Spring is here, Taurus season is around the corner, and if you couldn't already tell from my opulently bullish behavior—it's my season.
That said, things feel heavy. Balancing joy with doom is an exhausting exercise, but fashion? Fashion makes it easier. Put on something nice, do your hair, spritz some perfume, and go immerse yourself in a neighborhood where green is blooming. Fashion has impact. It’s a form of resistance, a tool of power, and a source of joy.
Here’s a compelling piece from Vogue that I think you’ll appreciate—it’ll make you feel something. Because fashion is always political. And now, more than ever, we have to wield it with intention.
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Recessioncore Savings
Buckle up, lock in, whatever analogy works for you—it's happening. Tariffs are hitting imports, corporate layoffs are everywhere, and the economy is spiraling. Which means it’s time to be mindful about discretionary spending. The upside? It forces us to take our personal style seriously. (Read my guide to building personal style here.) Versatility, cost-per-wear methodology, and repurposing what we already own are about to define the year.
For me, this means challenging myself to minimize spending, relying on vintage, and shopping my own closet. I suspect we’ll see a major shift toward secondhand shopping as people opt for what’s already here instead of splurging on new imports. Trends are cyclical anyway, so let’s work with what we’ve got—learn our measurements for better online vintage shopping, be selective about what we bring into our wardrobes, and focus on pieces that truly last.
Cutesy Cardigans
I love a sweet little cardigan, but only when I can edge it up—think brooches, a leather skirt, or layered with something unexpected. Lately, I’ve been into buttoned-up looks, which feels fresh after years of wearing them open.
For styling, I’m leaning into two moods: a kitschy 1940s revival (still milkmaid-adjacent, but with a twist) or that classic ‘90s GAP-commercial aesthetic—coastal elite, effortlessly cool. Either way, it’s about making something soft feel intentional, styled, and just a little subversive. My current favorite is this one from J.Crew, it’s the perfect weight for Spring!
A Proper Little Tease
I love a loafer in the spring—specifically my Playboy pair from Dule + Dexter—but I’ve been looking for fresh ways to style them. Luckily, hosiery is the answer. I’m drawn to calf and mid-calf styles, especially for their elevated sensuality. There’s something subtly suggestive about them, a perfect balance of polished and provocative.
Given that corporate core made an impact on the season’s runways (another recession indicator, perhaps?), this feels like a playful, hot way to engage with the trend without fully committing. Interesting colorways could be especially compelling, maybe paired with an oversized sweater and blazer for a floozy academic look.
The Bags of Tabloid Fodder
Chloé Paddington, Fendi Spy, Balenciaga Moto, Miu Miu Bow, Marc Jacobs Stam, Yves Saint Laurent Muse.
We’ve seen plenty of it bags make their return—the Dior Saddle, Fendi Baguette, and the entire Murakami x Louis Vuitton collab have all had their moment. But let’s rewind to a slightly different era. The mid-to-late 2000s, when tabloid culture was at its peak. Messy glamour. Paparazzi shots with oversized sunglasses. Cocaine in designer bags, obviously.
A lot of these bags haven’t hit their full revival yet—like the Muse or Miu Miu Bow—so the window to snag them for a steal is still open. I’m personally on the hunt for my perfect Fendi Spy or Chloé Paddington. The nostalgia is calling, and I’m answering.
Black Swan
I’ve been on a bit of a Brittany Murphy kick lately—specifically those paparazzi shots from when she was training for a Black Swan before her untimely passing. Something about them has me fixated on ballet-adjacent styling—not necessarily the practical elements of dance, but the soft, whimsical details that serve no real function beyond being pretty.
Bows, sheer wrap skirts, delicate hosiery, cashmere cardigans—all with a dark, romantic twist. Deep oxblood, inky black, blood red. I have a sheer wrap top I’m planning to style, and I’m still searching for the perfect ballet skirt in my size. I think mixing it with interesting lingerie or hosiery could make for an unexpectedly sexy evening look. A little undone, a little haunted, but always intentional.
Compelling Collars
I love a collar—especially when it’s exaggerated, maximalist, or dripping in embellishments. Lately, I’ve been drawn to detachable styles that add instant drama over a crewneck sweater or a cropped sweater vest. The layering potential is endless—bows, clips, pearl necklaces, all working together to create something striking.
Recently, I styled a white blouse with a black cashmere sweater and a cherry red leather skirt, tucking a chunky gold chain under the folds of the collar. Just enough of a pop to keep things interesting. This kind of layering adds depth and dimension without relying too heavily on coats, which are best saved for the colder months.
Slogans & Subtext
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how fashion signals political beliefs and ethical values. Some are blatant—like a campaign hat (see: MAGA). Others are more subtle, like the subversive femininity of Simone Rocha and Chopova Lowena. And then there are pieces like Christian Dior’s postwar collection, quietly forecasting political and cultural shifts.
This has me reminiscing about the slogan tees I was obsessed with in middle and high school—Project (RED), Legalize Gay, and even the absurdity of Team Jolie vs. Team Aniston. Back then, we signaled our beliefs in the most literal way possible, whether it was activism or pop culture allegiances.
Maybe it’s time for a comeback. In an era of endless dog-whistling, perhaps the best response is to say exactly what we mean. For me, that means finding vintage statement tees that serve a dual purpose—a nod to a golden era of pop culture and well…my beliefs.
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Now that spring has sprung (or whatever analogies you prefer), here’s what I’m inspired by and trying to work into my style this year.
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