Minimalism

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: these days, the weather is rough, gnarly and monotonous. Spring 2014 trends, though, are anything but.

As you anticipate the warmer months, also begin looking forward to some really gorgeous things happening by way of fashion, hair and makeup. You can take your style cue from these five below trends and forget about that old, grouchy man we call winter.

Shades of Blue

This spring’s hottest hue actually leans very cool. Expect to find blue in shades such as ice, glacier, royal, navy — and everything in between — on the rack, on the runway and certainly on passers-by. While shopping, keep a lookout for anything blue, including clothes, shoes, accessories and even cosmetics, and scoop it up when you can. You’ll find it’ll remain prevalent and on trend even through the hottest days of summer.

Minimalism

In the past we’ve seen tons of intricate detail on everything from dresses to nails. This spring, forget about nitty gritty details and focus on the classic and minimal. For example, nail art is still “a thing,” but it’s morphing from a monet-level-of-detail to more simplistic designs. Think creamy beige nails with a thin stripe of gold or even a well-manicured nail with a sheer, glossy top coat. This also applies to cosmetics (focus on neutrals) and clothing.

Sporty Femme

Don’t be afraid to get in touch with your more sporty side this spring. One of 2014’s hottest trends is blending — with care — aspects of femininity and athleticism. The key is to take a flirty look and then incorporate unexpected sporty touches from head to toe. For example, you can add athletic touches to classic silhouettes with see-through patches, sheaths and sweaters. Or you can try adding eye-catching color-blocking to more traditional lace for a look that’s very of-the-moment.

Soft and Sheer

Embrace see-through fabrics this Spring 2014, ladies. And no, you don’t have to bare a ton of skin just to participate in the sheer trend. For example, wear a lacy cardigan or blouse over a camisole in a neutral color, or opt for very soft, billowy fabrics that are easy to lounge in and look very runway. To really stand out in a crowd, opt for very clean colors and silhouettes.

Everyday Exotic

If you’re going to wear a print this Spring 2014, let it be an exotic one. Trending now are prints inspired by exotic textures, old-school dye techniques and traditional patterns from around the world. These prints are thoughtfully designed and make it difficult to figure out their origins, only adding to their intrigue. It’s almost as if the conversational prints from last spring went on vacation somewhere warm and came back looking more interesting – and easier to wear.