Hot Looks for Hot Mamas

With the snow starting to melt away and that big orange thing in the sky finally revealing itself, I’ve been scouring fashion magazines and websites with abandon, trying to get a taste of the trends for spring to plan my wardrobe for the upcoming season.

To get help in finding looks that are both fashion-forward and easy for a busy mom to pull off, celebrated St. Louis fashion stylist and personal shopper, Jan Leach of Jan Leach Style, shared with me five hot trends for spring 2011. And along with Natalie Woods, owner of Daisy Clover Boutique in Webster Groves, explained via email how anyone can pull them off so us moms can look and feel our best.

Military Chic – I love the intersection where masculine and feminine looks collide, so I’ve long been a fan of military-inspired looks. Luckily, it appears I’m in the majority – according to Leach, military chic has been in style for the past three years, and both Leach and Woods agree an army green shade is popular among designers.

Woods suggested an army green skinny cargo pant which can be sexy if you go with a tighter style or more relaxed if you choose a looser cargo fit. “Anything military is a good investment because although this season it’s super ‘in’ – it’s a trend that comes around a lot.”

Leach’s favorite look? The Madewell olive green military jacket from Shopbop.com for $98.

Mini floral-printed dresses and tops – Want to soften your military look a bit? Try pairing a jacket or boots with a top in a cute spring motif. “Since the 70’s are back and everywhere, there’s no better time to pay homage than this spring with a girlie floral printed blouse or maxi dress,” said Leach.

She loves the Free People jersey floral maxi dress from Shopbop.com and the chiffon Bellatrix blouse from Nordstrom for their easy throw-on styles and their ability to work on their own or in layers.

According to Woods, the floral trend is not only soft and romantic, but is simple for almost anyone to look chic and pulled together. “Small floral (or any prints) work well because it’s always a bit easier to carry off a smaller print no matter your stature or size. The larger prints are harder because if you are petite, you can end up getting swallowed by the print.”

Neutral stripes – “Stripes were all over the runway and can be found in every store this spring,” said Leach. “Stripes manage to come back in style every year so if you haven’t already taken the leap and purchased a great striped tee, sweater, dress or cardigan, go for it.”

Even if you have worries about horizontal stripes, the trick is to try on looks and find what’s flattering on you. A couple of good options are the ¾ sleeved Splendid pocket tee Leach recommended, or if you’re on a tighter budget, I love this embellished navy and white tank I picked up at Maurices for just $24.

Slinky, draped knit tops and dresses – Draped tops are my weakness since they can look sexy and hide that leftover baby weight. I’ve been drooling over the Karina line of dresses available at Daisy Clover as well as the great pieces that will be featured at the Lilla P trunk show at the boutique starting February 19.

According to Leach, “This trend focuses on minimalism at its best featuring comfortable fabrics, neutral colors and a flattering silhouette that anyone can year. Slinky, cowl neck tops and dresses look best when worn with denim trousers, jersey maxi skirts and cropped white jeans.”

Wide leg denim – Both Leach and Woods suggested wide-leg denim as a relaxed, casual alternative to the popular skinny jean trend.

Said Woods, “The wide leg trend I’m seeing is more of a 70’s inspired relaxed flare versus the super-wide, over-the-top leg, which is good because this 70’s inspired version is easier for more people to wear. Just be careful on how wide you go in the flare if you are on the shorter side – you want to keep the flare as subtle as you can so you don’t look shorter.”

Wondering how to pull this wider style off? Leach suggested, “Try a soft, oversized button-down blouse tucked in, a silk-printed peasant blouse left untucked or even a simple fitted tank layered with a cardigan and a pair of wedges.”

So hang in there, ladies. Every morning when you’re putting on another wool sweater or a pair of itchy tights, keep these great tips in mind and repeat after me – “One more month until spring. One more month until spring.”

By Nicole Plegge, Lifestyle Blogger for SmartParenting