The perfect staple jacket and spring trends

When the days begin to lengthen and the weather starts to warm, people everywhere breathe a sigh of relief: spring is on the way! With spring comes brand new fashion trends, and every woman needs certain wardrobe staples. These items, like a great pair of boot-cut jeans or a nice workwear button-down blouse, are meant to ensure you always have classic and timeless pieces you feel great in.

Well, let’s start with one must-have you definitely can’t live without: a staple jacket. Whether it’s a chain link leather jacket or one that’s soft and lightweight, “staple jacket” means something a little bit different for everyone. But you’ll always know it’s right for you if: 

It suits your body type

A staple jacket must flatter your body, so, when looking for the perfect one, you should first identify your body shape to understand how best to dress it. There are some jacket features that are universally flattering, though, which means that whether you have an hourglass, rectangle, triangle, inverted triangle or oval body type, you’ll look good in a jacket with these elements:

• A shorter length: Jackets with hemlines that hit right around the hips or just above look good on every body type, but especially triangle and oval shapes. The flattering length frames the upper body and draws attention away from wider hips and thighs.
• A nipped waist: Whether your jacket has princess seams that help it hug your curves and narrow waist, or if it comes with a belt that cinches the waistline, a nipped waist is another universally flattering feature. It creates the illusion of hourglass proportions on any body type.

It suits your personal style

Another element of a staple jacket? It should complement your personal style! Look for colors, materials, details and embellishments that make you excited, whether it’s textured leather with chain link detailing or a softly ruffled lapel. Opt for neutral colors to ensure you can wear the jacket with anything, or, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, find a jacket in a bright or bold hue that will help you make more of a statement. Have fun with it!

You can wear it to various occasions

The outerwear you choose should transition from work to evenings and weekends depending on what you wear with it. And that means it must go well with everything from workwear to jeans. For that reason, it’s a good idea to look for a jacket that hits right around your hips, since that’s the perfect length for everything from pant

It’ll last you several years

Well-fitted, flattering and high quality: these three factors will guarantee you can wear the garments often and for years to come. Look at the material, workmanship and seams, and don’t be afraid to invest in something you’ll own longer than just one season. In fact, you can even buy a jacket now and pay later with Monroe & Main credit!

You love how you feel in it

The most important element of a staple jacket: You love how you feel every time you wear it. If you find a style that suits your body shape, fits well and complements your own personal style, you’ll want to wear it everywhere you go.

And here, beyond the jacket, are many more helpful must-have items that you can use, including accessories, to celebrate the season:

Light blouses

Light and loose-fitting blouses are great for spring, especially when paired with slim pants and trousers. As with your other spring pieces, don’t be shy about super bright colors like hot pink and orange! These head-turning hues make an outfit fun and warm-weather ready. Incorporate a variety of blouses with any sleeve-length into your wardrobe, and wear a cardigan or blazer over your sleeveless tops while at work.

Fitted tops

To pair with your wide-leg trousers and high-waisted skirts, fitted tops are super versatile and can be worn as layering pieces or on their own. Look for a range of neutral and colorful shirts that will go perfectly with your other bright spring clothes.

A sophisticated dress

Even if the weather is still a little chilly, a cute dress is an essential wardrobe item. Wear it with a pair of fashion tights, boots and a cardigan in the earlier part of the season, then go for flats and a light jacket when the weather warms up. A colorful A-line dress is both figure-flattering and stylish for the season. Have fun experimenting with other spring trends like color-blocking and bold floral patterns when searching for the right design.

A graphic-print dress

Graphic dresses are an exciting way to add some personality into your work clothes while still looking office-appropriate, and they’re also very flattering. Go for color-blocking, floral or geometric multi-hued designs, and pair them with neutral shoes and accessories. Try an A-line or sheath cut and add a belt for instant definition.

A pencil skirt

A pencil skirt is a necessity no matter what season it is. These skirts are flattering on lower-body curves, comfortable in the winter with tights, and also totally practical without anything covering your legs in spring and summer. If you’ve grown tired of your plain black one, switch it up a bit with a print pencil skirt to vary your work look and embrace the season in a tried-and-true favorite. For a more formal look, pair your skirt with a matching blazer for a fun and sophisticated spring skirt suit.

Chinos

Chinos aren’t as casual as a pair of jeans, but also aren’t as dressy as work pants for women. With a cropped hem, you can wear these with your favorite pair of ankle boots until winter totally winds down, and then with pointy toe flats once it’s warmer. You’ll want them in every color for every occasion – with a t-shirt on the weekend or work blouse during the week.

A pair of cropped pants

Whether they’re solid black or colorfully patterned, cropped pants are the best way to show off your seasonal wedges or strappy ballet flats. Wear a slim-cut style with a variety of classic tops, such as a long tunic on the weekends or a button-up blouse at work. Layer a pastel cardigan on top for extra comfort.

Shoes

Spring’s shoes are all about letting the foot breathe. Wearing flats instead of heels is a big (and comfortable!) trend. Wear your flats with any outfit you’d normally wear with heels.

Ankle straps are becoming more popular with flats, heels and sandals for all-day wear because they provide a little extra support to spring shoes, making them easier to walk around in.

With outfits that you’d normally wear boots, you can substitute a pair of peep-toe wedge heels as spring rolls around. It’s a great way to give your outfit a seasonal look, even if it’s not warm enough to wear them with a sun dress yet. These shoes are comfortable, versatile and on trend each spring, year after year!

Earrings

Use your Earrings this spring to experiment with pops of color, since bright hues are what the season is all about. Wear bright blue Boho earrings with a black blazer at work, for instance.

Necklaces

Spring’s necklaces are a fun assortment of various lengths and styles, but there are a few common themes:

·   Shorter necklaces: Statement necklaces are still very popular. This spring, wear an eye-catching short statement necklace with a scoop-neck blouse or a crew-neck tee.

·   Pendants: Look for bold and colorful pendants or ones with cool metallic textures that add visual interest. Pendants look especialy great with a v-neck dress or paired with a cardigan.

·   Bohemian beads: Colorful Bohemian patterns and beaded jewelry are seen in pieces like large necklaces, bangle bracelets and dangling earrings in a pretty array of primary colors. Wear bright jewelry with lightweight flowing fabrics for a cohesive look.

Bracelets

There’s no harm in taking some extra care to adorn your arms once you’re living in sun dresses and sleeveless blouses. A bangle set or a watch with a matching bracelet is a great way to stay on trend. Go ahead and mix metal colors, too!

A Raincoat

Classic trench coats are universally flattering, no matter what body type you have, because they’re fitted throughout the shoulders and bust with a belt that adds instant definition. Plus, they can easily make the transition from cooler weather to warmer weather while keeping you dry and warm.

A light Scarf

Spring’s most practical accessory is a scarf. Scarves made of light material look warm-weather ready, but help you keep warm on chilly evenings as well. Tie it in a unique way to add some sophistication to your look.

A colorful purse

Nothing says spring quite like handbags in a brilliant shade of your favorite color or patterned side panels for some subtle flair. Choose a smaller style with a shoulder strap to bring to the office.

Of course, it’s handy to have a go-to small bag for all other times. Opt for one in a neutral color, like a black or brown leather cross body bag. This way, it’ll match any outfit you’re wearing! You just need one that’s big enough to fit your cash, cards and cellphone so you can travel light.

Remember that these options give you an opportunity to show individual style and creativity, so take advantage of all the bold colors and cool designs this season has to offer!