Trends have always been ephemeral—there’s a reason they don’t call them permanents. But thanks to social media, trends now seem to be moving faster than ever. One week you’re supposed to wear a sheer dress, the next a bomber jacket. If you’re overwhelmed with the weekly fashion roulette, we have good news: This season calls for owning your personal style with classic pieces and tried-and-true staples.

Untailored Blouses: Sure, there are dad jeans, but have you heard of the dad button-down? It’s not really a thing, but that’s the vibe we’re going for with an oversized, loose-fit blouse—something that’s a little more blasé than polished, but chic nonetheless. The options are endless, whether you dress up with heels or down with jeans; play with wide collars or billowy sleeves; button up all the way or only from the waist to the chest; tuck in the hem or let it hang free—it’s dealer’s choice, and you can’t really go wrong.

Try: Sassanova. Multiple locations including 805 Aliceanna Street, 410-244-1114

Metallic Fabrics: Metallics certainly lean more on the daring side of the style spectrum, but textures are just as important as shape when building a complete wardrobe. All that glitters is not gold—it could be purple, green, or hot pink for spring. Leaning into the playfulness that is a shiny fabric in your favorite color can add a little more personality to an otherwise humdrum outfit.

Try: Poppy & Stella. Multiple locations including 824 Kenilworth Drive, Towson, 443-841-7523

Simple Silhouettes: Column dresses have never gone out of style for a good reason; they’re simple to wear and flatter any body type. It’s the less-is-more mindset, and more often than not, it’s stunning. This season’s runway reintroduces the silhouette with more modern drapery, playing with deep scoop necks and, if you’re feeling bold, bare midriffs. You can never go wrong with a classic.

Try: Brightside Boutique. Multiple locations including 915 W 36th Street, 410-814-0595

Hemline Extension: There’s something equally sophisticated and nonchalant about a longer hemline. Maxi skirts are back in every iteration: voluminous with pleats and ruffles or denim that’s straight and slick. You may even notice that you feel less inclined to hem your too-long trousers, opting for an undone-on-purpose vibe. If you’re looking to project a sense of freedom but with refinement, go long.

Try: Hunting Ground. 3649 Falls Road, 410-243-0789

When it comes to buying gifts this year, it’s good in the neighborhood. We offer areas with an abundance of great shops where you can buy local and stick around for some holiday merriment.

By Janelle Erlichman Diamond

with Jessi Rutherford and Leah Bayley-Hay

Photography by Christopher Myers

Illustrations by Charlotte Fu

Spring is officially here, and we all know what that means: warmer weather and shorter hems. This season, we’re ready to strut our stuff in the latest and greatest trends. Nostalgia is in the air with the revival of ’80s prints, ’90s nonchalance, and Y2K favorites.

We asked a few of our go-to Baltimore boutiques what must-haves will be stored in their closets this spring, and how we might put our own spin on them.

PALAZZO JEANS
A Style Studio

“Our favorite trend this spring is palazzo jeans,” says Lauren Rutkovitz, owner of A Style Studio in Pikesville. “I love the versatility and comfort of these jeans: Dress them up or down, day or night with a heel or a sneaker. The point of these jeans is to show off your waist! Wear them with a tucked-in blouse or a cropped sweater.” 25 Hooks Ln. # 111, Pikesville, 410-484-1115

GEOMETRIC JEWELS
House of Muse

“One of my favorite trends happening in spring 2022 is the use of unique geometric shapes in jewelry,” says Alex Dekowski, owner of House of Muse. “You’ll begin to see a lot of chunky rings and earrings in fun atypical designs. We saw a huge trend of mixing metals that is still going strong into spring, with pops of color being added into the mix.” Online.

CORSET TOPS
Brightside Boutique

Paige Hamburg, marketing manager at Brightside Boutique, says that “Y2K looks are back!” Their style advice? “Look out for micro-mini skirts, baggy and low-rise denim styles, and corsets. We’re styling corset tops with low-rise denim and heels for nights out grabbing cocktails.” Multiple locations including 915 W 36th St., 410-814-0595

SATURATED HUES
Keepers Vintage

“I get excited about trends that are revisited and reimagined. I encourage my customers to repurpose vintage pieces for creative, on-trend wardrobes,” says Erica Bentley, owner of Keepers Vintage. “My favorites I’ll be adding to both my closet and the shop are saturated hues from the ’70s and ’80s.” Two locations including 229 W Read St., 443-421-3757

Amid the outbreak of the coronavirus, several small businesses battle with the prospect of having to close. After several closings and social separation measures were announced across the U.S. earlier this week, vintage home store Wishbone Reserve in Hampden posted an announcement online that it would remain open and increase sanitary precautions. This spurred reactions from boutique owners around Baltimore.

