Spring 2016 Fashion Trends

It snowed in Cleveland over the weekend. The snow stuck. It is the beginning of April and Northeastern Ohio decided that instead of gifting us with cherry blossoms and clear skies, high winds and FROZEN WATER would be a sufficient April Fools joke. While the weather outside is truly still frightful, months (and months) after Christmas, spring fashion is still alive with the sound of music. Everyone might be shivering and pretending like it's not totally uncomfortable to rock open toed booties or flat shoes without their toes turning into legitimate icicles, but that's a price you have to pay to look cool.

I tried to cross reference as many runway shows and spring trend round-ups to find my favorite trends for spring 2016. Obviously, you don't need to follow trends. I'm in the group of people who says wear what you want as long as you're comfortable (exceptions include: cargo pants, Trump t-shirts, and anything that says All Lives Matter or features a Confederate flag or anything equally as offensive). However, it's still fun to see what the fashion world deems "cool" for a season before it goes off to die and resurface thirty years later. Fashion is cyclical, ya'll.

1. The Cold Shoulder - Vogue, Elle, and Fashionista give this type of cold shoulder two thumbs up. Rock this look with off-the-shoulder tops or crossing halter necklines, both featured on various spring runways.

2. Pajama/Lingerie - These items are no longer appropriate solely for the bedroom. Silk tops with piped edges, slinky nighties, and loosen elastic waist pants are on trend for spring. Fashionista says you can thank the likes of Givenchy, Balenciaga, and Loewe for the continuation of this trend!

3. Deconstructed White Oxfords - Both Elle and Fashionista reported that gone are the days of simplistic white button downs. This classic closet staple received a make-over on the runways from brands like 3.1 Phillip Lim, Delpozo, and Zac Posen.

4. Paper Bag Waists - Fasten your belts (and not just your seatbelts). Paper bag waists are back this season with a point to prove, according to Man Repeller and Elle. This look appeared in various shows, both on trousers and skirts in shows from BCBG, Tibi, and Public School.

5. Flat mules - Heeled mules took the spotlight in 2015, now it's time for their flat counterpart to take stage according to Lauren Conrad for Who What Wear and Elle. Slip into your pair of choice for an easy, quick addition to your look.

Which spring 2016 trend are you ready to rock this year?