Spring Fashion 2017 — The Pieces You Need Now

Never mind what the groundhog says! We say now’s the time to start your spring wardrobe planning. In the Midwest, a few random warm days in February is as good a reason as any to get up to speed fast on the trends of spring fashion 2017.

Spring/summer runway shows predict that bold patterns and silhouettes will rule in the upcoming months. Stripes and polka dots and glitter and thick belts and bulky shoulders will work their way into wearable options for the everyday fashionista.

But the challenge for the budget fashionista is an age-old one — choosing garments that show on-trend sensibility, without being so trendy that you won’t be able to wear them next year. We’ve shopped the options for you and came up with our list of 5 fabulous spring outfit essentials for the budget fashionista.

Spring Fashion 2017 Essentials

These spring fashion pieces are perfect for dinner with the girls, to the workplace if you’re in a business casual situation or anytime you want to step up your casual look. If you need to stock up on the basics, see this advice from our friends at GreekU.com.

1. The Girly Top

Michael Kors, Chloe and others brought flirty flowers to their spring ’17 designs — along with baby doll tops, lace and ribbons. The takeaway is that feminine is in, and in a big way. Nod to this trend by adding a few florals to your collection for spring. And since the next item on your shopping list is leggings, we’d suggest you go for at least one floral tunic.

Memory Tunic in Retro Floral, from $18, Modcloth

Satin Tea Blouse in Japanese Floral, $19.50, ASOS

2. Leggings with Style

Hot pink leggings with integrated shoes made their way into the Balenciaga collection, but we’re breaking that look down into a more wearable combo: bright leggings and sleek, open-toe booties. This season, you can break out of the black leggings mold and experiment with new colors and fabrics. Corduroy or velvet, anyone?

Lysse Corduroy Leggings, $35.20, Nordstrom

Velvet Leggings, $18.50, ASOS

3. Open-toe Booties

The open-toe bootie is a classic that can accompany nearly any trendy piece. They’ll look as great with your fancy new leggings as they will with the jeans you bought three years ago. For ultimate wearability, look for styles with minimal embellishments — no fringe, no big buckles — and a sturdy block heel.

Fergalicious Dazzle Peep Toe Bootie, $31.95, Shoebuy

Vince Camuto Edora Open Toe Bootie, $118.95, Shoebuy