The problem was, with the maxi skirt on I couldn't see my feet. When I saw this picture it made me laugh and I hope it makes you smile as well. That is me, a real, actual woman! Ha. ha.

Shopping the Look: 

Print maxi skirt - Macy's - $62.99

Denim vest - Christopher and Banks - $44.95

Lacy white tee- Christopher and Banks - $39.95

Black espadrilles - DSW - $39.95

Beaded necklace - JC Penney - $16.80

Hobo bag - JC Penney - $38.50

Have a great week and be sure to check back next week for Post 2 on styling a maxi skirt and denim vest.

Tuesday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb. Wednesday linking up with Allison of Sydney Fashion Hunter. Thursday linking up with Nicole of High Latitude Style. Friday linking up with Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots, and JoLynne at the Fashion Friday link up.