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Celeb Stylist Preston Konrad Shops Spring’s Hottest Trends For Us…On a Budget!
Why shop solo this spring when we have Preston Konrad to help us?
When it comes to fashion street cred, celebrity stylist Preston Konrad has the goods. In addition to collaborating with Hollywood A-listers on their everyday and red carpet looks, Konrad is also host of TLC’s Style by Jury and runs his own blog The Preston Report, where he covers everything from lifestyle hacks to trend reports. But before he became fashion’s man about town, he was an industry insider, working for Ralph Lauren for a decade before serving as American Eagle’s style director. Today he loves helping his clients and readers alike look great on a budget—so naturally we asked him to help us navigate the spring trends!
“Shopping on a budget shouldn't be discouraging, in fact looking for big trends without the big spend should be exciting,” Konrad told us. “With the boom of fast fashion brands, many retailers are adding amazing on-trend pieces into their collections much more quickly and at lower prices...which means it’s easier for us to find and buy.”
But all that product can be a little overwhelming for us consumers, who are just trying to be on-trend and on-budget at the same time. According to Konrad, to avoid being engulfed by all the options, you have to keep two things in mind when you’re shopping this season. “First you have to ask yourself, ‘Can this piece be easily mixed into my wardrobe and worn with other pieces I currently own?’ And second, ‘Will this trendy piece give me the mileage I need?’ Meaning: Will it work for multiple occasions like the office, brunch, a night out, etc.,” advises Konrad. “When shopping for trendy pieces you want to make sure that the piece is of course not only flattering on your figure but that it can be easily mixed into your current wardrobe and can be worn multiple ways.”
So what do we need, exactly? “I say go for the big wins like colorful or printed tops that can be worn with your existing jeans or skirts, as well as great accessories that can be paired back to outfits you already have in your closet,” says Konrad. “A printed or patterned dress is also a great piece to have on your spring trend shopping list, consider it an instant-outfit!”
To help us even out even further, Konrad broke down the spring trends into four categories—yellow, stripes, khaki and cream and floral prints—and picked his favorite looks, all of which are under $100. Yep, now is probably a good time for us to bow down to our new favorite stylist.
YELLOW
Uniqlo Women U Seersucker Short-Sleeve Dress
BUY FROM: Uniqlo, SALE $29.90 (Regulary $49.90, 41% Off!)
"This dress is a must have for spring/summer. Not only are you dipping your toe in the yellow trend with this nice faded shade of the color, but the shape is perfect for every body type and great for when the temps start to rise."
Topshop Falcon Buckle Sandals
"If you're a bit nervous to rock yellow in a larger way, these buckle sandals are the perfect way to slip a bit of the color into your look for spring. The Birkenstock-style trend was huge last summer and isn't going anywhere anytime soon. "
Loft Riviera Pants in Marisa Fit
"Consider these adorable pants are an amazing was to incorporate the yellow trend into an everyday look. From brunch to the boardroom, these cropped pants are super versatile when styling...try pairing them with stripes, florals, polka dots or solid tops for a fun warm weather look.”
STRIPES
Striped Long-Sleeve Off-the-Shoulder Top
BUY FROM: J.Crew, $30 with code “HOPTOIT” (Regularly $79.99, 62% Off!)
"Stripes and off the shoulder? Does it get much better? I love the ease of this top, perfect for styling with denim shorts in the summer or a chic trouser for spring. The fabrication makes it super comfortable while still being elevated."
Oversize Stripe Boyfriend Shirt
BUY FROM: Gap, SALE $21 (Regularly $49, 57% Off!)
“A good boyfriend shirt is a closet staple in spring/summer. The oversized shape is perfect for catching the breeze and giving a laidback, chic look. The stripes on this little number are fine and delicate for a refined everyday outfit.”
ASOS Cold Shoulder Cotton Stripe Smock Dress
"I call this dress instant outfit...the perfect one stop shop for playing with stripes while still looking feminine and playful. The smock silhouette is great for almost every body type and is just flirty enough with shoulder cut-outs on each arm.”
KHAKI & CREAM
J.Crew Garment-Dyed Trench Dress
BUY FROM: J.Crew, SALE $93 with code “HOPTOIT” (Regularly $128, 25% Off!)
“I love shape of this chino dress, cinching you in at your natural waist for a very flattering look. Perfect for the office when layered under a linen blazer or thin cashmere cardigan.”
Uniqlo U Melange Short Sleeve Sack Dress
BUY FROM: Uniqlo, SALE $19.90 (Regularly $49.90, 61% Off!)
“Belts and tie waists were huge trends on the Spring runways, this simple-shaped dress from Uniqlo is a great way to get the runway look for an everyday price. The sihouettte is modern and clean, perfect for the city gal on the go.”
FLORALS
Topshop Floral Pussybow Shirt
“Florals, for spring...groundbreaking! We are breaking ground this spring though with fabulous dark grounded florals. This blouse is elevated and styled and perfect for pairing with just about any bottom you have in your closet.”
ASOS Maxi Tea Dress with Ruffle Detail in Floral Print
“There's nothing more springy/summery than a fantastic floral dress. The maxi dress is an annual favorite, so why not upgrade your maxi collection to include the red hot floral trend?”
