Experimenting with trends is great in your 20s, Lisa adds. However, as we get older and establish careers, the balance between "of the moment" and "investment" wardrobe shifts progressively toward "investment." But that doesn't mean we can't update our classics with a few colors and fabrics of the season.
Lisa has pulled together some spring outfits that are stylish and age appropriate. All fashions can be found at stores Woodfield in Schaumburg. For more information, visit www.shopwoodfield.com
Shawntae – 20s in French Connection
Don't be afraid to be edgy!
Trend: Party Minis
Short cocktail dresses in bright spring colors are huge this season:
Pleated front and waistband makes the dress flattering for all body types. Dress $148
Dress them up with heels and jewelry for a night on the town
Can be dressed down with sandals or wedges and a cardigan for a day-time special occasion. Cardigan $98
Bright greens, from lime to sea green, are among this season's hottest colors
The look is dressed up with a pair of platform, strappy heels – a great finishing touch to any party dress. Shoes $219
Total $246 (minus the shoes)
Carrie – 20s in A'Gaci
Trend: Nautical-themed casual wear
Whether spending a day at the lake, shopping or dining, nautical-themed looks are back:
Khakis and whites are a great way to get this look if you don't have a nautical-striped piece in your wardrobe
Here we have the nautical-themed top and jacket paired with a pair of "jeggings" – another hot item still relevant this spring Jacket $18; Jeggings $22
The ruffle-detail of the white shirt is also one of this season's biggest trends. White Blouse $18
Pair the look with a pair of white or brown wedges for an instant beachy-feel. Shoes $25
Total Look - $83
Colleen – 30s in Ann Taylor
Time to settle into your own style; clothes are now for keeps, look for better fabrics and a tailored fit.:
Trend: Ruffles
Ruffles are back this spring – especially around the neckline:
The ruffles on the blouse are a great contrast with the structured black pencil skirt and patent leather belt. Blouse $78; Skirt $78; Belt $30
Scarves (even tied to a bag as seen here!) are a great way to pull all of the look's colors together. Scarf $58; Bag $398
Pale/ashy purples are another of this season's hottest colors Heels $198; Bracelet $58
Total Look (minus the shoes and accessories) - $186
Eleanor – 40s in Cache
Wardrobe should still reflect a touch of the trends: 70 percent "investment," 30 percent "of the moment."
Trend: Jumpsuits and Bold Prints
Jumpsuits are huge this spring with the 20-somethings, and this layered piece is a great way to update the look even into your 40s
Bold, colorful prints are making a comeback in tops, dresses and jumpsuits; Jumpsuit $238
The coral wrap with gold-stud detailing allows you to dress up the look and keep warm on a brisk night; Sweater $78; Jewelry (bracelet, ring and earrings) $102
The flowy, white pant creates a beachy feeling
Total Look (without Shoes) - $316
Diane – 50s in Eddie BauerEmphasis on elegance and understated dressing.
Trend: Colors of spring; Nautical Feel
In 50s, a great way to update your closet is to mix in the "hot" colors of the season – such as spa blue shown on Diane
Pairing neutrals like this casual jacket with bright spring colors is a great update to any look. Cotton Long Sleeve Shirt $20
Simple, bright scarf can dress up any outfit. Scarf $40
The white jeans paired with the khaki jacket again brings out the nautical-theme that is a huge trend this season. Jeans $69; Jacket $99
Total Look - $228
ADDITIONAL INFO FOR WEBSITE:
NATIONAL "HEMLINE SURVEY" PREDICTS KNEE-LENGTH SKIRTS & CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM
If the old adage holds true that says hemlines go up when the economy improves, then things are cautiously looking up for spring.
At least that's the fashion-omic forecast from a quirky yet historically accurate tool, the "hemline indicator." The time-tested theory relies not on computer models or financial projections but on skirt lengths as a barometer for the state of the economy. And the just-released results of a survey commissioned by Taubman Centers, manager of Woodfield Mall, suggests that skirt lengths will hover just below and above the knee this spring, accompanied by a cautious dose of optimism.
In an internet survey conducted by Market Strategies International, people across the country were asked the question: They say that hemlines go up when the economy improves; if that's true, where do you think skirt lengths will be this spring? Fully 82 percent answered "just below the knee" meaning "cautious optimism" or "above the knee" which translates to "light at the end of the tunnel." Only 14 percent chose "ankle duster," indicating economic uncertainty. Four percent chose "cheesecake," foreseeing good news ahead. The totals are:
• Ankle duster (Uncertain times ahead): 14 percent
• Just below the knee (Cautious optimism): 44 percent
• Above the knee (Light at the end of the tunnel): 38 percent
• Cheesecake (Good news ahead): 4 percent
The internet survey was fielded January 21 through February 12, 2010. The1038 responses were from participants that chose a specific Taubman shopping center as their primary shopping center.
This "hemline survey" is the third that Taubman has conducted. In the first study conducted in 2003, the majority surveyed (30%) predicted skirts would rise above the knee or "light at the end of the tunnel." By 2004, 51 percent of those surveyed predicted skirts would rise above the knee– a more optimistic outlook than this year's "just below the knee" or "cautious optimism" (44 percent) result.
The Chicago area's largest mall, Woodfield www.shopwoodfield.com is home to nearly 300 stores and restaurants, including dozens that can't be found anywhere else in the Midwest. Merchants range from the unique – fine art and jewelry dealers, cutting-edge clothiers for men, women, teens and children, and home furnishing emporiums – to nationally-recognized department stores Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, Macy's, JCPenney and Sears. Located at Route 53 and Golf Road in Schaumburg, 25 miles from downtown Chicago, Woodfield welcomes more than 27 million visitors annually and is the top tourist destination in Illinois.
Taubman Centers is a real estate investment trust engaged in the development, leasing and management of regional and super regional shopping centers. Taubman's 26 U.S. owned, leased and/or managed properties, the most productive in the industry, serve major markets from coast to coast. Taubman Centers is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and its Taubman Asia subsidiary is headquartered in Hong Kong. Founded in 1950, Taubman celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2010. For more information about Taubman, visit www.taubman.com.
