The Outfits That Bloom in the Spring

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I've seen several signs of spring here in Maine this past week. Two motorcyclists last Saturday. Snowdrops are up in my neighbor's yard, and crocuses are pushing through in mine. We're hearing birds singing in the still-bare trees. And this morning, The Boy came downstairs dressed for school in a pink button down and khakis, accented by a green tie-silk belt and pink socks. 

Yes, my son is, in fact, Fred Astaire.

Spencer is always well-dressed, but very season-specific, so I knew when I saw him decked out like a model in the latest issue of the Brooks Brothers catalog, that Spring had well and truly arrived.





When I was a little girl, my sister and I always got new outfits for Easter. None of that mounds of tulle and poly lace stuff, either - my mother decked us in shift dresses with matching coats, or pink tweed suits. In pictures, we look like miniature Kate Middletons (without the glorious hair.) I don't go shopping for a new ensemble to wear during Holy Week anymore, but the urge to trade in the heavy, dark clothing of winter for something fresh and bright is irresistible. 


Of course, every year we're presented with "this year's hot spring looks!" I looked at various magazines' compilations of the top ten and, upon reflecting that I am not an anorexic sixteen-year-old, went with Spring Runway Trends Women over 50 Can Wear. (Why is this on aol.com? That's what my parents use! Does this mean that as we age we will inevitably revert to broadband and drive Buicks?)



 

Some of the trends they mention are:
1. Bright monochromatic outfits
2. Leather skirts, pants and dresses
3. Bermuda shorts
4. Black-and-white graphics
5. "Statement" sunglasses
6. Stripes
7. Kitten heels (yes!!!)
8. Bright blues
9. Wide-legged pants, and
10. Beehive hair!

I'm not sure if these count as actual trends, or if they're more "stuff we have in the back of the closet from when we were teenagers." Sadly, my favorite spring looks, navy and lime green, navy and tan, and navy and white, do not appear on the list.

How about you, Reds? What do you change into for spring? Will you be picking up any of the 2013 trends? Will we see Hallie in her beehive 'do again?



 HALLIE EPHRON: Heaven forbid! Next you'll be telling me that "flesh"-colored lipstick and Cleopatra eyeliner are back, too.

Spring means time to check the lawnmower and stock up on shaving supplies. I look forward to going sleeveless and tightless and Ugg-less.

Our crocuses are up, too - but why are all of them in the driveway and behind the garage? I'm quite sure I didn't put them there.





RHYS BOWEN: When I was in Macy's right before Easter I was struck by the number of parents and grandparents buying cute Easter outfits for little girls, and I wondered how many of them would actually be wearing them to church.
My mother always bought herself a new Easter hat to compete with the other ladies at church. I don't remember getting anything new. 

Seriously lacking in the clothes department as I wore uniform for most of the year. (I have made up for that recently). I did buy myself a new Chico's cardigan and wore it for Easter and in spite of your trends, Julia, I'm delighted to see that this year the stores are full of MY colors--turquoise, teal, lime green. I'm in heaven.

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Whoo hoo. Love this update! I'd wear a beehive, any day. How funny! But I won't, of course. Black and white, who'da thought? Kitten heels, check. And I even bought lime green suede Manolos. To wear with the black and white, of course. Spring though...situation. I better go start lifitng weights, since now my arms are gonna show. Eeesh.



JULIA: How about you, dear readers? Are you planning to update your wardrobe? What outfit says "Spring" to you? And isn't my son cute?

"HelLOO, Ladies..."