|

|

Spring 2016 Fashion Forecast

Good morning, friends. Happy New Year!! It’s time to start getting used to writing 2016, can you even believe it??

It is hard not to get wrapped up in the excitement of a fresh start for a new year. I love new beginnings. It feels like anything is possible, you know??

I thought it would be fun to talk about the 2016 fashion trends we can look forward to. I know, it just turned cold, but many of these trends you can start wearing now, and I thought it would be fun to look ahead. You may also like my post on 15 Spring 2016 Wardrobe Essentials.

Spring 2016 Fashion Forecast | 9 Wearable Spring 2016 Fashion Trends to look forward to | Fashion Over 40

marled pullover // tie-dye tee // converse
pencil skirt
 // saddle bag // denim dress (option)
pink tee // crochet top // gingham shirt

9 Wearable 2016 Fashion Trends

#1. 70’s inspired fashion. Think tie-dye, lightweight suede, flares, fur vests, fringe, etc. I even read that low-rise jeans are returning!!

A word about flares: Last fall, all the fashion reports touted the resurgence of flares, but I didn’t see them being embraced whole-heartedly as I’d expected. All the fashion bloggers I follow showed them once or twice, and then they all went back to their skinnies. Here’s my take on that. Flares are high maintenance. You have to suddenly worry about having the proper length for each shoe in your closet, and they look better with heels, making them impractical for daily life. I don’t see them making a huge comeback. Flares are fun for every once in a while, but skinnies can be tucked into OTK boots or knee-high boots, cuffed with ankle boots, or worn as-is with fashion sneakers, pumps, or ballet flats. They are super versatile, and that’s why they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. That said, having one pair of flared jeans in your closet is a good idea (but not necessary.) That’s my 2 cents, anyway.

 

#2. marled knits.

We’ve seen a lot of these this winter, and evidently they are here to stay.

 

#3. fashion sneakers.

converse

Another trend that has been around for a while and is predicted to stick around for another season. I say YAY!

 

#4. lightweight denim. Get thee a chambray shirt, stat.

The denim on denim trend is still going strong, and supposedly we are going to see a lot more lightweight denim in the stores. Think shirts and dresses. I love me some denim, so I’m happy about this trend!

 

#5. half-moon bag.

Screen Shot 2016-02-14 at 7.38.26 AM

I’ve noticed these “saddle bags” popping up this fall, and I’ve had one on my wish list. I love this trend, although I’m not sure why — maybe it’s just because it’s something new, but I really want to add one of these handbags to my closet. This is not what I would consider an investment piece. I don’t think it will be around long enough to warrant spending a lot on one, but I might try to find one in the $50-100 range to add to my spring wardrobe.

 

#6. orange and pink (not necessarily together… or maybe together!)

One article I read said orange is hot this year, and other said pink. Either way, I say YAY. I love both of these colors. They compliment denim so nicely, and they also look great against grey — my favorite neutral. They are also fun together! I have a new scarf from J.Crew that combines orange and pink, and I absolutely love it.

scarf

#7. large plaids.

Plaid has been hot for a while, and I hear larger plaids will be the trend this spring. I’m not a huge fan of the plaid shirt, although I think it looks nice on others. For me, it’s the collar that I hate. I don’t even own a white button-down shirt, which is on every list of wardrobe essentials I’ve ever read. I find them uncomfortable, and my hair gets stuck in them. That said, I do have a chambray tunic and a plaid shirt — both which made the cut in my recent wardrobe reduction, so I will put up with the annoyance on occasion.

 

#8. Victorian-inspired. Think lace, puffy sleeves, ruffles, etc.

This is not my cup of tea (haha, see what I did there??) but it’s supposed to be a big trend this year, so I’m throwing it in here. The one thing I do like about this trend is that it generally means women are more covered up, and that I can appreciate. I prefer more classic, tailored styles, myself, but if you like this look, you’re in luck this season!

#9. pencil skirts.

pencil skirt

I love a pencil skirt. It’s about the only kind of skirt I wear, although I just got rid of all of mine. They were all old and din’t really work with the rest of my wardrobe, so I am going to be looking to add one to my closet for spring.

 

So, what do you think?? Too early to think spring? Maybe! But I think it’s fun to get a peek into what’s ahead. Which trend are you most looking forward to??

* * *

Did you like this post?

Sign up for my daily emails, and you’ll never miss a thing! If daily emails are too much, I have a weekly option as well.

Follow me on Instagram for my daily outfits, and like my Facebook page for updates from the blog and other articles I think you might find interesting. You can also find me on Pinterest, Periscope, and Snapchat: jolynneshane.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information on what that means, see my About Page: Blog Monetization and Disclosure.

