Spring 2015 Trend: Check Mate

After a winter filled with debilitating blizzards, slick roads and slushy aftermath, there is light at the end of the tunnel. With spring just around the corner, scheming an outfit that consists of more than an oversized sweater, pair of jeans and clunky snow boots won't be easy. For instant outfit inspiration, take a look at the Trendologist's picks for top spring 2015 trends.

"Florals for spring? Groundbreaking." As the overstated, yet accurate, line from The Devil Wears Prada decrees, taking a sartorial lesson from the hyacinths and peonies that bombard your deli corners is passé. A print that's equally springtime-inspired, yet significantly less cliché, is gingham, which happened to run rampant on the spring runways. Far from Mary-Ann's traditional ensemble, designers' takes on this pattern offered more gravitas (and no coconut cream pie). Always at the fashion vanguard, Joseph Altuzarra showcased a polished alternative to this usually casual motif. The New York designer's collection of ladylike power suits in an array of colors is completely office-friendly. Equally feminine and sophisticated is Oscar de la Renta's heap of statement jackets that debuted at the late designer's farewell show. Paired with a delicate lace top and glamazon earrings, de la Renta's version of this trend exudes a "Lady Who Lunches" attitude. But not every example of gingham this season must adhere to prim and proper standards. Styled with a wide belt and off-the-shoulder sweater, Michael Kors's full skirts are the perfect way to give this feminine print an offbeat twist. And what about Bottega Veneta's peachy shirtdress? With the right accessories, this gingham-clad getup is perfect for almost any occasion. If you haven't gotten over your style rut from this year's harsh winter, remedy your wardrobe with a fetching matching top and shorts a la Diane von Furstenberg's spring show. Rid this ensemble of any Gilligan's Island connotations with a pair of platform sandals.

Altuzarra Look 3

Oscar de la Renta  Look 11 

Michael Kors 48

Bottega Veneta Look 34

Diane Von Furstenberg Look 27

1. Chloé 2. Altuzarra  3. Intermix 4. Michael Kors  5. No.21  6. Dolce & Gabbana 7. Sam & Lavi



Repeat after me: I will not dress like a farmer, I will not dress like a farmer. Though top designers deem the cheery print worthy of our spring wardrobes, gingham tends to veer into barnyard territory. Free yourself from any Old MacDonald connotations by matching this print with modern, or ultra girly, silhouettes. While a checkered cropped shirt or pinafore dress may read campy, Michael Kors's mint halter dress is a forward-thinking replacement. Chloé's ruffled iteration is risky, but will add dimension (and a smile) to your look. Now that selecting au courant checkered pieces is a slice of sartorial cake, how does one style this notoriously finicky print? Play off the pattern's color. A cobalt overcoat will look striking with baby blue and white gingham; however, the look's monochromatism will surprisingly appease the farm girl fad. But if your closet is lacking vibrant statement pieces, opt for crisp white pieces to score an effortlessly chic outfit. Not ready to take the plunge on this trend? Ease into this phenomenon with a sweet gingham bikini.

What do you think of this trend? Sound off below!

All runway photos courtesy of Style.com

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Spring 2015: On the Fringe

After a winter filled with debilitating blizzards, slick roads and slushy aftermath, there is light at the end of the tunnel. With spring just around the corner, scheming an outfit that consists of more than an oversized sweater, pair of jeans and clunky snow boots won't be easy. For instant outfit inspiration, take a look at the Trendologist's picks for top spring 2015 trends.

Over the past few decades, fringe has garnered a nasty reputation.  With devotees such as the Brady Bunch (satirical family included), Cher and Dolly Parton, the tasseled frippery veers more kitschy than sleek. This spring; however, designers across the board revamped the embellishment to win over the hearts of even the most skeptical style savants. At Céline, Phoebe Philo made fringe minimalist-approved by subtly adding the loud touch to simple knit tank dresses. The result? A low risk, low effort way to amp your wardrobe game. At the opposite end of the spectrum lies the array of multicolored, leather fringe skirts by Sonia Rykiel. Paired with slouchy, borrowed from the boys sweaters, this alternative offers a cool girl vibe. Looking to integrate the theatrics of this fad with the runway's bohemian revival, Isabel Marant's  fringed dress with a rope-bound waist perfectly blends the two. While Marant tapped into this trend's softer side, boy-wonder design duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez opted for a sharp, geometric take at Proenza Schouler. Two toned strings, which hung from an intricately woven skirt, were matched with cut-out sweatshirts. But for those who are searching for an unapologetically girly way to wear this phenomenon, take a page from Giambattista Valli's lookbook and invest in a minidress that packs on the movement. From modern, to earthy, to unashamed feminine, there is no excuse not to give this trend a try.

Céline Look 4

Sonia Rykiel Look 19

Isabel Marant Look 31

Proenza Schouler Look 38

Giambattista Valli Look 14

1. Sea 2.Tamara Mellon 3. Zara 4. Rebecca Minkoff 5. J.Crew 6. Isabel Marant 7. Oscar de la Renta

When it comes to fringe, there's a fine line between being at the vanguard of spring fashion and channeling Thoroughly Modern Millie. Release your ensemble of any flapper undertones by opting for tassels in neutrals, or deep gem tones if you're looking to push the envelope. Whether you're  searching for a skirt or jacket, step away from the polyester to prevent your ensemble from appearing costumey and elect a more luxurious textile such as leather or suede.  As always, if you're not ready to take the style plunge, accessories continue to be an excellent launch point. A simple fringed sandal rejiggers an otherwise tame outfit while a tasseled earring will be utterly sophisticated with an evening gown.

Will you be exploring fringe benefits this spring? Sound off below.

Runway photos courtesy of Style.com

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