Published: April 15, 2010

Spring is finally here and it’s time to break out all the spring trends that we saw on the runways back in September. If you need a refresher, don’t worry. We’ve made things easy for you with our quick run-down of the four major looks we saw from our favorite designers.

Sportswear

A little jock and a little preppy with a dash of street savvy cool is the perfect way to describe the pieces that Chloe, Rag & Bone and Alexander Wang sent down the runway in September. The collections feature menswear-inspired clothing such as blazers, oxfords and even briefs mixed with rough-and-tumble parkas and boots, all layered over refined jersey basics.

Probably the most wearable style and one that we’ll undoubtedly be seeing a lot of this spring is a sportswear-inspired look. It’s possible to put together this look without ever leaving your dorm room. Just go shopping in your closet and pull out anything borrowed from the boys or made of athletic jersey. Just make sure to always pair it with something a bit feminine such as a blush-colored cardigan, cute kitten heels or a gauzy blouse.

Just be careful with the proportions, as it’s easy to turn your menswear-inspired look into something sloppy instead of the desired nonchalantly cool.

Boudoir

Dolce and Gabbana, Vanessa Bruno and Christian Dior sent their models down the runway dressed in little more than glorified skivvies. This trend has a focus on sensual fabrics such as satin, lace and velvet in delicate colors such as soft pinks, ivories or rich jewel tones, resulting in an incredibly seductive look that channels the screen sirens of the ‘50s.

While you can easily translate this trend into an outfit for your Saturday night date (Hellooo bombshell!), it can work for an everyday style as well. To pull off this look fabulously for your 8 a.m. economics class, you just need the right pieces. Look for anything made of soft and touchable fabrics like lace, cashmere, satin or silk, in a palette of soft colors or neutrals. Also, anything lingerie- inspired such as silky tap pants or a bustier are a hot buy and will add to your look. Once you’ve found these essential pieces, try pairing them with something masculine for the perfect boy-meets-girl pairing, or grab your favorite jeans and cuddle up in an oversized knit for the perfect Monday morning look.

Americana 

This trend made its return to fashion last September, paying tribute to the idyllic pastures and the Wild West. We saw Ralph Lauren and D&G bring back the Texas tuxedo, while Chanel models romped among haystacks in a veritable barnyard. This trend focuses on denim, distressed leather and florals.

No doubt a look simply perfect for spring, the Americana trend is simple to imitate. Head to your favorite stores and keep an eye out for anything with a western flair. Pieces that stay true to the classic American style and are done in a clean, modern silhouette or on a luxe fabric can also work. Or for those with no money to spare, head to your closet and pull out your trusty denim pieces and last year’s favorite florals. Make the look your own by pairing a sundress cinched at the waist with a leather belt with some distressed cowboy boots, or match a preppy chambray shirt with a flirty skirt or (if you dare) a dark wash of denim.

Futuristic 

Cutting edge digital prints, slick fabrics, glittering metallics and architectural shapes make this trend perfect for those with avant-garde tastes. No one did futuristic better than Versace, Balmain and the late Alexander McQueen who adorned their models in impressive, cutting-edge pieces. Alexander McQueen’s models rocked his famous “armadillo” heels, Versace’s models strutted down the catwalk in clear plastic mini skirts and Balmain’s models were positively fierce in military-inspired metallic dresses.

This style is sure to get you some attention. It’s avant-garde, couture and quite the showstopper. To make this style work, pull out last year’s leather leggings, over-the-knee boots, metallics and sequins. Add some of spring’s lucite pieces, splurge on a strong shouldered jacket or buy a cut-out body con dress. Of course, if you’re going for a less extreme look, give your favorite classic or girly outfit a modern spin by just pairing it with a pair of crazy heels, a leather jacket or a metallic skirt.