Join The Conversation

40 Responses

  1. Hi jo-Lynne! Happy new year! I I have been reading The Art of Tidying Up as well and can’t wait to get started overhauling my clutter!! I have clothes from years ago that I have latched into but do not wear. Plus I just have plain old clutter (books, papers, magazines) that I hold on to! I feel that this book might just be the incentive to get out from under all of it and declutter my life!!!! It’s such a weight on my shoulders, but with everyday life (I have twin 10 year old boys) it’s hard enough to do the everyday cleaning, etc. I am in my 50’s and have accumulated a lot of stuff so I cannot wait to finish the book and get started!! I was wondering why you are calling this a fad as it seems like it would and could be a way of life???? Enjoy your day!

    1. Hey Diane. I’m glad you’re enjoying it too! I just call it a fad because it seems like everyone is reading it. I am sort of a rebel like that. If everyone tells me to do something, I want to run the other way, haha! I definitely think it is a way of life worth embracing. 🙂 Happy New Year!!

      1. Haha! I get it! I was just worried if you had felt it wouldn’t be with my time and I was so excited about. I had heard about it from a relative and went to the library to take it out and the waiting list was at least 2 months!! I see what u mean about a fad!! Lol! I finally got it but ended up buying my own copy as I wanted it to refer to and keep. Good luck! I can’t wait to get started soon…?

  2. Happy 2⃣0⃣1⃣6⃣! I love new beginnings! The problem is for me to keep the momentum going, so keep on sending out the ideas on purging. Maybe you can do a purge challenge, weekly or bi-weekly, or whatever timeframe works. Send out something that tells me what to purge & I’ll tackle it. But left to my own devices & time, well….it doesn’t always get done in a timely manner. I’ve read a few of the Ruth Soukup books that inspired me for a while, but then it wore off. I need that daily or weekly challenge! I’ll check out the book you mentioned as well. My goal for this year is to NOT go out & try to buy something close to what you post on fashion, but to use what’s in my closet. When I began following you & Cyndi, I started doing just that, so that the last 6 months of 2015 my wardrobe grew a little too much! Not working outside the home & doing grandma duties every day, I realized I wasn’t wearing a fraction of those nice outfits I put together. Lesson learned…..however, I have an updated look to my wardrobe, so I need to purge some of the older clothes. We have a “rescue mission” in the area that is always in need of clothing, so that’s where the clothing will go. Thank you again for the tip on Marie Kondo book. Blessing to you & your family for 2016!

    1. Gina, if you read that book, you won’t need weekly reminders. You will dive in and do it all in a few days (or weekends) and you will feel FREE of the clutter. I swear. She is right. It works, and once you have everything OUT, you don’t want to go back to ALL the stuff. 🙂 The biggest challenge for me, going forward, is going to be not to bring too much back IN. I find it almost too easy to get rid of stuff, so I don’t want to fall into the trap of buying stuff, wearing it once, and then ditching it. But it is so freeing to downsize the closet. 🙂

  3. I am a planner, so knowing what is on trend for Spring is awesome. Thank you! From the pieces you shared, a pair of Converse needs to be #1 on my “to get” list. Even though I’m not a reader, I need to get that book because I know that I need to get rid of 80% of the the items in my closets in both homes. Have a great day!

  4. I woke up excited about the start to the new year. (Maybe the excitement came after my first cup of coffee cleared the cobwebs.) I find decluttering/ purging relaxing, also reorganizing relaxes me. A helpful way to relieve stress from time to time, while keeping clutter from building. 🙂

  5. I also like the book Throw Out 50 Things by Gail Blank… it worked very well for me. I am also a Planner and Love this Post. Looking to buy some of these items with my Christmas and Birthday Monies 🙂

  6. I love your blog but I’m old! Do you know someone who blogs for fashion over 60. We still need to look good! Thanks, LD

  7. Hi Jo-Lynne, Happy New Year from the UK.
    I’m very much looking forward to your capsule wardrobe post. I decluttered my closet last year and then again this summer, and I had two large bin bags to donate.
    Now however I have a problem: I’m so determined to have a capsule wardrobe that nothing new ever makes the cut-lots of returns! I live in one denim skirt and one pair of jeans and 4 tops. I do have lots of scarves and knee high boots. But obviously my bottoms aren’t enough and I keep having to wash and iron. I find it really hard to find solid tops and bottoms here, which is frustrating as those are the easiest to mix and match. I should add I have two girls of 6 months and 2.5 years so not much time on my hands to try on clothes. But this makes me want a capsule wardrobe even more!
    So I can’t wait to see how you go about it and find inspiration.

