2013 Spring Fashion Tips From A Pittsburgh Fashionista
(photo credit: Kayla Posney)
Black and white
For a trend that exudes professionalism in the workplace and just enough sexiness for a night on the town, think black and white. There's nothing boring about these colors that were all over the runway in Mac Jacobs and Alexander Wang's spring 2013 fashion week shows. "Black and white is a truly chic and elegant color combination," said Posney, who suggests reinventing this timeless palette by recycling the past season's color-blocking trend or incorporating stripes and interesting prints, which will also be a popular spring style. If you're not one to take risks with fashion, you can't go wrong by keeping it simple. As Posney puts it, "A great pair of black pants paired with a white top is always a sophisticated look."
Bold stripes
From blazers and dresses to tops and pants, big, bold stripes will be everywhere this spring paying homage to a variety of styles from classic American sportswear to sea-worthy nautical. For a more traditional take on stripes, Posney recommends sticking with classic colors like red or blue that give off a nautical vibe or pairing them with a dark-wash denim. If you're feeling fierce and funky, opt for more unique shades like pastels and modernize it with a chevron pattern. Forget the common misconception that stripes will make you appear wider or larger; you can easily balance out this trend by limiting stripes to a single clothing item and pairing it with a solid.
(photo credit: Jessica Wasik)
Brightly colored bags and jewelry
If there's one must-have accessory for spring 2013, it's a brightly colored bag. Posney encourages Pittsburgh fashionistas ditch the neutral-colored bags popular last season and swap it out for one in a bright, cheery color such as royal blue, yellow or Kelly green. "Don't feel bad about not matching," said Posney. "The contrast of your bright bag against a sophisticated outfit will look stunning." Pair with a statement ring, necklace, earrings or bracelet in a gorgeous, vibrant hue to take the drama to the next level. "Colors like yellow, emerald green, violet and even orange will be huge jewelry colors," says Posney. "These bold colors create an expensive and dramatic look."
Related: Best Fashion Accessories & Jewelry Shops In Pittsburgh
(photo credit: Kayla Posney)
Blazers
During Pittsburgh's unpredictable spring months, a functional, lightweight and stylish blazer becomes many Pittsburgh girls' go to. This season, however, is all about breaking away from dark or neutral-colored blazers and bringing fun colors and prints to this wardrobe staple. Expect to see a rainbow of colors ranging from coral to mint green and even baby blue that look best when used in an unexpected way. "Look for blazers that feature great colorful prints, such as floral, bold designs and cool color combinations," said Posney. "Pair these colorful and printed blazers with skinny jeans, leggings, a fitted pant, a skirt and even over a little black dress."
(photo credit: Jessica Wasik)
Metallic-accented footwear
Complete your head-to-toe spring makeover by slipping on a pair of shoes featuring metallic accents that adds a unique, exciting, dramatic and luxe touch, which Posney predicts will be a major trend this spring. "Imagine your heels, booties and flats edged in silver, gold or rose gold metallics," she said. "Black heels with a silver metallic cap toe, black booties with a gold cap toe and brown flats edged in rose gold are the types of shoes that will be fabulous for spring."
Head to CBS Pittsburgh's Best Of page for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food, culture and more!
Jessica Wasik lives in Pittsburgh where works as a full-time figure skating coach sharing her passion with todays generation of young skaters. A graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies, Jessica is also a contributing writer for Allegheny West Magazine. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.