What to Wear This Spring

Ava Park

It's April and that can only mean one thing: a floral print renaissance. But besides this yearly revival, I’m confident that this spring will bring unique fashion trends which I hope will bloom on our campus. 

Before diving into my spring fashion predictions, I wanted to dedicate a moment to the 2023 winter trends. Our feets were crowned in loafers, Mary Janes, cowboy and/or biker boots and ornate sneakers. We all ended up with a new pair of baggy jeans and at least considered committing to the purchase of a long denim skirt. Our shirts became off-the-shoulders in the blink of an eye, and there were too many trapper hats to count. I will definitely miss having an excuse to wear baggy hoodies and sweatpants on a daily basis, but I’m also excited to see what spring will offer in the following months.

The first spring trend I’m predicting is muted nude colors. Think… a sad-beige baby’s nursery room. This spring will mark a shift to minimalist styles. And according to “Vogue,” icy blues will make a comeback. This will pair well with the typical revival of white clothes during spring time. 

Molly Jenkins (IA '24) agreed with the notion that minimalism is making a comeback. She predicts a “laid back minimalistic style” for the spring season. We’re looking at jean shorts, cute t-shirts and elegant floral dresses. 

Furthering Molly’s prediction, Bella Chiodo (VA ’25) explained that we are moving into a season of the “low-rise mini jean shorts.” So if there is one thing you can expect in the next few months, let it be jean shorts. A style tip from Chiodo is to pair them with a good tube top. 

We have come a long way from winter coats and UGGs. And as we continue into Spring, I hope we will see these trends, and others, blossom.

An unexpected trend prediction I found was fringes. I haven’t seen it around OCSA, but I think this is a move in the right direction for fashion. 

I also predict that people will opt for their light wash denim and say their farewells to the reign of dark wash jeans which ruled fall and winter. This shift is important in solidifying our presence in spring. Plus, I’m sure most people are ready to get into a bright and springy spirit, but maybe not Gigi Kim (VA ‘25). Kim explained that she predicts that off-the-shoulder clothing and burgundy colors will continue to thrive in the spring. And hey! I’m not complaining. 

However, one thing is for sure—mini mini miniskirts are back. In the words of the Cosmopolitan: skirts will be small “as in postage-stamp-sized.” Maybe this trend won’t be as prevalent on our campus (dress codes and all) but just know, the miniskirt is on the prowl. 

In terms of accessories, you can expect bags with “big ol’ buckles” and a lot of slouch. Some materials you can expect are chiffon, tulle and mesh. I don’t know which form these will take (shirts, bags, dresses), but I'm sure it’ll be popular this season. 

We have come a long way from winter coats and UGGs. And as we continue into Spring, I hope we will see these trends, and others, blossom.