Fashion

Spring Forward

March 5, 2021

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This season is about slipping out of your comfort zone and into bold new styles.

By Ashley Breeding

Ready to retire the pajamas you’ve worn day in and day out over the past year? While comfortable, effortless style a la COVID-19 is still a thing for spring, some bolder trends are also making a comeback, says Remington Fraser, an OC stylist with several clients in Newport Beach who are looking to “buy smarter and get the most versatility out of their closet.”

A former attorney for Buchalter—where she specialized in corporate law, primarily serving companies in the fashion/apparel industry—Fraser founded a web-based luxury consignment marketplace called The Revury in 2019, offering white-glove service and free styling to assist clients in determining what to buy, keep and donate. The Revury also offers tips on “how they can mix and match to get the most use out of their wardrobe,” Fraser says. A passion for the environment that parallels her company’s love of fashion is also evidenced by the numerous coastal cleanups in Newport it hosts to “give back to the community.”

When it comes to fashion, Fraser sticks to well-crafted, quality pieces that will stand the test of time. This season, she recommends bold investments such as pieces with fun details or chunky knits in bright shades. “But even in a muted color, the open weave makes a statement and is perfect for layering in a light spring breeze,” she says. Pair it with a high-waisted, mid-thigh jean short or mom jeans, tucking the hem of the sweater in slightly to show off the waistline.

Puffed-up balloon sleeves and big, bold shoulders are also on trend for spring. Having come back around a few seasons ago, these looks are still popular among luxury brands like Loewe, Altuzarra, Alexander McQueen and Rodarte. Whether it’s a tailored button-up shirt, romantic blouse, cropped sweater or whimsical dress, there are plenty of ways to dress up this style without feeling as if you’re wearing your grandma’s shoulder pads.

Retro, wide-leg trousers or denim pants circa the 1970s are also big, but to pull them off, balance is key: “Wear them with a fitted top or a looser blouse tucked in,” Fraser says. “The hem of the pants should crop right above the ankle.” On the petite side? Slip on a wedge sandal or block-heeled bootie. If you already have some height, flat sandals, slides or even sneakers pair well.

“I love fun sneakers,” she adds, noting handcrafted Italian label Golden Goose, which is known for unique kicks featuring varied embellishments, from faux croc and leopard to stars and glitter. Punch up a basic tee, jeans and leather jacket, or go wilder with a patterned skirt (she likes Ulla Johnson’s) and a knit sweater, Fraser says. “Anyone who isn’t a style influencer seems to shy away from this look, but it’s super cute.”

Sometimes, it’s not so much a matter of being shy as simply not knowing how best to pair items in the midst of the global crisis. “We’re still in a pandemic and people still don’t want to think as much about what to wear,” Fraser points out. Enter the two-piece outfit, which covers everything from upgraded sweat sets—to make a statement, opt for poppy patterns like neon or tie-dye—to skirts with matching jackets. “Wear them together or separate them to create new outfits and get more bang for your buck,” Fraser suggests.

For those hitting the pool or heading to the beach, one-piece swimsuits with cutouts are still hot, and the tankini—yes, that same two-piece style you sported in the 1990s with Umbro shorts and Adidas soccer slides—is also reemerging. Make it even more stylish with oversize sunglasses, another retro trend that is resurfacing in the form of bold shapes, from classic circles to flirty cat eyes.

And for the final touch? Layered necklaces are still hanging in there. While Fraser is drawn to many daintier pieces, how you pile them on is a matter of preference. “This spring is all about mixed metals and layering,” she says.