I know that the weather is crazy cold and snowy, but let’s try to think about spring’s official arrival next month. I know too, that we still aren’t venturing too far from home. You can boost your spirits while thinking about something new to buy for spring. One of the official Pandemic pastimes has been cleaning out closets. So let’s add a few new things!

Everyone is still focusing on comfort. But I bet there are some really tired looking sweatpants and sweatshirts out there. The buzz is now to have matching sets. Remember when it was so “in” to have matching velour sweat suits? Now we are seeing 2 piece sets in sweater knit or fleece for jogger pants or shorts and matching hooded tops or V-necks. They are being seen in matching colors or if you want to mix it up, have different colors but keep the fabric type matched. Loose fitting Maxi Coats are the choice for when you do go out. Of course puffer jackets are popular while the temperatures are still low, maxi coats will prevail for spring. Trench styles are popular, but the key is loose and oversized. Leggings continue, some in faux leather or with slits at the ankle to make them a bit more trendy. We may start to see a return to stirrup pants too. In Blouses you will see over-sized looks, some with smocked sleeves or just oversized button down shirts. Polo shirts will be all over by the summer. Bodysuits are also making a comeback in the top category. Sweatshirt fabric for dresses will be big this spring. These dresses can be dressed up or down with boots, sneakers or slides. Dresses will be on the loose side in prints, or fitted knits. Pants will be available in lots of prints. You will have flashbacks to the 60’s when you see some of the prints in the “party pants”. Pants will be loose and relaxed trousers . Denim will be present of course. There will be flared leg jeans, high waisted jeans with wide legs and slim boyfriend jeans.

A fabric treatment to watch is finely pleated and crinkled fabrics. This gives fabric a rich texture. The micro pleating will be on wovens and knits in tops, pants, dresses and skirts. There will also be pleating on accessories.

Speaking of accessories, this is my favorite category. Bags– I have always been “a bag lady”. There will be lots of styles out this year. I’m sure you can find something to suit your taste. There are small compact bags, cross body bags, slouchy bags, bucket bags and totes. You will see a comeback of the Coach Swinger Bag and the Gucci Jackie Bag. And colors!! Kelly Green, Bubblegum Pink, Saffron Yellow, Crimson, Chartreuse and Tangerine. Impossible not to fine something you’ll like.

Shoes– in the boot category everything has chunky lug soles. Sneakers continue to be strong. Sandals seen on the runway were platform flip flops going back to the looks of the early 2000’s. “Flatform” sandals will also be popular with lace up ties and espadrille soles. Chunky sandals will be strong. You will see exaggerated square toes and complicated straps.

Hats– bucket hats and baseball caps all over.

And, don’t despair, animal prints and tie dye prints continue.

The important take-away is JUST GET DRESSED!! Even if you are hanging in the house, if you get up and get dressed your day will be off to a better start. I have always said, GET UP, DRESS UP, SHOW UP. Have fun reducing the open space in your closet that you created during the Pandemic.