Spring Fashion Must-Dos

Emancipate yourself from fleece-lined coats. Yellow tulips and red robins have come back, suggesting you hit the beach and frolic under the sun. Spring into these tips on how to attune your wardrobe to the fun and freedom this season brings.

By Maricris Julie Taeza

Splash bold colors

Colorful flowers bring spring to life. Color can do the same wonders to your drab getup.

Amber Davis, fashion instructor at the Art Institute of Indianapolis and owner of Flaunt Boutique along Calvert Street, said vibrant colors such as canary yellow are trendy this season.

“The conservative look -- darker colors and less details and prints -- played down last fall and winter’s style because they reflected the economic mood,” Davis said. “Now, we’re ready for a change even if it’s just the attitude.”

Davis added that green, blue and orange will also dominate the fashion scene.

Revive the ruffles

Small and structured ruffles emerged in fall and winter. This season, ruffles have returned to the racks, although they come as big, flouncy and attention-grabbing details.

“Spring is naturally fun and flirty, so we’re ready to work our spirits. Liberating, indulgent pieces are going to make a statement,” Davis said. “Again, we’re going to see optimism projected through our clothing.”

You can pull off this fad by choosing softer cascades. Shy away from overwhelming, tutu-like designs.

Don a spring scarf

Yes, you’ve read it right: “spring” is juxtaposed to “scarf.” Believe it or not, even though winter has bid goodbye, scarves are still happening. Whether they’re plain, floral, sparkly, dip-dyed or plaid, they flourish in boutiques nowadays.

Spring scarves are not knitted or woolen though. They are thin, long and lightweight; woven or made of cotton or silk; and can be worn with any outfit -- casual or formal.

“Scarves make a plain outfit look classy,” said Holly Buckler, manager of Rue 21 at Muncie Mall.

Maxi-mize your dress

Now that the weather has gone warm, Muncie Mall stores such as Old Navy, Wet Seal and Rue 21 have revived the Bohemian-inspired maxi dresses. Not only can this soft, ankle-length garb unleash your feminine side, but the empire-cut maxi can also conceal tummy bulges and huge thighs.

During the day, downplay your maxi with flat footwear such as flipflops or gladiator sandals. At night, dress it up with stilettos, wedges or slingbacks, wrote Lara Zamiatin, Stuff fashion journalist.