Shopping & Style

2013 Spring Fashion Tips From Charlotte Fashionistas

January 22, 2013 8:00 AM

(Photo credit: Catherine Lash)

Wardrobes will burst forth in color for spring fashions. Look at Charlotte’s early blooms for popular clothing color palettes: yellow tulips the color of egg yolks, hot-pink azaleas and the saturated purple of the crocus petals. Besides bright colors, there will be fineries, such as pocket squares for men and the continued accessorizing with scarves for ladies. Two Charlotte industry experts say more people are choosing to dress up, steering clear of grungy, baggy, sweat-out versions of clothing. Here are spring fashion tips and advice for men and women — those with a distinguished appetite for dress.

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Pocket squares at Bruce Julian’s Clothiers (Credit, Catherine Lash)

springfashion2013aaa 2013 Spring Fashion Tips From Charlotte Fashionistas

Cobalt blue and oranges are a hit (Credit, Catherine Lash)

Bruce Julian’s Clothiers
8128-300 Providence Road
Charlotte, NC 28277
(704) 364-8686
www.brucejulian.com

About Bruce:

The Julian clothier clan has pioneered fashions for men throughout the southeast since the 1950s. A second-generation clothier, Bruce was raised up in the industry under his dad, Milton. Bruce opened his first Charlotte store in 1977 and expanded to the elegant location at the Arboretum Shopping Center in 2001. Exuding enthusiasm with a boyish laugh, he will put together an outfit for a wife wanting to dress up her husband, a professional athlete making a fashion statement or a young man making his way into the professional world. He has a knack for making the customer feel at home.

Julian forecasts two trends for spring looks: bright colors and trimmer fits in clothing. The brighter, the better in every category, he says. Picture cargo shorts in bright greens, reds, gold and cobalt blue. There can’t be enough color. Try plaid or green linen as opposed to khaki colors. Pocket squares will be a discreet way to show some color and personality. These suit accessories, a form of a kerchief, will be among the trends, while the tie is easing up a bit.

The trim fit will be important. The trim-fit, flat-front, smaller leg pant will be very important. Pant wise, the pleat is gone with the big leg. Team the pant up with a trim-fit, long-sleeve sport shirt. Can’t find the fit? Get a tailor to alter an existing shirt.

Jeans still rule in the dress-down look and the darker, the better. Partner the jean with the blazer of a suit. Julian says a navy suit is always good to have on hand. The shirttail thing with jeans is still happening. Leaving the shirttail out signifies dressing down and has almost become a style.

springfashion2013bruce 2013 Spring Fashion Tips From Charlotte Fashionistas

Bruce Julian’s Clothiers (Credit, Catherine Lash)

Julian offers more spring fashion tips and advice:

Platinum-gray color is coming in strong for outer wear
Get an unconstructed jacket
The polo has become so pedestrian, almost uniform like
The no-socks look is still happening
A tie needs to be the same size as the jacket lapel
Pick a hat with a smaller brim
Tie-up shoes are making a comeback
Get a thin-leg khaki pant; roll it up above the ankle

Julian says to think beyond the fashions dominated by the chain stores, avoiding the cookie-cutter looks.

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A bright yellow handbag adds pop to your outfit (Credit, Catherine Lash)

springfashion2013women 2013 Spring Fashion Tips From Charlotte Fashionistas

Animal prints are strong (Credit, Catherine Lash)

Homestyles Gallery & Specialty Shops
11237 Lawyers Road
Mint Hill, NC 28227
(704) 573-1510
www.facebook.com/HomeStylesGallery

About Homestyles Gallery & Specialty Shops:

The multi-merchant gift and apparel shop in the southeast Charlotte area is run by Angie Smith and Angela Nelson. They shop the Atlanta Apparel Mart and bring in fashions from the West Coast. Browse through 50 shops include clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, makeup and intimates.

Wardrobes will be splashed with color. Expect to see bright yellows, fuschias and oranges in dresses, handbags, shoes and scarves. For those not as bold, accessorize with bright colors. Pick an orange handbag or a yellow scarf.

Short and maxi dresses will remain strong for spring. Transition a dress from day to night time with flats for work and heels for evening hours. Printed and bright-colored bottoms for jeans and shorts will be on trend for spring. Leggings in textured patterns paired with a tunic will be another popular look. Here are more tips:

Animal prints will remain strong
A key item will be the sheer top in floral or solid print
Partner the sheer top with short shorts and high heels
Textured panty hose can be worn with shorts
Purchase a few pieces of chunky jewelry
Choose a neon-colored handbag
Black and white combinations will remain strong
Splash the black/white combo with color

Co-owner Angie Smith says she would like to see more women dress up for evening activities.

Catherine Lash engagingly connects with people. She has learned that interested listening and thoughtful questioning are the means through which collaboration creates a story. She grew up traveling the world and learning military life in an Air Force family of seven. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband and three kids. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.