Fashion Forecast

Nordstrom’s East Coast fashion coordinator, Edward Allen, says Washington does have a look: “authoritative glamour.” By which he means Washingtonians like clothing that conveys power and intelligence with a sophisticated, fashionable twist.

“This season is good news for the Washington woman—and I do mean woman,” Allen says. “You don’t see ‘girls’ here like you do in LA, and for that reason it’s a good thing that waisted dresses have replaced baby-dolls, that structured has replaced bohemian.”

Here are other trends to watch for this season.

What are your favorite things for spring?
High-waisted pants. Color, particularly citrus shades like yellow and orange. Statement shoes. Second-generation prints—graphically modified, enlarged, or unique patterns.

I’m hearing a lot about “shape” this season—how does a woman make this work for her body type?
You can wear a full skirt with a fitted top, or pair a dress with a great belt that cinches and shows off the waist. Use layered pieces, particularly in sheer fabrics, to create a silhouette. It’s about Katharine Hepburnesque glamour, not overt sexiness. You want to show a hint of this, a suggestion of that—never too much skin.

If a person doesn’t have a lot of money to spend, where should she splurge?
Stop spending money on bags and start spending it on shoes. Shoes, unlike bags, have engineering in them. Furthermore, men notice great shoes. They could care less about your bag.

What’s a good way to add in new spring colors?
It’s all about mixing in that great accessory, a hint of print, or a statement shoe—anyone can wear bright accessories, just start small.


Wearing Winter Pieces Into Spring

The minute the weather starts to warm, Washington women ditch their Uggs for flip-flops. Still, March and April can be hard to dress for—and why invest in many spring things when the season here seems so short? Here are tips for how to marry new spring pieces with winter favorites.

• Invest in a few pairs of shoes with a great heel, in a bright color or with fun details. Shapes, heel heights, and hues run the gamut this season, so have fun. A simple navy suit can really pop with a hint or orange or silver.

• Try the new high-waisted, full pant. It’s figure-flattering on almost all women and works both in the office and out. Pair it with fall and winter’s detailed, nipped-in jackets.

• Cinch in those billowy dresses from fall and winter with a great belt to show shape. Leave the leggings and opaque tights at home.

• Add in a citrus accent—such as a yellow top or a great skirt in a bold pattern. Make bright colors work for the office by pairing them with neutrals or navy.

• You can keep wearing those statement cuffs and necklaces from fall—they’re still hot for spring.