7 Must-Try Spring Fashion Trends: From Cool Cutouts to Power Stripes

Step into spring with bold style: discover cutouts, athleisure, unexpected utilitarian twists, and more of the season’s fashion-forward trends.

By Medha deb
Created on

Spring’s Style Revolution: 7 Key Trends to Try This Season

As winter layers make their way into storage, spring offers the perfect opportunity to reboot your style with fresh, directional trends that set the tone for the warmer months ahead. This season is all about blending unexpected pairings, statement-making details, and a healthy dose of individuality. From streetwear-inspired athleisure to sophisticated suits with a twist, spring fashion welcomes rule-breaking creativity and vibrant energy.

The Trend: Cool Cutouts

Cutouts take the spotlight this spring, showing skin in new, sculptural ways that balance allure with elegance. Designers and street style icons alike favor subtle flashes at the shoulders, waist, or sides of tops and dresses—proof that less can genuinely be more. The secret to nailing this look is keeping the rest of your outfit clean and contemporary.

  • Start with a cutout top in a crisp neutral or bold print.
  • Balance with well-worn skinny jeans or tailored pants for an effortless transition from day to night.
  • Layer a classic blazer or lightweight jacket for a polished finish.

Styling Tip: Let the cutouts shine by opting for minimal accessories and a sleek ponytail or bun.

The Trend: Grown-Up Athleisure

Athleisure once again cements its status as the ultimate hybrid trend, evolving beyond workout gear to chic, city-ready attire. The grown-up update is all about smart layering with purposeful, high-quality fabrics and a nod to sportswear nostalgia. You don’t need to hit the gym to channel this look—just channel its confident, on-the-go attitude.

  • Layer mesh crop tops over statement sports bras for subtle athletic flair.
  • Embrace track-inspired trousers, which offer freedom of movement and modern appeal.
  • Top it off with a moto vest or bomber jacket to inject an urban edge.
  • Complement with streamlined sneakers and a cross-body bag to maintain the athletic vibe.

Finishing Touches: Add a contemporary watch and tortoiseshell sunglasses for a polished, off-duty statement that works from coffee dates to casual Fridays.

The Trend: Dresses Over Pants

Why choose between your favorite dress and those new trousers when you can wear both? The dress-over-pants trend disrupts old styling rules in favor of imaginative layers and playful silhouettes. It’s all about attitude, not perfection—keep your pairings simple for a modern take on this fashion-forward combo.

  • Start with a minimalist tank dress or slip dress in white or pastel hues.
  • Slip on sailor-inspired trousers with chic slits or side-snaps to add dimension.
  • Complete the look with classic sneakers for comfort that’s ready for the street.

Finishing Touches: A rose gold watch and blush-tone sunglasses play up the feminine vibe, while understated black hoop earrings pull the whole ensemble together.

The Trend: Banker Stripes

Spring reinvents stripes with business-meets-pleasure energy, trading standard shirts for body-hugging sheaths and asymmetric button-downs. Traditional blue-and-white pinstripes get the high fashion treatment, making them the star of the show rather than a supporting act.

  • Opt for a striped minidress for a playful take on boardroom attire.
  • Layer an oversized white shirt—worn off the shoulder for Instagram-ready flair.
  • Pair with metallic monk-strap flatforms to add height and a borrowed-from-the-boys twist.

Accessories: Delicate stacking rings and bold, lipstick-red sunglasses add color and keep things firmly out of the office grind.

The Trend: Unexpected Utilitarian

Utilitarian style takes a whimsical turn this spring. No longer content with basic khaki, the trend brings in playful fabrics, unconventional silhouettes, and a touch of street-style irreverence. Think statement-making accessories and layering, while utility shirts, shorts, and fishnet accents keep it edgy and contemporary.

  • Choose a cropped military shirt or utility-inspired tee in soft hues like olive or sand.
  • Pair with frayed denim shorts for a carefree weekend vibe.
  • Don’t shy away from layering a fishnet top underneath for that runway-inspired twist.

Finishing Touches: Round aviators and a sleek gold-tone watch elevate the look without losing its casual-cool essence.

The Trend: Power Suiting, Reimagined

Suits return for spring, but with a refreshing lack of boardroom stiffness. Think slouchy tailoring, lightweight fabrics, and refreshed proportions that encourage movement and creativity. This is power dressing designed for life outside the cubicle.

  • Choose a relaxed-fit blazer in a pastel or citrus tone; pair with matching wide-leg trousers.
  • Switch out your classic white shirt for a silk cami or bold print tee underneath.
  • Accessorize with chunky sneakers or smart loafers for day-to-night versatility.

Style Guide: Keep makeup fresh and hair slightly undone to match the effortless feel of your new favorite suiting.

The Trend: Romantic Layers

Whimsical, dreamy, and unapologetically pretty, romantic layers reign supreme this season. Look to ruffles, sheer fabrics, and delicate florals to channel a softer sartorial mood. The key to modern romance lies in unexpected layering and a play on textures.

  • Start with a floral-printed sheer blouse or tulle skirt.
  • Layer over a simple camisole and add lace-trimmed ankle socks for girlish charm.
  • Don’t be afraid to double up with a ruffled jacket or floaty cardigan for extra depth.

Accessorize: Pearl-drop earrings, velvet hair bands, and strappy sandals complete the romantic narrative for events or weekend brunches.

Expert Styling Advice for Every Trend

  • Mix, Don’t Match: Don’t hesitate to combine textures and prints as long as your overall silhouette stays balanced.
  • Accessorize with Intention: Let a single bold piece—be it sunglasses, a watch, or a handbag—be your outfit’s focal point.
  • Play with Proportions: Voluminous layers on top look best with streamlined bottoms, and vice versa.

Table: Quick Guide to Spring 2017’s Top Trends

TrendKey ItemHow to Wear ItEssential Accessory
Cool CutoutsSculptural topWith skinny jeansMinimalist studs
Grown-Up AthleisureTrack trousersLayered with mesh cropSporty watch
Dresses Over PantsSimple tank dressSlip over flared pantsRose gold watch
Banker StripesPinstripe minidressOff-the-shoulder shirtRed sunglasses
UtilitarianUtility shirtCropped and layeredRound aviators
Power SuitingPastel blazerWith matching trousersSneakers or loafers
Romantic LayersSheer blouseOver camisolePearl earrings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can the cutout trend work for the office?

A: Absolutely—opt for subtle cutouts at the neckline or sleeves, and pair with structured pants or skirts for a professional finish.

Q: How can I wear the dress-over-pants trend without adding bulk?

A: Stick to lightweight fabrics and streamlined silhouettes. Narrow trousers or ankle-crop pants help keep the look clean and elongate your figure.

Q: What accessories make athleisure feel ‘grown up’?

A: Add refined touches like a metallic watch, sleek sunglasses, and a structured handbag to make your athleisure ensemble feel polished rather than just gym-ready.

Q: Are stripes only for formal looks?

A: Not at all—stripes can be sporty, casual, or playful, depending on the cut and color palette. Try stripes on unexpected pieces like dresses, shoes, or accessories for added interest.

Q: How do I style power suiting for a casual event?

A: Swap the formal shirt for a graphic tee or camisole, and pair your suit with classic sneakers or chunky loafers to bring down the formality while keeping the look sharp.

Final Thoughts

Spring 2017’s standout trends invite experimentation—mixing, layering, and rethinking staple pieces to suit your personality. Whether you gravitate towards bold cutouts, romantic florals, or slouchy suits, let your wardrobe express both confidence and creativity this season. There are no strict rules—just fresh options for you to try, tweak, and make your own.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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