Sun’s out, wacky, experimental fashion purchases out. (That’s how the saying goes, right?) Spring’s here. Your outfit-muffling coats and snow-ready shoes are packed away. The world of fashion is your oyster. It’s time to have fun, test the limits of your sartorial daring. It’s time to give attention-grabby runway trends like chain mail, exposed underwear and 7-inch platforms a whirl. Remember: No look is…
Daring Spring Trends to Try Now
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Boots That Double as Pants
Balenciaga's Spring 2017 spandex boot-pant hybrids (formally known as the "Knife Over-the-Knee Boots") are a new celebrity favorite. Kendall Jenner owns a pair. Lily Aldridge and Salma Hayek rocked 'em on the Met Gala red carpet. They're not exactly wearable and yet they're being worn. Pair yours with spring's essential threadbare slip? A rock ’n’ roll vintage tee and semi-redundant jeans? An unwavering sense of adventure?
Image: Imaxtree
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Chain Mail
The Spring 2017 catwalks of Balmain (pictured here), Versace and Gucci shone with glitzy, glamorous chain-mail numbers. Michelle Obama and Kendall Jenner were early supporters of the trend. The former wore a custom rose gold Atelier Versace gown to her final state dinner as first lady, the latter rang in her 21st birthday in a silvery, Paris Hilton-reminiscent number. How do we, of the nonceleb caste, wear metal clothing in public? "You can start with a chain-mail top, it doesn’t have to be a full dress," says Bella Hadid's stylist Elizabeth Sulcer. "Either way, I think it’s all about feeling good and being confident. You’re wearing the dress, it’s not wearing you."
Image: Imaxtree
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Full-On Feathers
For Fall 2017, Christelle Kocher of Koché, Raf Simons of Calvin Klein and Miuccia Prada of Prada (duh) flocked together. Simons embellished eveningwear dresses with wispy ostrich feathers. Kocher made a multicolored jacket out of the stuff. (Alicia Keys later styled said jacket with leather pants — bold, to say the least.) And we wouldn't be surprised if Prada's marabou feather hoods became the new fluffy Gucci loafer. Play with texture. Embrace your inner showgirl. Let your imagination — and wardrobe — soar, birdlike, to new heights.
Image: Imaxtree
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Nonidentical Shoes
The mismatched shoe trend really began with Carrie Bradshaw (see: "Escape from New York", which originally aired in September 2000), but we'll give Celine credit for its recent revival. Dare to hit the cement in nonidentical shoes? Here's our definitive guide to pulling off the daring lewk.
Image: Imaxtree
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Extreme Earrings
The statement earring trend is forever, but for Spring 2017, designers like Delpozo and Simone Rocha took it up a notch. Ready to experiment with neon danglers that fall well past your clavicle? Excellent. Bonus points if you only wear one.
Image: Imaxtree
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The New Naked Dress
#FreeTheNipple the fashion girl way. As of Spring 2017, it's OK to leave the house in a sheer dress (or turtleneck) and no underwear at all. Feeling modest? Fine. Make stylishly visible underwear the focal point of your look (a la Dior, John Galliano, etc.).
Image: Imaxtree
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Transparent Totes
Speaking of (over?) exposure, the contents of your bag should also be on full display. Trade in your Dorothy-esque wicker basket for an unflinchingly modern tote and invest in a tampon carrier case. Or don't.
Image: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
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Eye-Grabby Hats
The weirder your warm-weather headgear, the better. Leave your sunscreen at home (JK, never do that) and rock extra-wide-brimmed straw hats by Jacquemus. Take Miu Miu's 3-D floral swim caps for a spin on dry land. Show our extraterrestrial brethren you're down to chat in an antenna-like fascinator from Comme des Garçons.
Image: Imaxtree
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Disco Platforms
Give your shoe closet a (7-inch) boost. Now that the snow's melted and you've mastered walking in heels, it's time to try your luck in 70s-era disco platforms. Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Gucci and even the preps at Coach 1941 put forth some very compelling options. Clomp about your day in style; avoid cobblestones at all costs.
Image: @marcjacobs
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The Gargantuan One-Shoulder
By now, we don't have to tell you that 80s-style dressing is a thing. Designers like Emanuel Ungaro and Saint Laurent are all about flashy, seriously voluminous shoulders, as is Marni Senofonte, the stylist behind Kendall Jenner's recent head-turning, floor-sweeping, clavicle-baring Cannes looks. Get in on this trend now, before jacket weather returns.
Image: Imaxtree
