IN: Soft yellow.

OUT: Burgundy and camel of seasons past.

—Ray Mitchener, owner of Ruth Shaw

IN: Effortless, boho-inspired peasant blouse.

OUT: Teeny tiny going-out tops.

—Brittany Parry, owner of Match Made Boutique

IN: Simple sustainable skin care routine that you can keep up with.

OUT: A 20-step skin care routine you learned off of TikTok that costs most of your paycheck.

—Annie Demczak, @anniedemm

IN: Shopping small and vintage, and repeating outfits that you love.

OUT: Fast fashion and only wearing things once.

—Rachel Mulherin, jewelry designer

IN: Disposable cameras.

OUT: Capturing every moment on your phone with no real intention.

—Hilton Carter, plant and interior stylist and author

IN: Tried and true T-shirt dress.

OUT: Floral, flashy sundresses.

—Kalilah Wright, founder of Mess in a Bottle

IN: Nike Air Max shoes—95 or 97 will do.

OUT: Nike Dunks—they were cool until they weren’t.

—DDM, musician and rapper

IN: Home decor that lightens the mood.

OUT: Stuffy status tchotchkes.

—Julie Lilienfeld, owner of Wishbone Reserve

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

Out with the old and in with the bold—this spring we’re all about the more is more philosophy. While classic pared-down looks—such as straight-leg jeans and a structured white button-down—will always be in style, trends this season will have you stepping outside your comfort zone. In short, maximalism is coming in hot!

Thanks to bright patterns, daring textures, and billowy silhouettes, you’ll be able to let go of all the familiar style rules and have some fun. But before you strut out in an oversized neon jacket and leopard patterned skirt, we have a few tips to help craft an over-the-top look that’s more chic than kooky.

MISMATCH

Throw caution to the wind and forget everything you learned about matching. Mixing fur and lace textures, pairing plaid with orals, or simply wearing green and orange in the same outfit is what will bring new life into your spring apparel. If loud and bright isn’t quite your thing yet, sticking to the same color families when mixing prints is our favorite mismatch starter tip.

BALANCE

Unfortunately, there’s a fine line between creative and chaotic. Prevent wardrobe malfunction by striking a balance in
your maxed-out look. Ornament your outfit evenly from head-to-toe. Ruffled tops do best with structured trousers. Two prints and one texture is enough. When it comes to jewelry, both hands full of rings, large dangle earrings, and one sparkling necklace is sufficient. It all sounds very complicated, but start small, adding details as you get more comfortable. Follow your instincts—you’ll know when too much is, well, too much.

VOLUME

True to its name, when it comes to maximalism, bigger is always better. Dresses with tiered skirts, jackets with shoulder pads, and blouses with ruffled hems are gladly accepted into a maximalist’s closet. Perhaps more intimidating to try, this styling is actually fairly simple to pull off. All you need is one statement item. With shops bringing in new fashions with puffed sleeves, voluminous tops are going to be your go-to.

LAYERS

When going bold, layers are a simple way to add character. A printed jacket can do the trick. Feel free to get creative, though: An animal-printed duster over a blazer and turtleneck? Easy, striking, and still sophisticated. But don’t forget—maximalists are typically known for their artful accessories. Layering five necklaces of varying lengths and a wrist full of bracelet cuffs is what it’s all about.

When borrowing styling cues from the guys, think traditional staples and trends (pinstripes, the oxford shirt, smoking slippers) with a modern and feminine touch (soft pastels, inverse buttoning, and statement jewelry) for effortless, chic dressing. Your hair and makeup should also reflect that same girl-meets-boy feel—tousled updos and easy buns and braids, along with a natural brow and bold lip.

SPONSORED BY GREEN SPRING STATION

Dashing Dots

Dress Shirt

Midnight Layers

Wild Orchid

Sneak Peek

Flower Bomb

Check out a behind-the-scenes video of the shoot