Spring Shopping

Now that March is here, it is almost time to put away the winter coat and bring out the spring jacket. With warmer weather fast approaching, all the stores are now filled with next season’s styles, including filtered-down versions of the major designer trends presented on the runways last fall. By living in New York City, we have our pick of the best places to shop in the country, but it is truly the most affordable places that matter to our student budgets. Luckily, every top spring trend this season can easily make its way into your closet with the help of many reasonably priced stores. Here are five of the top trends, along with the affordable places where you can purchase them.

Military-Inspired

If you open any fashion magazine right now, you will inevitably come across a spread featuring the military-inspired looks that are popular this season. Clothing structured for women but infused with a strong masculine flair is the essence of this trend. In dark green and khaki colors on different forms of jackets, the military touch is present. An olive-green, oversized parka that is sold at Uniqlo for around $40 is one option for a spring jacket. You can also go for a more fitted, double-breasted choice found at stores like Zara.

The Little White Dress

This spring, the classic “little black dress” is replaced by a white one. Without complicated embellishments or a trace of color, a short white dress can exude a simple elegance all by itself.

H&M has a great range of white dresses, including a casual sleeveless piece with lace back for a very affordable $17.95. To complete the simple outfit, you can also buy a pair of ivory crochet ballet flats at the same store for only $14.

Futuristic

In a drastic contrast to the quaint pastoral look, futuristic pieces also appeared on the runways, with some extreme ensembles looking like they were plucked straight from a sci-fi movie. More practically, this style can be achieved through silver metallic accents, bold colors and angular shapes incorporated into both clothing and accessories. For the amazing deal of $10, you buy a pair of Urban Outfitters sunglasses that are a perfect knock-off of the clear, plastic neon frames by Prada, which embody the futuristic vibe. To dress according to this trend, one option involves taking a risk with a crazy, psychedelic print, such as the ones found on dresses by Topshop.

Lingerie as Outerwear

While this look has the potential of appearing distasteful if done wrong, it can add an extra bit of whimsical femininity to your style. On the runways, there were plenty of corsets and lingerie pieces worn over or in place of normal clothing. However, all you really need is some nude colors, satin or lace to mimic this boudoir style. Forever 21 seems to perpetually sell some form of a satin, lingerie-inspired tank top that can be worn under a skirt or tailored shorts. Nude fabrics with a bit of sheerness can be found everywhere, especially at Banana Republic, which has some lovely silk tops.