Students have come out of their cozy study burrows in search of crisp air, green grass and sunshine, which means sweats are out, and the time to whip out saucy spring wardrobes has arrived.
From florals to neutrals, flower child to chic hipster, the hottest looks this season are available at numerous locally owned boutiques all over the city. And with the guidance of some of the city’s most fashionable women in retail, this spring’s looks are easy to nab.
Kelsey Rypl, University alumna and manager of Rodeo Boutique on Highland Road, said neutrals with a pop of color and loose-fitting clothing are big trends this season.
“Most of our bags are neutral tones, like a canvas brown and have detailing in bright yellow or bright turquoise,” she said. “Another trend is definitely the flowy, boxy, short-sleeved T-shirt look. Nothing very fitted is in at all.”
With the rising temperatures come shorter hemlines, Rypl said.
“The shirts are getting a little bit shorter, too,” she said. “I know for a while everything was very long, but things are definitely getting shorter in length.”
Rypl said the neutral color scheme applies to clothing as well as handbags, but she prefers to use accessories for a pop of color in her wardrobe.
“I’m really liking the bright-colored handbags and accessories because a lot of these styles are neutral, and it’s a good way to spice up an outfit,” she said.
Though the loose-fitting style is all the rage at the moment, some women are fighting the trend, Rypl said.
“One thing that I’ve been noticing is that people who are very, very petite don’t necessarily like the boxy look because they have a cute little figure, and the less-fitted look doesn’t allow them to see their shape,” she said. “That might be one downside to the boxy look, but people are cinching the waist with a skinny belt so they can get the shape they’re looking for.”
Rypl said Rodeo’s target market is college students, and the boutique has comfortable and cool spring looks for class-going kids.
“A lot of students buy these big, tunic tops and they’ll either pair them with cutoff shorts or leggings, because they’re comfortable to wear to class,” she said. “We do carry jersey knit dresses, and a lot of people will throw those on when the weather really starts to warm up.”
There aren’t many trends that are completely “out,” Rypl said, but ankle-length maxi dresses and rompers are heading that way.
Rypl said she has an ideal spring outfit that is easily accessible.
“I would definitely do a pair of wedges, one of the boxy shirts, a pair of cutoff jeans and big jewelry — big necklace, stacked up bangles and even a watch, because watches are very popular, too,” she said.
Victoria Wood, international studies sophomore and sales associate at Tattle Tales on Highland Road, said floral patterns and ruffles are making a comeback this spring.
“There are always a lot of really fun floral patterns that come around during spring, and that’s what we have coming in right now,” she said. “A really big trend for shoes is the nude-colored heels because they make your legs look longer.”
Wood said she likes a look that she can easily dress up or down.
“My favorite look is probably a decorative tank and skinny jeans,” she said. “All you have to do is add heels and jewelry and you’re good for going out, or pair them with flats and you can wear it to work.”
Big, decorative watches are still on top of the accessory must-have list, Wood said, but there’s another more traditional spring necessity.
“I think the best accessory is a really cute pair of sandals,” she said.
Wood said there’s a change in shapes this season.
“I’ve been seeing a lot of drop waists in dresses where the waistline is just a little bit lower,” she said. “I’ve been seeing a lot of off-the-shoulder dresses too.”
Leah Gray, University alumna and owner of Aristocracy, one of the only men’s boutiques in Baton Rouge, said the nautical look is the way to go for men this season.
“We’re seeing anchors everywhere — anything from anchor necklaces to anchors on T-shirts,” she said. “Colored rain jackets are big. Anything nautical is big. Chinos are big. Not just khakis — like reds and blues and greens are really in.”
Gray said men are going old-school with their bathing suits this spring.
“One big change this season is the swim trunks are all a little bit shorter,” she said. “Most brands are barely offering below-the-knee board shorts anymore. They’re all right above the knee, probably about an inch shorter or two or three inches shorter.”
Gray said men should keep it simple with fall neutrals and a bit of color here and there.
“I would say have a pair of colored chinos or khakis cuffed with a solid V-neck and maybe throw on a spring scarf with a pair of boots,” she said. “Spring jackets are in right now, too, even though it’s 100 degrees in the spring and summer here, like a lightweight blazer and a colorful pocket square.”
 
—-
Contact Cathryn Core at [email protected]