How to Style Spring Fashion Trends

It’s one thing to have a go-to aesthetic, but bringing your preferred vibe into a new season can take a bit of strategy. Once the sun starts making an appearance a little more regularly, that mob wife-esque fur coat you’ve been reaching for all fall and winter might find itself spending a little more quiet time on the rack. Plus, some trends just don’t translate to the warmer, more carefree months quite as easily as others. So how do you tweak your favorite aesthetics for the sunnier days ahead? With the help of key pieces from Laundry by Shelli Segal, we’ve broken down some of the biggest trends of the year, and how to revitalize them for spring.

Cottagecore

Cottagecore is nothing new, but it’s also not going anywhere anytime soon. From a collective interest to escape city life to a growing appreciation of a more slow-paced, nature-based everyday experience, cottagecore has its roots in countryside charm — with a touch of practical romanticism. Cottagecore-inspired pieces, like a breezy maxi dress or jumpsuit, are comfortable and easy to slip on for a quick jaunt outdoors and allow for easy movement. Prints usually reflect the scenery, with florals and softer colors taking the lead. This season, the aesthetic leans even more on the details, such as smocked waists, delicate scarves, and other vintage-inspired accessories. Try swapping the exaggerated shoulders of cottagecore’s past for a sleeveless silhouette and top it off with a sheer, draped shawl. Pair with a straw bag or basket, and you’re ready for a full season of picnicking the countryside — French baguette and fresh jam not included.

Coquette

While the word might literally mean “a woman who flirts,” the coquette aesthetic is arguably more about self-love than garnering attention from anyone else. Think Rococo with a Polaroid filter. It’s “main character energy” swirled into a cotton candy synthesis of intrigue and hyper-feminine whimsy. The look relies heavily on girlish details like lace, ruffles, and plenty of bows. The best part about this look for spring is that you can achieve it almost completely with accessories alone. Opt for oversized bows on everything, sun hats, pearls, sheer scarves, and pastel sunnies to turn up the romance on your everyday spring staples — and tuck your favorite novel about girlhood under your arm for good measure.

Clean Girl

The “clean girl” aesthetic is more than just minimal makeup and slicked-back buns. It’s also the mastering of a capsule wardrobe, grounded in neutral tones, clean lines, and modest accessories (think: quiet luxury’s more attainable little sister). For spring, a clean girl cornerstone is definitely a little white dress. Opt for a simple silhouette, with bonus points for square necklines, and keep your accessories delicate and pared down. Dress it up with nude open-toe heels (another capsule wardrobe must), or lean into fitness-inspired aspects of the aesthetic with white sneakers and a simple baseball cap — logo-free, of course.

Mob Wife

Contrary to the principles of clean girl, the “mob wife” aesthetic is all about decadent indulgence and luxe excess. Some may think it’s the least practical trend for any season but winter, but there’s a fresh way to approach the aesthetic this spring. Neutrals can definitely play their role, but bold prints and colors are major components to this “living out loud” aesthetic — so let them take the lead. Lean into eye-catching, bright colors (e.g., Kelly green, tomato-red, etc.), go big with the hair, and don your most oversized sunnies. When it comes to jewels, think flashy, opulent, and — duh — gold.