      1. I think you are right maybe I’m being a bit too demanding of myself and of the clothes ???? Anyhow I’m sure your posts will inspire me. I’d love to hear your take on Accessories too-how many bags, what jewellery, how much is enough for a capsule wardrobe? It’s a good thing I don’t have the cash as otherwise I’d probably have a handbag in every size and colour. But because I like leather-that’s not an option, ha ha.

  8. I generally have a hard time finding pencil skirts that fit well since my hips are larger than my waist, but the one you pictured is really cute!

    1. Yeah, it’s become quite the joke around the house. Everything I touch, my husband is like, “Does that spark joy?” Snort. It’s silly, but at the same time, it makes SO much sense.

  9. Jo-Lynne- I forget to mention in my post that one problem I have with getting rid of clothes/things … I always want to give them to someone I know who might like them or want them! Therefore, I end up keeping bags around to give out to people not knowing if they really want or need my stuff!!!!

    Another dilemma!!! lol!! What do u do with all your stuff that your are getting rid of?

    1. I donate almost all of it to a local thrift store that supports a Christian organization and their prison ministry. I sometimes take a bag of kids’ clothes to a family at church and tell them to use what they wand pass the rest along, or I’ll give a bag to a friend or family member who has shown interest. But like you, I am stressed with bags sitting around, and I prefer to put it all in the trunk of my car and haul it to the thrift store. It is my hope that my discarded clothing blesses someone, and I try to look at it like that – not as a waste, but as a blessing to someone who might enjoy it. I am trying to be more careful about what I bring in from here on, though.

  10. I’m actually reading the same book right now, on the recommendation of a friend. Glad to hear your take on it!
    Also glad to hear where you see fashion going this spring! Thank you for all your hard work and for always sending such a fresh and pleasant surprise in my inbox!

  11. PS-Now that I’ve read your view on flares (mostly agree) what is your view on bootcut jeans? They really do suit my body shape best, and it means I need to balance then out with fitted tops rather than loose, which also work better for me, but aren’t as trendy these days.
    Are bootcut jeans the new mom jeans? Hope not… I don’t always wear them with heels but also with tougher style flat boots (like Camel boots) for when I’m pushing the pram around…

    1. I put bootcut jeans in the flares category — I have a pair that I’ve kept and I will wear for a change, but I only wear mine with heels. They can definitely be the new mom jeans, BUT I also believe that dressing for your body type is always in style. Being a slave to the trends is not classy, so if bootcuts are the best for you, and you’ve found a way to style them so they look current, then that’s great. They are definitely sold in stores, they’re not entirely outdated, but I just don’t see them as much right now. I hope that helps!

  12. Like Emma, I tend to wear bootcut and flare jeans. I don’t wear heels either – usually ballet flats or clogs. I have one pair of “slim” jeans and they just don’t look good on me. I have a pair of curvy trouser cut jeans from GAP from who know when that I’m so sad are starting to look old. I definitely have big hips and chunky thighs and a slim upper body so just feel like my bottom is so accentuated when I wear slim fitting jeans. I really need a new pair of jeans though so if anyone has any tips, send them along! I don’t want to look out of date either. It’s so hard because so many of the styles are for skinny jeans. I can’t even get a pair of skinny jeans on – the “slim” ones end up looking skinny on me.

    1. I do think they can work, and I’m always a fan of dressing for your body, not for the current trends. What is that saying, fashion is fleeing, style is timeless, or something like that?? 🙂 I’m learning that the oversized trend is definitely not for me. I see it everywhere now, and I feel more current when I wear those styles, but when I look at pictures, I feel like I look about 15 pounds thinner when I wear clothing that is structured. My commitment to 2016 is to dress for my body, not the trends, but find a way to keep my look current. So I say, if bootcut jeans work best for you, go for it. Although there are some tips for making skinny jeans work for fuller figures — chunkier shoes, tops with structure but some flow to them… It’s always about wearing tops and shoes that balance out the proportions. I hope that helps!

  13. I was just reading the Stitch Fix blog today and that book was mentioned as well. I usually go through my closet each season to clean out and donate items, but I soon realized that a capsule type wardrobe really won’t work for me. I just have too many things I like. So…instead I decided to start putting together all my clothes for the work week. I found I spent more time going through and thoughtfully putting things together. This prevented me from grabbing the same old stuff.

    Now for the rest of the house…. I am throwing out a ton of stuff. I found everything from used up gift cards to old books I haven’t looked at in about 20 years.

    I very much enjoy reading your blog each week.

    1. I came to the same conclusion. I am calling my wardrobe a capsule, but it is larger than most. It still feels minimal to me. 🙂 And as for the rest of the house… YES! I am loving getting rid of stuff that’s been weighing me down.

  14. I’ve heard that the official Pantone color for 2016 is “rose quartz” — I am excited I love pink AND rose gold jewelry !!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *