The newest feminine and flirty looks incorporate unexpected sporty touches from head to toe.
Add athletic touches to classic silhouettes, see-through patches to sheaths and sweaters, and eye-catching color-blocking to more traditional lace for a look that’s entirely of-the-moment.
Start with an a-line silhouette you already know and make it sportier from head to toe.
Rather than cinching your waist in a midi skirt, go for a cropped tank that shows some skin– add a chunky flat sandal with thick leather bands to keep the look athletic rather than ladylike.
Ace Delivery Button-Back Crop Top, $68; Printed Skirt, $78; Robert Clergerie Corson Sandal, $595,
Mix genres a little with a short suit that’s sport-inspired without being unprofessional. A zigzag pattern makes the combination of a skort and leather tee look a little more serious, and the collarless jacket is the perfect fit to top the look off with something more grown-up.
State Zigzag Boucle Jacket, $168; Vegan Leather Tee, $118; Zigzag Boucle Skort, $88
Whether you’re wearing a shift dress or wide-leg trousers, sheer panels and mesh can take a monochromatic look from staid to sensational. In a dress, stick to a simple silhouette with a high neckline – a sheer hem that’s short enough speaks volumes without showing off too much leg.
If you’re sticking to pants, try layering a mesh sweater over a perforated leather shell – the combination keeps you covered and cool at the same time. Add a pair of wide-leg trousers and slicked-back hair for a sleek finishing touch.
Vince Camuto Organza-Trim Dress, $159; Faux-Leather Sleeveless Pullover, $159; Mesh Sweater, $99; Wide-Leg Pants, $109
Lace looks a little edgier this spring as designers up the ante on the classic texture with colorblocking, unusual patterns, and three-dimensional embellishments. The easiest way to try out the latest lace is in a simple shift that tries all three trends at once – featuring a sheer chiffon hem, nude and canary yellow color-blocking, and a seriously 3-d pattern, this Rebecca Taylor dress is just the ticket.
Rebecca Taylor Lace Sheer-Panel Shift, $495
Feeling like your sporty streak is a little sidelined by a ladylike look? Trade those single-sole pumps in for an unexpected sandal – a pair of white leather Birkenstocks will do the trick perfectly.
Birkenstock Arizona Sandal, $129.95,
All items are available at Nordstrom stores and nordstrom.com
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- Vince Camuto Organza-Trim Dress, $159; Faux-Leather Sleeveless Pullover, $159; Mesh Sweater, $99; Wide-Leg Pants, $109
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- Rebecca Taylor Lace Sheer-Panel Shift, $495
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- Ace Delivery Button-Back Crop Top, $68; Printed Skirt, $78; Robert Clergerie Corson Sandal, $595,
