Spring/Summer - 2021 - Puffed Sleeves, Pastels and Pops of Blue

I think most of you who follow me regularly know I love to combine ideas. For example, when I do my Pantone color series, I try to combine several colors at the same time. Part of why I do this is to save time, but it also stretches myself outside the normal, jeans and tees, types of outfits. I wanted to do the same thing with the Spring Trends, and today’s outfit also added the fun literary technique called alliteration. If you don’t already know what that is, it is the combining of words that all start with the same beginning sound. My grandson recently finished up a poetry unit at school. Why they think ten years olds need to know all the poetry terms and examples to go with them is beyond me. My grandson, came away with an unfortunate loathing for poetical form, which makes this writer sad. But I digress!

Today’s outfit revolves around three spring trends that we have seen before. Puffed sleeves keep coming back around, as do pastels. I think pastels are here to stay, as they can be used in so many ways as neutrals. The color blue is always classic, but I really liked the idea of using it as a pop of color in any outfit, so I might try to incorporate this trend into some of my future looks, just for fun.

I started this outfit with a recently thrifted top by John Paul Richard. I love the pattern and the puff sleeves. We often think of puffed sleeves as being puffy on the top, but on this particular top the puff is on the lower part of the sleeve. I won’t get a ton of wear out of this before the warmer weather hits as it is a heavier weight material, but it is perfect for those in between days. I also love the smocking on the bodice, through the back and upper sleeves. Having it loose through the body is a plus right now too, for my lovely love handles.

At first I had the top paired with some jeans that were more of a cognac color, but then I pulled out these blush Christopher & Banks trousers and thought it worked quite well. As you can see there is a light pink in the top, so my matchy mind likes the combination. However, I did like the way the top looked with the other colored pants as well, but I was trying to triple up on my trends. Ha, ha.

For my pops of blue, I added a beaded necklace, I got two Christmases ago, a couple of beaded bracelets with a few blue beads and my thrifted blue Nine & Co. bag.

The warmer weather always brings out my SO ballerina flats, and this year they are back on trend. However, the colors are more metallics and statement making patterns, but flat soles are in.

What do you think of these three trends? Do you like puffed sleeves? Do you like to wear pastels? Do you have any blue accessories that you can boost up your outfits with? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave me a comment or two. Your comments help keep me blogging.

I’m including a few shopping links. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Have a great weekend!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Spring/Summer Trends - 2021

I am actually a little behind as far as being on the trend wagon, but I figure since spring hasn’t officially sprung yet, that I am right on schedule. Ha ha. I am going to do a few weeks on spring trends and then I will start my Pantone color series. It is always fun to head into summer thinking about new color combinations, so while I might be behind schedule, at least I am heading in the right direction. Let’s take a look at what is trending for this spring and summer. Remember, there are hundreds of trends that fashion entities put out and I just pick a few that I think you will find interesting. If you are interested in seeing more trends just type Spring Trends 2021 into your search bar and you will see all sorts of articles from fashion gurus like: Vogue, Cosmopolitan, WhoWhatWear, Marie Claire and more. I usually peruse as many of these sites as I can find, making a complete list, then I go through and choose the ones I like and that I can pull off with things from my own closet.

Statement Trousers

Pants have gone wide for spring and summer so be prepared for palazzo pants, wide crops and other statement pieces made of all types of fabrics from slinky knits and flowy chiffons, to more structured linens and unique denims.

Fantasy Florals

Florals are once again making a scene in the fashion world. From small prints to big and bold, you can find floral prints on everything from dresses, which I’ve shown here, to tops, bottoms, sweaters, bags, and shoes. I’m glad that florals are here to stay and that they are multi-generational

Belts

Belts are making their own statement this spring, so showing off your waist is essential whether it be by wearing a crop top or like me, by doing the front tuck. Another way to show off your belt acumen is by wearing a wider belt over a longer top, tunic or dress, to cinch in your waistline. Making a few investments in good quality leather belts is on my list of things to look for at thrift stores.

Eyelet

Texture is in for the warmer weather. We know texture plays a big part in our outfits in the winter with fur, chenille, velvet and others keeping us cozy. For summer the textures are just as noticeable with trims including feathers, fringe and string. Fabrics like eyelet, lace and netting are again popular providing extra interest for many outfits. I chose to focus on eyelet, because it is the more modest of the popular choices. Don’t get me started on what was being worn, or more truthfully said, what was not being worn on the fashion run ways!

Puffed Sleeves

One thing that is definitely true of this spring is size matters (pardon my vulgarity), but when it comes to sleeves, shoulder pads, bags and shoes, bigger is better. I have never been a huge fan of oversized shoulder pads, and platform shoes, while cute, are not something I would regularly wear, so I chose puffed sleeves for my oversized novelty.

Luxe Leather

Just like last spring, leather is still shaking up the fashion world. Leather (or faux leather for those of us with much stricter budget or looking for animal friendly options) is not just for jackets. You can find leather pants, tops, skirts and the usual leather pieces like shoes and bags. Wearable leather is much more wearer friendly these days with light weight and softer pieces. Leather also runs the color gambit, so look for leather in metallics and pastels.

Pastels

Pastels are here to stay and seem to be wearable in every season, but especially as we look forward to the brighter, warmer days of spring and summer. These lighter colors can be worn as statement pieces on their own, or you can incorporate them into your wardrobe in small doses with a bag, shoes or other accessories.

Bright Pink

This bright pink will get more air time when I do my Pantone series in a few weeks, but for now be aware, this bright, sometimes bubble gum pink is getting some attention. While blush has made its place as a new neutral in fashion, this bright pink is making a place of its own.

Wearing White

Wearing white after Memorial Day is a given, but that particular fashion “rule” has been disbanded by most people. White is a year round color, just like black or navy, or olive or blush. However, I am much more likely to wear white in the summer in the form of crop pants, skirts or shoes. If you have been wanting to get out your whites and give them a ride, go for it.

Pops of Blue

I thought this was an interesting trend that anyone could easily add to their wardrobe. The idea is to put together whatever outfit you are going to wear, then add a pop of blue. Whether you are dressed to go to work, or for a day running errands, you can easily uplift your outfit and your mindset with just a small pop of blue.

I hope you have enjoyed looking at a few of the Spring/Summer 2021 trends. I’ll be discussing a few others as I get into my outfits and possibly even into the Pantone series. If any of the pieces above look interesting, just click on the link for more details. These are affiliate links, brought to you at no additional cost. All opinions are my own.

I hope you are having a good week.