This spring, local fashion enthusiasts are reminding us to seize the day when it comes to freshening up our looks. The season of renewal requires a full refresh in 2021.
“I think we’re looking for pick-me-ups in many ways,” said Suzanne Cotton, fashion chairwoman at Columbus College of Art & Design, of finding a balance between comfort and style this spring.
While trends remain lax as social distancing protocols continue and vaccinations become widely available, warmer weather coupled with a desire for change may just be the spark we need to revive our closets.
After a rest period, this fashion season invites us to make our own rules. Are we influenced by street style? Are we interested in sustainable and ethical clothing? Do we want to support independent designers and brands that prioritize race and size inclusion? Do we buy American-made clothes?
However you approach your personal styling, look for special items that will add to your wellbeing and create excitement. “A really nice color – even if it’s a sweatshirt – I think it can lighten your mood,” says Cotton.
This season’s hits include multi-purpose wearable pieces in wide, loose cuts. You can choose a pop of color or incorporate a piece of clothing with unexpected details.
“Athflow” is a catchphrase of the season that Pinterest editors refer to as “when sport meets elegance”. Consider versatile Athflow pieces in oversized silhouettes and lightweight fabrics, including blouses, house dresses, overalls, trousers or drifter pants. All of these options offer a more sophisticated alternative to more sporty sports and can be dressed and worn up or down at home or on the go.
Expressive knitwear, vintage favorites, flowers and neon pieces in combination with clips like denim jackets or cardigans offer all possibilities for interest and color. Colorful bags and sneakers, sparkling tennis shoes, reptile prints, and sheer vinyl heels add instant elevation.
“If we come out of this, people will surely want something – and change – and try to get back out there,” said Cotton of the post-pandemic opportunities to take risks and change in the fashion industry.
When we give ourselves permission to process last year’s toll and look to brighter days, one thing is obvious: what we wear affects how we feel. Our wardrobes offer welcome opportunities to seek solace, joy and self-expression.
In this role, style-conscious Central Ohioans from different walks of life show us the looks that will excite and inspire them this spring. Photographed by Columbus Monthly photographer Tim Johnson in a variety of locations – from a mom and baby who is comfortable in her home to others scattered around the beautiful setting of Easton Town Center – we hope these looks will add to yours will inspire you to follow your own style compass this season.
Kris Hays | Stylist, Macy’s
Whether it’s a personal wardrobe, preparing for an event or buying beauty or household products, Hays, in her role as a stylist, offers advice or sales in-store or virtually. Her goal is to maintain and continuously build strong customer relationships by providing a seamless customer experience.
Must-have items: “I love a great jacket! A jacket can instantly add shine, style, and your own personalization to the simplest of jeans or dresses. I also love a great handbag or bag in an unexpected color. A great bag is a must because you carry it almost every day. ”
Wear: Blue leather trench coat from INC International Concepts, $ 189.50; INC International Concepts Floral Off Shoulder Top, $ 69.50; INC International Concepts Jeans High Rise Wide Leg Jeans, $ 69.50; Style & Co silver and light blue necklace, $ 29.50; Blue suede platform with espadrille, $ 110 (all Macy’s)
Kayla Chandler | Event planner
(Son Jack, 6, daughter Charlie, 5)
Chandler is an event planner based out of Columbus. When she’s not taking care of her children, she loves fashion, photography, and getting lost in the woods. She’s in love with scary podcasts.
“Clothing is an integral part of expression. I don’t think the pandemic has condemned us to a life in sweatpants at home, but to a more thoughtful approach to what we wear when we have the opportunity to leave the house. ”
Kayla wears: Vintage White Sheer Flare Sleeve Blouse, $ 33.30 (Etsy); Vintage Gray Trousers, $ 16.50 (Rag-O-Rama); The Dawn Boot in Noir Leather, $ 358 (Christy Dawn); genuine black leather three-piece belt, $ 42 (Madewell); Eastwood Fedora, $ 110 (yellow 108).
Jack wears: white linen shirt, $ 39.50 (Janie and Jack); gray bottoms, $ 7.99 (Zara); black Dr. Martens Combat Boots, $ 65 (DSW); Suspenders, $ 9.66 (Amazon).
Charlie wears: heather gray floppy hat, $ 9.99 (target); Vintage 1950s Big Bow Gray and White Blouse Dress, $ 56.96 (Etsy); Vintage black leather Justin boots, $ 20.41 (Volunteers of America).
Daniella Siebert | Style Coach and Owner, Fox & Bloom
(Son Stratton, 14 months)
Siebert teaches busy women how to move from being overwhelmed and stressed to being confidently dressed. She lives in Westerville with her husband, son and two dogs.
