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You don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe to tap into this season’s fresh looks. Pick up a structured belt bag, a utilitarian-inspired dress, and a colorful pair of shoes, then shop your closet for neutrals, pastels, and bright lipstick to pull it all together.
Here are my three key pieces for spring 2019.
The Structured Belt Bag
Here’s something that’s been completely rebranded for 2019. While the soft fanny pack is still around in various updated colors and finishes, I’m favoring structured, convertible belt bags with a sleek, modern look. This white Alexander bag by Steven Alan has rounded corners and an adjustable strap that can take it from belt bag, to crossbody, to shoulder bag.
Just as functional as it is chic, this belt bag has helped me slim down the amount of stuff I carry with me out of the house. I can pop my phone, a few cards, and lip balm into the bag, strap it on, and run out the door. Everything is at my fingertips while I’m out and about, and I never have to think about where I set my bag down in restaurants.
The belt bag feels just right for spring either over a slim-cut coat or under a loose, unbuttoned jacket. I’ll get even more wear out of it this summer over breezy maxi dresses.
Shop Structured Belt Bags
Utility Dressing
Workwear inspired dresses, boilersuits, and jackets are in – get your collar and your two front pockets ready! I like how this casual style can also feel so elevated when it’s in the right fabric (stay away from anything canvas-like) and styled with the right shoes.
It’s classiest in neutral shades, like this bone color, but shades of army and sage green, and classic black will create a wonderful foil for colorful spring and summer accessories. I recommend picking up one dress or boilersuit (the jumpsuit’s more relaxed little sister), and one jacket, so you can mix and match and wear this style well into the summer.
Many utility styles are on the looser side, so choose pieces with a built-in belt or cinch it up with your structured belt bag to define your waist.
Shop Utility Dressing
Pops of Color
Rather than dressing head-to-toe in colorful pieces, I’m favoriting a neutral base outfit punctuated with brights and pastels, like this lavender Everlane cocoon coat I took to NYFW.
Mixing brights with pastels creates a look that’s less saccharine and more energetic – it says, “I am READY to spring forward!” Another accessory I took with me to NYFW, these Naturalizer Hope heels in Chili Pepper have a functional and sturdy 3 ¼ inch block heel that’s perfect for the office, Sunday brunch, or a day walking around the city.
If you favor something a little less in-your-face, the Naturalizer Tinda sandal in Wisteria is a great way to add a little soft color. Pay it off up top with a bright lip. My new go-to lipstick formula is Buxom Cosmetics’ VA-VA-Plump liquid lipstick.
I received a sample of several shades the last time I shopped at Sephora and I was instantly hooked – the finish is described as shiny but it’s really not – it’s a satin not-quite-but-almost matte that has amazing staying power and keeps my lips hydrated all day long. (So important, because I usually have trouble with matte lipsticks being way too drying). I recommend Make It Hot, a creamy-looking red that’s not too dark, Dare Me, a bold fuchsia, or the more mild Gimme A Hint, a cool rose that’s the perfect daytime bright.
Wearing Buxom Cosmetics’ VA-VA-Plump liquid lipstick. in Make It Hot, my go-to bright lip color this spring.
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Photo Credit: Serge Jean Jacques