Jewish Fashionistas Preen for Spring
Preppy looks, kitten heels, gold, metallic, and drop waists are just some of the fashion-forward trends our local experts are predicting. Spring is just around the corner.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Is Barbie pink still the rage? Will skirts hike up or down? Local fashion merchants and stylists weigh in with style advice for spring.
Trend setting website, Stylecaster, “Fashion Trends 2024: Millennial Pink and Runway Looks for the Real World,” (Dec 27, 2023) swoons over predictions, many of which are set by millennials who are now eschewing Barbie’s bubble gum hue for a more subtle shade of pink or lilac.
Other trends Stylecaster predicts, along with our local experts, are femininity with bows and ribbons, drop waist dresses, asymmetrical necklines, satin trench coats, white suits outside of the bridal realm, mega purses, metallic gold, and the “preppy” look with collared shirts, relic thin belts, pleated skirts, and boat shoes.
Local professional shopper Dana Bernath is aligned with Stylecaster as she stated, “I see lots of fun trends for spring — the continuation of hair bows, denim on denim, and metallics. I like cropped jackets with a cargo or barrel jean plus a belt, paired with ballet flats or micro heels. And you can’t forget your large tote bag to tie it all together!”
Personal stylist and wardrobe consultant Holly Katz thinks that the fashion cycle is a curve running on a time span. She clarified, “What was popular and on-trend 30 years ago will usually come back around. We’re now experiencing trends from the early ’90s.”
Her favorites are 1950s-style dressing with poofy sleeves, shirtwaist dresses, and long (opera) gloves. She said, “Think Audrey Hepburn; lady-like clothing — cropped slacks, ballet flats, outerwear capes, low-heel shoes, and bushy eyebrows.”
And add what Katz labels “matchey-matchey,” or matching tops and bottoms, jackets, and skirts, and print dresses with matching printed pumps. Pencil skirts are also back with matching sweaters and jackets. And matching sets in tweed.
She added that knee-length boots are very “in” with skirts or dresses to the knee, skinny jeans, and leather leggings. If worn with a dress, she suggests using a pattern tight (fishnet or a floral), or an animal print on tights. Even though hosiery is back on trend, she prefers tights which offer more support.
She concluded, “Trench coats are a staple that every stylish woman should have in their closet. Buying a trench coat is something that is an investment, and you will have it for several years. Labels like Karen Millen, Veronica Beard, Cole Haan, and Burberry are the classic high-end trench — also J Crew.”
Lexi Yellis, plus size model and influencer, anticipates the triumphant return of “Indie Sleaze,” a style that rocked the early to mid-2010s and is staging a comeback fueled by social media nostalgia.
She recounts, “Originating with Brooklyn hipsters, this trend strikes the ideal balance between trashy and trendy. The beauty lies in its accessibility—achieve the look with items likely hanging in your closet! Bold colors, patterns, and iconic accessories like Ray-Bans and Converse are my sets to dominate spring fashion.”
Fashion retailer Joni Braverman Barocas opened Best Dressed, a contemporary women’s boutique, in Johns Creek last June. On trends, she states, “I see cropped pants, which are a perfect length for petites. Full length pants, not straight and fitted, are relaxed, even flowy, with unusual touches toward the lower portion. Tops may be shorter or tunics, not tucked in. Sundresses are always in style, usually fun and flirty. Pockets are a hugely popular feature, on a top or dress — large pockets on pant legs create a great, easy cargo look.”
Her favorite lines change with the seasons. She strives to discover designs that are not found elsewhere like Me and Gee and Orly, which are new to her customers.
She continues, “Pinks are big (Thanks, Barbie!) as are shades of blue and lime. Important neutrals include navy, cream, beiges, white, and black and white combined. Shapes are flowing and feminine, a change from more structured styles. COVID changed the way we dress for work and even for going out. Shoppers want great style, but comfort is key.”
Barocas advises focusing on fabric quality. “We make sure that our garments are made of high-quality fabrics like Pima cotton, handkerchief linen, silk organza and exceptional new blends. It’s more important to purchase a few quality pieces versus a quantity of lesser garments, so that they are a lasting part of your wardrobe.”
Personal shopper Nicole Borsuk, who aims to assist clients with pieces that exude confidence and a distinctive style, enthused, “For me, fashion is a captivating medium without the need to utter a single word. This spring, I’m embracing the allure of trousers, the shimmer of metallics, and the comfort-meets-chic vibe of elevated athleisure, reflecting my dynamic fashion perspective.”
Jill Clow, owner of Jilli’s Boutiques in Dunwoody, Chastain, and Milton, picks a flattering peachy pink and white as favorites. Look for crisp white blouses, flowy dresses, and skirts. Soft, natural shades of blue, green, lilac, and pink also usher in spring. Roses adorn fabrics and range from dainty to dramatically large.
She alludes to “hyper feminine” dressing. “Girls just want to have fun, and this season designers have embraced everything feminine. Flattering A-Line dresses with nipped or belted waists, flowy maxi and midi skirts (some with sheer overlays), halter neck dresses and tops that emphasize feminine shoulders are examples. Natural fibers like linen and cotton gracefully enhance the female form. Ultra feminine bows are everywhere. Clothing, handbags, jewelry, shoes (even cowboy boots) are sporting girlie bows and ribbons.”
Clow likes a tailored fit. She says, “Think Shiv Roy in “Succession.” Well fitted blazers paired with high-waisted trousers, slim belt, pencil skirts, or Bermuda shorts. For a sophisticated look that elongates figures, Clow opts for monochromatic colors with attention grabbing black cherry (burgundy) as the new black. “Less New England country club and more coastal charm, new preppy mixes casual and dressy pieces, thin stripes. Heavy logos are passé.”
Jamie Vrono, stylist, sees fashion as a canvas of self-expression.
She said, “I adore well-crafted, timeless pieces that transcend trends. This spring, I’m diving into the preppy elegance of Polo shirts, collared blouses, and shoulder-tied sweaters—a nod to enduring style. Kitten heels effortlessly complete a chic spring ensemble.”
Whatever you envision of spring, be your fabulous self!
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