Must-have items: “The two words I keep hearing from my styling customers are comfortable and confident. If it taught me something to be a mom while dressing during a pandemic, then comfort and confidence don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
“I love to wear the most casual outfit and find little ways to improve it, like a regular cotton T-shirt with a fun sleeve detail or a long cardigan over a simple, hidden top.
“That’s why my things have turned into a long cardigan and leather sneakers. Throwing gold jewelry and a long cardigan over pretty much anything can add a touch of polish – especially on Zoom. And since the outfits are so casual, I keep reaching for clean white sneakers. Maybe it’s the monotony of quarantine, but I’ve been looking for ways to change my usual style and give up my comfort zone. When I get out of the pandemic and such a tumultuous year, I think I’ll take this upscale casual style with me. ”
Daniella wears: Split-neck puffed-sleeve air shirt, $ 48; Way High Jeans, $ 78; Court Sneaker, $ 98 (all from Everlane); Choose jewelry and belts (model own).
Stratton wears: Colored Organics Hoodie; Small Bipsy Jeans; Kate Quinn hat; See Kai Run shoes (model own).
Joshua Hartley | Healthcare communication and event planner
Hartley is from Columbus and works in event planning, public relations and fundraising. He is a healthcare communications professional specializing in infectious diseases such as influenza, Zika virus, Ebola and COVID-19. He has produced and directed 65 weddings and events across Ohio. He spends his free time with his partner Jeffrey and his dog Stedman, advocating equality and encouraging others to give back to the communities and organizations in which they live, work, worship, and volunteer.
Must-have items: “A classic blue Oxford shirt is a staple in every man’s wardrobe. With this shirt, no matter what time of year, you can sit down and feel effortlessly.
“A denim jacket is another versatile piece of basic equipment. It’s a perfect companion all year round. ”
Joshua (left) wears:Commuter sweatpants, $ 128 (Rhone); Joe Fresh Oxford button-down shirt, $ 29 model; Steve Madden Tan Nubuck Loafers, $ 89.95 (model); Forever 21 Men’s Button Down Denim Jacket, $ 29.99 (model).
Jeffrey Tice | Higher Education and Nonprofit Professional
Tice is a Columbus transplant that moved down the highways from West Virginia to Buckeye State. He is also a college and nonprofit professional who is passionate about helping people of all ages, backgrounds, and skills achieve their goal of graduation. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling (when it’s safe) and spending time with Josh and Stedman.
Must-have items:“A blazer is a staple in every season. The great debate in our house is always to be buttoned or not; I fall into the “don’t” argument.
“I have these t-shirts in multiple colors and it’s something to wear when you go to the gym or have a drink with friends.
“Chinos are a pre-COVID staple in my closet and will continue to be when I return to the office. You can dress them up for an interview or for a concert or everyday office life. ”
Jeffrey wears:3.1 Phillip Lim for the Marine Blazer Target, $ 60 (model); white go-to tea, $ 28 tribute; olive ultimate skinny chinos, $ 49 (Old Navy); Boconi Owen’s feather-edged unsewn leather belt, $ 38 (model); White Crosscourt II sneakers, $ 90 (Cole Haan); Michael Kors rose gold watch (model).
Andrea Jimenez Mudafar | Marketing Project Manager, CCAD and Co-Founder, Mööda
Jimenez Mudafar is a Marketing Project Manager at Columbus College of Art & Design. In 2020 she co-founded Mööda, a marketing and communication agency that offers consulting services for corporate culture, communication strategy, project management and marketing. Andrea lives in Columbus with her husband Jeff and their cat Sage.
Must-have items:“[Coming out of the pandemic] My style will be comfortable but playful. I’ve got rid of everything that is slightly uncomfortable, but I still want to look good and have fun amid the stress of it all. … I’m a sucker for backless and long-sleeved dresses. I have several dresses of the same shape. ”
Andrea wears:Open-Back Tie and Floral-Print Self-Belted Dress, $ 19 (Shein); Eddie Bauer black Kara cork wedge (model); other accessories (model).
Imaginative footwear
Step up your look and improve your mood with playful shoes that will make you want to be out there again this spring. Funny sandals and neon pumps in bright pink, orange or yellow add an unexpected touch to your special occasion, while everyday sneakers are glamorous with a touch of color and sparkling embellishments. A bare or brightly colored bag with a reptile pattern, depending on your other clothes, makes any outfit interesting.
Top to bottom, Betsey Johnson Jasper Sandal, $ 89; INC Kenjay d’Orsay pink and yellow pumps, $ 99.50; Betsey Johnson Landyn Dress Sandal, $ 89; Bar III ball chain pumps in citron and orange, $ 79.50 (all from Macy’s).
