Runway to Realway: Spring's Top 5 Trends and Where to Buy Them

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With today marking the first day of spring, it's time to swap those heavy wool sweaters for brighter, lighter layers. If you're itching to update your closet but you don't know where to start, take a stroll around Philly to find these fun and flirty pieces. Here's a quick and handy rundown of spring's must-have trends and tips for integrating them into your wardrobe.—Latanya Vicks

Lavender Brown top, $121 at Kembrel; Something Else Mirage Floral Dress, $84 at Vagabond; Julie Hewett Belle Noir lipstick, $22.50 at Beans Beauty
1) Orient Express— Prada, Peter Pilotto, Proenza Schouler, and other designers took their runways to the Far East. Some recurring themes included architectural details, cherry blossom prints, and splashes of red, black, and gold. Look for luxurious printed silk flower motifs, flatforms, and orange-y red lipstick to top off an Asian-inspired look.

Nicolas K Folly Draped Dress, $276 at Arcadia; Lobo Mau Pencil Mini Skirt, $70 at Vagabond; Something Else Laced Knit Tank, $130 at Vagabond
2) Black & White—From the sexy '70s tuxedo-inspired looks at Saint Laurent Paris to the infamous checkerboard prints at Louis Vuitton, everyone gravitated toward black and white. Marc Jacobs, Jil Sander, and more featured graphic prints, wide stripes, and mod-inspired outfits. Go monochromatic in a chic white suit or make a statement in a bold black and white printed skirt.

BB Dakota 'Organza' Embroidered Cropped Tank Top, $68 at South Moon Under; Darling Valencia Tunic, $136 at Kembrel
3) Sheer Genius—Modesty is out and skin is in. Models across the runways shed their winter layers in favor of subtle flashes of skin. From Alexander Wang's cutout dress to Chanel's transparent purses, letting it all show is all the rage. Look for peek-a-boo cutouts and sheer blouses to add some va-va-voom to your wardrobe. A little too risqué for your taste? A lined lace frock or a printed sheer top will be a little more conservative. If you have a zero skin policy, try a clear vinyl purse or some lucite jewelry or heels for a sleek, modern look.

Abbeline Zip Back Peplum Top, $72 at South Moon Under; Free People Sparkle and Stripe Skirt, $88.99 at South Moon Under; Susana Monaco Angle Flutter Tube Dress, $35.99 at South Moon
Under
4) Ruffles—Ruffles were all over the runway. Gucci, Balenciaga, and Chloe showed ultra feminine pieces that ran the gamut from soft and relaxed to severe and structured. Want to make your ruffles a little less girly? Try a peplum (yes, it's still on trend), a fluted dress, or a trumpet skirt—the perfect juxtaposition of sexy and sweet!

Darling Kimberly Tunic, $111 at Kembrel; Splendid 3/4 Sleeve 'A-Line' Dress, $108 at South Moon Under
5) Rainbow Brights—A color explosion dominated the runways of Gucci, Akris, and J Mendel. Last fall, Pantone released its spring color list with emerald, lemon zest, nectarine, and seven other saturated hues making appearances. Try wearing grayed jade, a minty hue that's light and fresh for spring, with poppy red for a complementary dash of color. In search of more sophistication? Try it with fuchsia, navy, and blush for a muted elegant look.
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