Personal style isn't about chasing every single trend that's sent down the runway. Instead, it's really curating your own versions of said trends, picking and choosing the ones you want to add to your arsenal, and figuring out how they work for you. And whichever trends you dare to try, stylish folk the world over would agree that being a fearless early adopter of them is better than waiting until they hit the masses.There are certain bragging rights, of course, that come with being one of the first of your friends to show up in a never-before-seen style. Sure, your outfit might be met with some skepticism at first, but when the trend you're wearing blows up (and is all over Zara next season), you'll earn some serious street cred as the one who was bold enough to go there early. And being bold is vital — especially when considering the more-is-more, maximalist approach of this coming spring's must-haves. Let these 12 trends be your guide to getting a head start on the sartorial crazes that are about to be everywhere. And if someone asks how you possibly knew they were coming, we'll keep our lips sealed.
Sleepwear As Streetwear
Do we really have to convince you to wear your pajamas out in public? Silky sleepwear officially counts as a full-on outfit — in fact, it's the fresh, updated version of the "matching set" look Taylor Swift made so popular a few years ago. This trend is the fashion gods' apology for all the itchy, not-so-satisfying ones you've tried in seasons past, so embrace it — and all its comfortable goodness.
Yolke Navy Stretch Silk Pajamas, $369, available at Yolke.
Statement Slip-Ons
It's a no-brainer that slip-on sneakers are one of the easiest and most versatile shoes you can have in your wardrobe. For spring, go brighter and bolder, and experiment with unexpected textures, like silk, neoprene, or even woven raffia (like this selection from Robert Clergerie). Since a shoe can make or break an outfit, why not make it a good one (and one other people won't likely have)?
Robert Clergerie Woven Raffia Platform Slip-ons, $450, available at Stylebop.
Oversized Florals
Florals obviously happen every spring, but this time around, they're going big. Skip the tiny buds in favor of larger, more artful and geometric ones — that way, you're giving more of an edge to a pattern everyone expects.
Zara Printed Dress with Frills, $99.99, available at Zara.
Statement Bag Straps
When shopping for a spring carryall, don't overlook the bag's strap; you may not have realized it, but it's just as important as the silhouette of the purse itself. For a Insta-worthy number, grab a piece that features a braided, colorful, or embellished handle — and it will be like two accessories in one.
Fendi 'Strap You' Leather Lace-up Bag Strap, $900, available at Nordstrom.
Colorful Anoraks
When your outerwear needs to make the shift from technical to transitional, a lightweight anorak can do the job just right. The shape and material will come in handy for spring rains and chilly mornings, and a louder shade (like bubblegum pink) will help brighten those kind of gloomy days.
Tibi Invisible Anorak, $750, available at Tibi.
Miniskirts
The midi-skirt has had its moment in the spotlight. This season, hemlines are hiking up — way up — which means it's time to find a well-fitting mini that's as versatile as your favorite pair of skinny jeans. And whether it's T-shirt or sweater weather outside, this is one of those pieces that can actually be worn so many different ways.
Topshop Pinstripe Buckle Skirt, $60, available at Topshop.
Lobe-Stretching Earrings
Okay, hopefully your earrings aren't so heavy that they're actually stretching out your earlobes, but it is time to swap out your barely there studs for a still minimalist take on the chandelier earring. It may seem like an oxymoron, but with geometric and mod offerings, even dangling earrings can fit into your everyday jewelry routine.
StyleNanda Circle Framed Faux Pearl Drop Earrings, $19, available at StyleNanda.
Polo Shirts
Because you need something to wear with your "dad hat," right? Polos are making a comeback, not in the pastel-colored, Abercrombie or Hollister kind of way you probably wore in the early-to-mid 2000s. With a more athleisure air and interesting details (like color-blocked sleeves or a circle pull), you can embrace this #TBT trend without taking it too literally.
T by Alexander Wang Polo Shirt, $396.10, available at Farfetch.
Non-Workout Leggings
This season might be the official moment in which leggings finally count as pants. Though they're one of those pieces that people either love or hate, with leggings dominating runways from Phillip Lim to Balmain, it's hard to deny the fact that they're about to be everywhere.
Mango Skinny Leggings, $39.99 $15.99, available at Mango.
3-D-Embroidery
Another way to take spring florals to the next-level? Look for statement-making, three-dimensional embellishments on a dress, top, jacket, or pants (or anything, really) that can be dressed up with heels or down with a T-shirt and booties.
Finery Ritson Organza Ebroidered Trapeze Dress, $225, available at Finery.
Puffer Coats
Remember when you used to dread having to wear a puffer coat, because it covered up the rest of your outfit? Well, now it is your outfit. For those last randomly cold days, a more streamlined, styled jacket will have all eyes on you — plus, it looks effortlessly cool with a pair of cropped jeans and your favorite white kicks.
Hartono Black Aldo Puffer Coat, $445, available at VFILES.
Quirky Peep-Toes
Your heel of choice for spring should be a revamp of the classic peep-toe with a thick, walkable heel and supportive ankle strap. Don't shy away from mixing patterns, textures, and colors for the ultimate shoe that works for the office and special events, alike.
Marni Chunky Heel Sandals, $623.41, available at Farfetch.
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