Lorean Mays models a spring dress and shoes along Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Wednesday in Chattanooga, Tenn.MOST WANTEDBelk’s Most Wanted fashions for spring 2013. Comments are from Arlene Goldstein, Belk vice president of trend merchandising and fashion direction.1. Bold Print Dress: “A dress is one-stop shopping. It’s a significant way to update and refresh. Wear it with a casual flip-flop or dress it up with heels to wear to a special occasion.”2. Silky Top: “The shirt is back in full force. It can be preppy, but look for one with a silky finish. A button-up front, roll sleeve and color is a great way to express style.”3. Spring Jacket: “The jacket has made a comeback. It is the perfect completer piece. It can be a printed jacket. It can be cropped to give it a Chanel feel. A jacket is part of the modern Southern style. Southern gals like to look polished, and the jacket enables it.”4. Statement Necklace: “I’m an advocate of anything that frames the face, and a statement necklace does just that. It draws the eye to you. From butterfly necklaces to jeweled multi-faceted bib necklaces, it’s the accessory every woman will want. Also, we’re going to see longer strands come into play.”5. Sassy Skirt: “The skirt is perfect for spring and summer. From short to long, all hemlines are in. I’m a fan of long skirt with pleats. The styles will also include draped skirts sweeping the floor to mid-calf ones and those covering the knees, which can be a really sexy look. A skirt is also a great way to add a print to an outfit.”6. Fancy Pant: “The ankle-length slim pant continues to be the most important style, but we are seeing a lot of vintage washed denim as well as the pull-on soft pant and drawstring linen ones.”7. Fashion Wedge: “Whether it’s a flat or a stiletto, if it’s got a wedge, it’s going to be the No. 1 shoe of the season. The wedge is also easy to wear.”8. Something Lacy: “Lace continues to be most important textile. No longer is it used exclusively for special occasions after 5 p.m., but it can now be worn during the day. And, while lace was typically either black, beige or white, it’s not available in a variety of colors.”9. New Tote: “This is where fashion meets function. The satchel and the handheld tote have been updated with details including layers of metallic and color blocking. The tote can also be used as a vehicle to add a pop of color to an outfit.”10. Novelty Knit: “Openwork yarn, East-meets-West styles, and tunics cropped easy to wear will top the list of knit trends.”
Patterned dresses, button-up silk shirts and floral blazers are on fashion experts’ lists as must-haves for spring and summer.
“The signature fashion this spring is the dress. It has staying power,” says Arlene Goldstein, Belk vice president of trend merchandising and fashion direction.
“We’re in a pattern cycle, and there’s so many amazing prints and patterns from geometrical to digital, florals, tribal and more. Each, whether with a dress, skirt, pant or jacket, will have an impact,” she says.
Suzanne West, owner of Frankie & Julian’s fashion boutique on Frazier Avenue, says dresses of all styles, particularly flirty and shirt dresses in subtle geometric prints and florals, are topping the list.