spring style 2022

Style
Written By Cate

my favourite looks for this season.

girl sitting in a rattan egg chair against a white wall in Venice Beach, California, wearing an all white outfit with trousers, tassel earrings, fringe pink shoes, and a white denim jacket

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I’m certainly not a trend forecaster. As a lover of slow fashion (mostly out of necessity, as I’ve taken a stand against fast-fashion consumption & most ethical/ sustainable retailers are out of my price range), I am not the resource to turn to when asking the question, ‘what should I buy this season?’ But with spring looming, and the question still posed, I can offer up a few pieces that I think will last longer than the influx of micro-trends and sprinkle in the few items that are currently on my shopping list. I’ve also given my opinion on some top trends we are seeing this season:

the trench

as far as I’m concerned, this is the number one, timeless staple for spring fashion. I recently replaced my most basic one (a London Fog that is currently available on my Poshmark), with this gorgeous one from Lattelier. It was my first time ordering from the brand, and I am impressed with the quality. As for why I felt the need to swap: I prefer the longer length of the Lattelier trench - it’s a better fit for my proportions at 5’4” (see: how to de-emphasize calves). If you’re wanting to choose a more trendy version, or if you just love a lot of colour in your wardrobe, a statement jacket in a bright colour is a great option. I’ve included those with a few timeless basics below:

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the fanny pack

otherwise known as the belt bag, she has been ‘in’ a few seasons now and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Still one of the top trends on most fashion forums, I’ve actually been a fan since day one. I think it’s one of those trends that are actually pretty practical. A hands-free handbag? Sign me up. My favourite way to style these is similar to a crossbody - worn tight across the chest. While I haven’t bit the bullet and bought myself one yet, here are a few I’m currently lusting after:

  • vegan fanny pack - a great Canadian brand that you should know about

  • vegan belt bag - for a more dressy option in a variety of colours and neutrals

  • belt bag - classic casual option and the perfect beige for a very reasonable price

  • Ela crossbody bag - a gorgeous bag by a sustainable Canadian brand

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suit ensembles

I am a trouser girl. And also a blazer girl. Do I usually wear a full suit set? No. But when given the opportunity, I am for sure on board. I love how utilitarian the pieces are, as they can be worn just as well separately, and dressed both up or down. This season’s suits are bright pops of colour, and again, I say go for it, if that’s your thing. But for my personal style, I will be sticking to neutrals. That’s the key really to know whether a trend will work for you or not: if you would wear it if it wasn’t a trend, it’s probably a good match, but if the only reason you’re buying is to be ‘in-fashion’, I say skip it!

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colourful outfits

colour-blocking and bright colours are all the rage this season. After subdued hues have been king for a couple years, neons and pure tones are stepping into the limelight. If you’re like me and tend to stick to neutrals, try out this trend with something non-committal, ie., my bright shoe in the feature photo up top. Thrift a neon handbag, or a cobalt jacket. Try it out before you invest in a full colourful ‘fit.

  • textured braided bag - i love adding texture into my outfits, and because I wear all neutrals, accessories with pops of colour are a great way to mix things up!

  • twisted strap baguette bag - accessories are also a non-committal way to try trends, and I think they’re still fun to use after the trend is over

  • flap chain bag - a classic bag in an unexpected colour

  • the songbird - I haven’t stopped thinking about these shoes since I first lay eyes on them years ago, and yet, they’re still not in my closet. Hopefully they can soon be in yours

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regency/cottage/whimsy core

tbh I wasn’t sure what to call this trend, as it goes by a few names; and although it encompasses different styles, they are akin in direction. A similar situation to the belt bag, this trend has been around for a few seasons now, and with maximalism on the rise, I don’t see it going anywhere. This style also includes other key trends like puffed sleeves. Why do I love this trend? Umm…who doesn’t feel gorgeous in a socially-acceptable fairytale style dress? Here are a few similar to the ones I’m bringing with me on my trip to France:

  • Rutherford dress - I would only ever become an American to have access to stores like Reformation tbh

  • puff sleeve midi dress - a cottagecore vibe that is less likely to go out of style

  • smocked midi dress - Abercrombie has done it again. And this time it’s not denim…

  • crop top and matching skirt - for those who love a midriff moment (it’s me, I love a midriff moment)

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bras as tops

as a pear-shaped gal who gladly threw away most of her bra’s during the pandemic (thank you, smallish boobs), I’m a fan of the I-wear-sports-bras-or-bralettes-as my-only-top look for ~practical reasons~. No one likes wearing bras, and if I can get away with wearing a style that offers the coverage without the underwire…I’m thrilled. I generally pair with trousers as my go-to summer look.

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maximalism

think fringe, patterns, feathers, tassels, colours…to the max! The key to layering these looks and seeming to know what you’re doing is to keep colours consistent. I consider my style to be minimalist, and so I don’t think you’ll catch me participating in this trend. I also think it’s hard to do this look on a budget. But I’d say this trend is actually pretty easy to participate in, if you already have enough pieces that ‘go’ together. Here’s a few inspo pieces to complete the look.

  • maximalist set - affordable sets like this one are a great way to try out a trend sans the commitment

  • kaftan dress - a maximalists dream - pair with neon heels and a different coloured belt and a statement necklace and you’ve got a maximalist outfit

  • printed oversized resort set - if I wasn’t so committed to beige, I would buy this

  • tassel bead necklace - add a little texture and pizzazz to any outfit

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platform shoes

I am obsessed with platform shoes. The older I’ve gotten, the more my stiletto-style heel collection has dwindled. I just can’t walk around in those anymore. My 5’4” stature has always appreciated the height though, so in comes the platform shoe. Whether it be a sneaker, a sandal, or something more formal, I’m totally on board. This trend just aligns with my personal style, while also being so much more practical.

  • fila disrupters - I know these aren’t technically platform shoes, but if you are looking for sneakers with some height, these are my favourites

  • platform Chucks - i have been ogling at these shoes for the last few weeks. I love the parchment converses to begin with, and the added height always grabs my attention

  • wedge sandals - I’ve had a pair of these since 2006 and they have never not been in style

  • chunky boots - this has been my favourite new style of boot this past season, and I’m already looking at investing in new pairs. Chelsea’s just make sense in the Great White North

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Venice Beach hut in Los Angeles California, wearing a cottagecore, regency style puff sleeve yellow dress against the blue haze sky with palm trees.

The key to remaining fashionable without quickly becoming outdated is to know your personal style in-and-out, so that you can be selective in choosing what trends are going to work best for you. Let me know if you’d like more tips on getting to know your personal style. Which trend do you see yourself hopping on this season? Any that you disagree with?

Cate http://catekittlitz.ca
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France: spring packing list
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the shorts edit