This spring the fashion elite will be stocking their closets with the top trends: everything Victorian (loads of ruffles, high neck collars and puffy sleeves), bold florals, paperbag waist pants/skirts, and lingerie-inspired dresses. Sadly, these don’t suit my work-from-home-slash-picking-up-the-kids-from-school lifestyle. And, although I no longer work at a fashion magazine, I still want to look good (right?), even if I am only picking up groceries. So I quizzed fashion stylist Joan Balda (she’s styled songstresses like Mariah Carey and Carly Rae Jepsen) on which spring 2016 trends would be the most practical for a stylish fashion-y gal like me who’s not interested in rocking a midriff top or sheer lace dress to the fun fair. Here are her top picks of mom-friendly trends, many of which she wears herself while she cares for her 5-year old son.
1. The sneaker or a flatform. A sneaker as the shoe trend is pretty much a dream come true. But take note, its not just ANY sneaker. Right now the Stan Smith tennis shoe from Adidas is the fashion insider’s go-to. But, due to high demand (Joan says sizes go fast!) you may have to opt for other classics from Adidas like the Gazelle (in cool colourways like teal and gold) or the Superstar. There’s also the go-to New Balance runner or high-end joggers by Miu Miu, Fendi or Burberry. When it comes to flatforms (shoes with a thick, usually sneaker-like sole), look for loafers and leather sandals. While the flatform’s appeal is obviously comfort, unlike a sneaker, you can’t just wear them with anything. Joan says pair them with a pant or skirt whose hem hits the slimmest part of your ankle. “You want to balance out the chunkiness of the shoe with something more delicate,” she says. Here, a few footwear faves:
2. The white shirt. Before you nix the idea of wearing white while running after your kids, just remember that clothes can be washed, and bleach is your best friend. And although the white shirt isn’t revolutionary, this season we’re seeing sweet riffs on the classic button-down that are decidedly more interesting. Try on wraps, tunics, voluminous sleeves, cut-outs, ruffles, pleats and lingerie-inspired shirts with lace and silk, “A white shirt—even with these types of details—is just as versatile as the traditional button-down. It pretty much works with everything, from a pair of rolled up shorts to a high-waisted skirt, and adds polish to any look,” says Joan.
3. Denim. This season is ripe with trends that moms and non-moms can rejoice in. From ‘70s jumpsuit styles to floor-grazing skirts, designers had fun this season dreaming up their version of a blue-jean uniform. The runways showed us different washes (even printed denim), ‘90s wide leg skater styles, ‘70s high-waisted flare jeans, and loads of denim on denim (also known as the Canadian tuxedo). “Denim is one of those items that just builds into your wardrobe because it’s now regarded as a basic. There are no rules this season. It’s more important to focus on your perfect fit and proportion,” says Joan. Her current faves are pairing a skinny jean with a fuller top like a tunic, a boyfriend cut with a tailored shirt, and the cropped flare, which works with any of the above. And FYI: These pants will also change your life.
4. The statement earring. As far as accessories go, dangly earrings are spring’s most affordable trend. We also think the kiddies will get a kick out of seeing oversized baubles or dusters (long to the shoulder) swinging from your lobes. And as long as your babe doesn’t want to yank them from your ears they’re the ideal complement to spring’s monochromatic (hello, denim-on-denim and all-white) colour scheme. Her top picks? “Anything tassled! These beaded ones from J.Crew are bold enough to stand out, but work with a casual look as well.”
5. The cold-shoulder top/dress. That’s fashion-speak for a one-shoulder or off-the shoulder style. This trend allows you to show off just the right amount of skin and play up spring’s feminine vibe. Here at Love, Emoem, we wondered how can we lift a toddler and still keep the sleeves in-place? (believe us, as soon as our arms move above our shoulders, the top goes from sexy to frumpy because it bunches up at the top). But then we found this fashion hack on Refinery29.com about how to make your peasant blouse stay-put, and it was a sign that we had to give this boho look another chance. Here are ones that we’ll be adding to our shopping list: