Belk previews spring fashion trends

Earlier last year Belk unveiled their fall fashion trends and last Thursday I got a sneak peek of what's going to be hot this spring at The Belk Spring 2013 fashion tour with Belk Fashion Director Arlene Goldstein.

This spring is all about “Pretty Woman” – clothes that make you feel feminine yet powerful. If you are imagining lots of lace and white you are exactly right but don’t worry, there are a lot of splashes of bright colors that everyone looks forward to after a cold, dark blue, black and grey winter. There are also fresh new ways to wear these colors like dramatic geometric shapes and patterns.

My favorite part of this year’s spring fashion? White - head to toe and you can wear it as soon as the weather warms up! Goldstein told us to throw that old saying “no white before Easter,” out the window and I could not be more excited about it!

As always, Belk remained true to their motto, “Modern. Southern. Style.” when designing their spring style statements – Lady Luxe, Passport and Sharp & Chic.

“Lady Luxe” is categorized by ribbons, ruffles, beading and lace; luxe treatments that never go out of style. You will see a lot of tucking, pleats and my absolute favorite, peplums. Good news for girly girls everywhere, the peplum is here to stay!

"Lady Luxe" is where the white from head to toe comes into play, but if that idea frightens you pair it with a nude pump or nude accessories.

Though white is a major part of this year’s spring fashion, you can’t forget about prints, patterns and adding a pop of color. Pattern clashing, such as wearing stripes with a floral print will give you a fresh, fashion forward look for spring and it is so much fun to wear! Take old pieces you have in your closet and try pairing them with a fun pattern or a clashing color that you may have originally never thought of wearing together. A favorite clashing look of mine is a denim top with a lace skirt. Normally people categorize lace as a special occasion fabric but who wants to wait for one of those to wear it! Dress it down and still look fabulous.

The silhouettes for this season have not changed much from the fall, you are still going to see a lot of shift dresses but the main difference in the spring look is that it is a lot more cleaned up and the colors and patterns are much different.

Style Alert: the single sole pump has returned!

“Passport” is a look that is all about global fashion including tribal prints and classic safari inspirations. Goldstein refers to the look as "glam globetrotter."

You will see a lot of African essence, tie-dye, texture blocking and outfits that you can take from casual to dressy. Specific details like uneven hems, elaborate embellishments, layering and beading are all signature to this look. 

There will be lots of tassels, feathers, fringe, organic materials and natural materials not only used in the clothes but also the jewelry and accessories.  

Look out for cheetah, zebra, snakeskin and other exotic prints. The best part about these prints? Mixing them together!

"Sharp and Chic" is categorized as being modern with geometric lines and shapes that make you overall look neat, sleek and put together.

Here you will see the return of the suit for women and how you can wear a suit out of the work place. Suits are great when mixed and matched with great bold patterns and fun bright colors! 

In this style you will see geometric shoes and wedges with aggressive platforms that feel very innovative. 

Long skirts are also making a come back and are so much fun to layer with a loose shirt or a fun leather jacket.

There are new athletic-inspired fabrics being used such as scuba, nylon and neoprene as well as silks and sheer. All have fun attention-grabbing patterns.

Apart from all the wild prints and patterns you will also see black and white outfits with a pop of color. The pop of color can come from a statement accessory in the form of jewelry or a handbag. Look to Michael Kors for a great example of these statement handbags.

In the jewelry department, bright bubble necklaces, arm candy, long necklaces, large cuffs, layered bangles and chandelier earrings are all in this spring.

There you have it, the Belk spring fashion trends for this year, but don't worry if you do not fall into only one trend! One day you may feel sharp and chic while the next you feel Lady luxe. You can use pieces from all three to create your very own style! 

Check back later this week to find out Belk's Most Wanted items for Spring for both men and women!