Brightside Boutique has since echoed a similar sentiment, vowing to remain open and keep events scheduled as planned, “We will be closely monitoring government updates and guidelines, and will keep customers informed. We hope, if you are healthy and able to do so, that you continue to join us for the upcoming events, shop, and support small businesses,” reads an online post.

While some stores have shut down their brick-and-mortar doors, others remain open, and many have provided avenues to shop virtually. Here is a roundup of boutiques that have formally announced their opening status so far:

OPEN IN-STORE AND ONLINE:

• Brightside Boutique *Offering 15-percent-off and free shipping.
• Match Made Stores *Open by appointment only and offering 15-percent-off online purchases using code: spring15.
• Plantacea *Only two customers allowed in shop at a time, offering curbside delivery.
• 2910 on the Square *Reduced hours Tuesday-Friday 12pm-6pm, Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm as well as offering delivery.

ONLINE ONLY:

• A Style Studio *Offering free shipping on all orders.
• Arrow Clothing *Continuing their online-only operations as usual.
• B.Willow *Options for pickup or local delivery within 20 mins of the shop and waived $15 delivery fee.
• Becket Hitch *Offering online shopping and in-store private appointments.
• Best Day Ever
• Bottle of Bread
• Boutique W
• The Codex Club *Offering free shipping.
• Domesticity *Offering curbside pick-up and same-day delivery.
• Doubledutch Boutique *Offering 20-percent-off sale items and free shipping or curbside pick-up for online sales. In-store private appointments are available.
• Found Studio Shop
• Get Shredded Vintage
• Hunting Ground
• Ma Petite Shoe
• Milagro *Offering free shipping.
• Milk and Ice Vintage
• Mint & Major *Offering 20-percent-off online using code: MAJOR20, free shipping on orders over $25, curbside pick-up and drop-offs.
• Poppy & Stella
• Raina Dawn *Offering curbside pick-up and in-store private appointments.
• Six2Six Society
• South Moon Under
• Wishbone Reserve

OPEN IN-STORE ONLY:

• Amaryllis
• Forward Moda
• Keeper’s Vintage
• Matava Shoes
• Panache *Reduced hours 10am-4pm with in-store private appointments, curbside pickup, and free delivery available.
• Pandora’s Box
• Wee Chic *Reduced hours 10am-4pm.

CLOSED:

• In Watermelon Sugar *Offering in-store private appointments or curbside pick-up.
• Ruth Shaw
• Sassanova *Offering in-store private appointments, drop-offs, curbside pick-up, and free shipping.
• Shops at Kenilworth
• Tortuga

Fall is upon us, which gives a perfect excuse for a wardrobe revamp. Not sure what’s hot and what’s not? Fear not. Fashion connoisseurs Raina Filippelli of Raina Dawn and Melissa Bona of Mint + Major are here to share their seasonal faves—and we share how to style them.

WILD THINGS

“Animal prints! Especially every color of leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and snakeskin!”—RF

Good news. That cheetah print coat you splurged on last season? It’s still in style. But this season, it’s all about going big and bold. Don’t be shy of neon jaguar print skirts and mix-and-match snake- skin and suede textures.

MIX AND MATCH

“My go-to look for fall: a long-sleeve mini dress with sneakers.”—RF

Having a hard time transitioning your wardrobe into cooler weather? For an easy solution, try pairing long sleeves with a flowing skirt. Whether worn with a chic sneaker or a classic bootie, this look can be easy to dress up or down.

HAIR TODAY

“Using hair accessories with details like pearls or rhinestones gives your day look some nighttime glam.”—MB

A statement accessory can give an outfit a brand-new feel. This year’s choice of statement pieces? The hair clip. Opt for a delicate metal accent or go for the glamour with a pairing of two or more shining pieces.

HARDCORE

“I am obsessed with what has been dubbed by fashion insiders as ‘heavy metal.’ So, biker-inspired necklaces, safety pin earrings, and chain links in bracelets, and rings.” —MB

Being adventurous with trends can keep your personal style fresh and fun. But don’t feel compelled to go all in just to suit the latest fashions. Give the trend some personal flair by incorporating your favorite bits and pieces, such as a set of chunky metal chain bracelets.