When a flood of new arrivals reaches your favorite retailers at the start of the season, it's hard not to get ahead of yourself. After months of seeing the same things over and over, being inundated with fresh options is exciting—sometimes too exciting. It can be so overwhelming, in fact, that you (i.e., me), go a tad overboard and, in turn, over budget.
In order to keep you from making the same mistake I did when I started shopping for spring—blowing my entire wardrobe allotment for the season on a few splurge items—I'm offering up some free personal shopping services. Ahead, I handpicked eight spring trends available at Zara, H&M, and Nordstrom that will make your wardrobe a success without breaking the bank before the season even begins. Even better, none of my selects will cost you more than $150.
Menswear Inspired
Take it from someone who shops in the men's department almost as much as the women's one: This trend is *it.* From tailored Bermuda shorts and oversize blazers to baggy trousers and waistcoats, pretty much all of today's biggest trends have ties to menswear.
Clearly, I had to buy these. You should too.
If you know, you know.
Everyone who's anyone is shopping for waistcoats right now.
The quilted liner is removeable.
Those cutouts, though.
It's Giving Edgy
Showcased at Prada and Alexander McQueen's S/S 22 shows, the "rough around the edges" trend (as I like to call it) is going to be huge come spring. In fact, Hailey Bieber and Rihanna are already getting on board.
This jacket has been in my cart for months, and I think it's finally time to press purchase.
This jacket looks like it costs way more than $60.
Nothing beats leather pants—nothing.
No one will mess with you in these.
Every '90s movie features someone in a long leather blazer.
Ribbed and Ready
Nothing says refined luxury and comfort quite like a rib-knit, well, anything. If you want to feel cozy while looking expensive, go for a rib-knit piece, from dresses to matching sets.
Talk about expensive-looking knits.
Cashmere, 'nuff said.
Peekaboo.
These cutouts are just too good.
I have a dress just like this one, and I wear it constantly.
Microscopic
Look around. Clothes are shrinking. In the place of midi skirts and dresses with puff sleeves are micro minis, cutout dresses, and bra tops. And as the weather warms up, fashion is only going to get smaller and more revealing. Bring it on.
Everything about this skirt is calling my name.
Will you be wearing bra tops this spring, yes or no?
Um, I need this.
This top is so versatile.
The corset details are beyond.
The '90s Called
It might be 2022, but by the looks of the top fashion trends of the year, it could easily be any year between 1990 and 1999. With leather blazers, Levi's, tiny shoulder bags, and maxi skirts, we're living in a '90s world, sartorially at least.
I really thought this suit was designer.
Simply stunning.
The most classic.
This will make any outfit appear cooler and edgier.
Who's on board with the maxi-skirt trend?
Super Saturated
Goodbye, neutrals; hello bright, vibrant colors. According to S/S 22 runway collections by Versace, Valentino, and Brandon Maxwell, spring is all about saturated shades.
I mean, these are incredible.
More than a pop of color.
Is this not the most beautiful dress you've ever seen? I mean, c'mon.
Red-hot.
Slime time.
The Lowdown
Whether or not you're ready for low-rise jeans and trousers to return to vogue, they are coming, so you might as well prepare for their arrival. Luckily, the styles below are both on-budget and not as scary as you might think.
*Adds to cart.*
How cool are these?
Thirty-dollar jeans can never be passed over.
Zara's denim selection is unmatched.
Nostalgic.
Academia
Ever since The Crown's fourth season, focused primarily on Princess Diana, came out in 2020, the fashion crowd has been steadfast in re-creating the people's princess's collegiate style. Think varsity jackets, oversize button-downs, and stripes.
Very Princess Diana, no?
It's giving early aughts on so many levels.
This knit is seriously soft.
Who doesn't love a striped tee?
Cozy and cool.
Next: By Far, These Are the 10 Most Important Trends for Spring 2022
-
Madewell, J.Crew, and Banana Republic Are Hosting Big-Deal Sales RN—Do Your WorstAnd do it fast.
-
I Want an Elegant Spring Wardrobe—These 32 Nordstrom Finds Have My AttentionElevated finds inside.
-
I'm Already Prepping My Summer Wardrobe—I Only Have Eyes for These Elegant Nordstrom ItemsPlus, they're all $150 and under.
-
Nordstrom Shoppers Lose It Over This Affordable Shoe Brand—Shop the Best PairsClick if you like trendy shoes.
-
The Only 35 Swimsuits You Need to Know About in 2024From bikinis to maillots.
-
People Assume These $60 Zara Shoes Are High Designer (and I Let Them)No gatekeeping here.
-
I'm Prepping for My Trip to Havana—39 Items on My Shopping Wish ListI want it all.
-
What to Buy From Nordstrom If Your Vibe Is Elegant But Your Budget Is $100If that's not a good sales pitch, I don't know what is.
