The Anti-Trendy Girl's Way to Wear Trends

By Alison Ives

After a seasonal shopping bender, the urge to debut your haul can oftentimes feel like scratching an itch. But as rewarding as it is to rip off the tags and put on a newer, shinier version of yourself, jumping into of-the-moment trends comes with one major potential setback: looking like everyone else. Unless your buys were mostly vintage, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll spot some doppelgängers on the street in that same off-the-shoulder number or crisp white sneaker. And nothing spoils the excitement of a new purchase like seeing it everywhere.

Good news is, you don’t have to turn to sketchy sites or avoid adding to cart all together to skirt this issue. Instead, we’re taking spring’s most wearable, on-trend pieces — like AG flares, cheeky dad hats, and sleek bomber jackets — and pairing them with looks that are anything but expected. We’ve never been ones to blend into the crowd, and the styling tips ahead ensure you won’t be, either.

The Bomber Jacket
Since this outerwear style tends to dominate any outfit, dial back the other components so they don’t compete. In this look, black skinny jeans and a knit tank create the perfect minimal foundation. The metallic loafers echo the zipper detailing on the maroon jacket — which you can punch up further with a cool patch.

Related: How I Broke My Skinny Jean Addiction

AG The Legging, $178, available at AG; Topshop MA1 Bomber Jacket, $100, available at Nordstrom; H&M Rib-Knit Top, $34.99, available at H&M; New York Space Academy NYC Patch, $8, available at New York Space Academy; Stella McCartney Odette Buckle Loafer, $1110, available at Monnier Freres.

The Romantic Blouse
Frilly off-the-shoulder blouses are seemingly unstoppable this season. Take the look to a bold level by skipping the all-too-obvious white and blue linen iterations in favor of a tropical print. Then bring out the brightest colors of the top with coordinating accessories, like these poppy yellow mules. Light-wash denim pulls everything together and keeps the candy colors in check.

Related: How to Shop For Bras

Isolda Off Shoulder Floral Tunic, $472.97, available at Farfetch; Hat Attack Round Handle Tote, $112, available at Shopbop; Mango Destructured Leather Sandal, $69.99, available at Mango; AG The Layla, $215, available at AG; Lele Sadoughi Golden Choker, $248, available at AHAlife.

The Streetwear Sneaker
A silky wrap-front midi-skirt is what you’d least expect to be paired with futuristic sneakers — and that’s exactly why it works. Instead of a heel to match the fabric’s fancy vibe, the commuter-cum-gym shoe makes it believably low-key. Complete the look with a striped tank for a small dose of pattern and a white leather backpack for a punchy contrast.

Related: Sometimes Less is Way, Way More

Wasted Effort Saturna Ring, $41.43, available at Wasted Effort; 3.1 Phillip Lim Wrap-Effect Satin Skirt, $495, available at Net-A-Porter; Genuine People White Genuine Leather Large Bucket Backpack, $164, available at Genuine People; adidas Tubular Viral Shoes, $100, available at adidas; AG The Teagan Shell, $168, available at AG.

The Graphic Dad Hat
You could go full athleisure with this neutral ball cap, but we like it with a more nuanced normcore vibe. A tie-front tee and ripped jeans make for an easy pairing, while the printed woven pullover keeps it cozy and adds texture. Resist the urge to reach for slip-on sneakers, and try a heeled sandal instead; it’ll bring a polished element to the look to keep it from veering too celeb coffee run.

AG The Reed Tee, $74, available at AG; AG The Beau Dunes Destroyed, $198, available at AG; Tory Burch Cotton Baja Hoodie, $350, available at Tory Burch; Anti Social Social Club Lost Seoul Cap, $36, available at Anti Social Social Club; A.P.C. Leather Sandals, $465, available at Stylebop.

The Flared Jean
No surprise here: Flares are still going strong (and long). Instead of giving this silhouette the predictable ‘70s spin of yesteryear, elevate it with a cocktail-party clutch and an oversized-dress-over-pants twist. The tie waist adds definition to an otherwise sack-like silhouette. Slide into block-heeled sandals for a boost — with those sidewalk-skimming hems, you’ll need it.

Related: Every Where: The Best Street Style Around the Globe

AG The Lana In Fury, $198, available at AG; Zara Printed Tunic With Slits, $69.90, available at Zara; Nasty Gal Take The Strap Vegan Suede Heel, $68, available at Nasty Gal; Melissa Joy Manning Mini Wishbone Earrings With Pearl, $240, available at Melissa Joy Manning; Fossil x Opening Ceremony Clutch, $148, available at Fossil.

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