A New Season for Style

A yearlong affair with leisure wear has left many of us at a style standstill. Not to worry, local boutiques are ready and waiting to guide us into a new season of fashion.

With these spring style ideas, which combine up-and-coming trends and some timeless classics, you can bring creativity and fun back into your wardrobe, and discover easy transitions from daytime casual to — at last — an excuse to dress up.

TREND TO TRY: Printed Shorts

With graphic prints and bold colors, patterned shorts bring personality and polish to warm weather wear. A neutral top, such as this ribbed bodysuit, keeps the look simple and comfortable.

Shorts are quickly dressed up with a coordinating puff-sleeve crop top, showcasing another popular seasonal trend: matching sets. Ribbon-tie heels create a head-to-toe statement.

Havana leaf print shorts, $58
Ribbed bodysuit, $39
Necklace, $29
Gold leaf earrings, $16.50
From Villa 19 Boutique
Knotted sandals, $19.99, Target
Woven hat, $12.99, TJ Maxx

Havana leaf print shorts, $58
Havana leaf puff-sleeve crop top, $56
Scrunchie, $5
Gold leaf earrings, $16.50
From Villa 19 Boutique
Ribbon-tie heels, $46, Cousin Couture

SIGNATURE ITEM: Floral Blouse

Just as the azaleas bloom every year, colorful florals emerge annually for spring’s finest fashion, reinvented this year in bright hues and floaty fabrics. With a pair of jean shorts and slide-on mules, this look gets you out the door in a flash.

Add in lush, silky pants with tailored details for sophisticated office attire that transitions easily to dinner out.

Floral top, $43
Relaxed-fit pants, $68
CP Creative House double-layer toggle-chain necklace, $64.00
From Villa 19 Boutique
Platform slides, $34.99
Top handle clutch, $25
From Target

Floral top, $43
Corduroy top-knot headband, $22
Denim shorts, $56
From Villa 19 Boutique
Crossbody basket bag, $19.99, TJ Maxx
Striped slides, $24.99, Target

CP Creative House jewelry, featured above, is handmade by Apex resident Christina Payer, who also works at Villa 19. View more jewelry and art by Payer on Instagram at @cp.creative.house.

TREND TO TRY: Tone-on-tone Monochrome

A consistent color palette looks easy, breezy and effortless during summer’s warm days.

Adding a striped blazer and textured slides makes this combo Zoom-, board- or happy hour-meeting ready.

Knotted tank, $48
White denim, $72
Buffalo horn earrings, $54
Blue Planet sunglasses, $45
Leather crossbody bag, $84
From Rose & Lee Collective
Knotted sandals, $19.99, Target

Striped jacket, $64
Knotted tank, $48
White denim, $72
Teal drop earrings, $28
Blue Planet sunglasses, $45
From Rose & Lee Collective
Necklace, $29, Villa 19
Woven slides, $24.99, Target

Rose & Lee Collective, in downtown Apex, offers ethically and sustainably produced brands, many made by women recovering from crisis situations. The store’s website allows customers to “Shop by Story,” choosing products that empower others, give back, or support local and eco-friendly businesses.

TREND TO TRY: Tennis Skirt

Country club sports, such as tennis and golf, have surged during the last year, ushering in a renaissance of preppy fashion. Pair a rainbow-hued cable-knit sweater vest and crisp white sneakers for a cheerful summer picnic or a day on — or off — the courts.

Ruffled sleeves, a smocked bodice and statement shoes transition this look for a date night or cocktail hour.

White pleated tennis skort, $49
Pastel rainbow sweater vest, $49
Beaded strawberry earrings, $26
Sneakers, $49
From Cousin Couture
Gray leather mini-backpack, $99, Rose & Lee Collective

White pleated tennis skort, $49
Puff-sleeve top, $44
Beaded rainbow earrings, $26
Ribbon-tie heels, $46
From Cousin Couture
Crossbody basket bag, $19.99, TJ Maxx

SIGNATURE ITEM: White Shirtdress

A menswear-inspired shirtdress has long been a timeless classic. Accent with an oversized sweater vest for a casual, friendly vibe.

Speaking of classic, red, white and blue works all summer long. Statement accessories, such as checked heels and a designer-inspired belt, dress the look up for backyard barbecues.

Button-front shirtdress, $69
Cable-knit sweater vest, $69
Sneakers, $49
Pink daisy headband, $30
From Cousin Couture
Leather crossbody bag, $84
Blue Planet sunglasses $60
From Rose & Lee Collective

Button-front shirtdress, $69
Belt, $36
Earrings, $26
From Cousin Couture
Blue crossbody clutch, $19.99
Woven hat, $12.99
From TJ Maxx
Gingham heels, similar Nordstrom

TREND TO TRY: Body Suit

A throwback to ’90s fashion, bodysuits create smooth, tucked in silhouettes without repeated retucking. Ease into the trend by adding a layer, such as this soft, boxy cardigan.

Or jump right in to the trend with high-waisted jeans that accentuate the natural waist and platform heels.

Blue Planet sunglasses, $60
Striped bodysuit, $30
Button-front cardigan, $40
Skinny jeans with distressed hem, $68
Gray leather backpack, $99
From Rose & Lee Collective
Sneakers, $49, Cousin Couture

Blue Planet sunglasses, $60
Striped bodysuit, $30
Skinny jeans with distressed hem, $68
Teal drop earrings, $28
From Rose & Lee Collective
CP Creative House double-layer toggle-chain necklace, $64.00, Villa 19
Platform slides, $34.99
Top-handle clutch, $25
From Target

More From Our Jun-July 2021 Issue

• Olympic Bound
• Rock On
• Breakfast is Served
• Restaurant Spotlight: Pimiento Tea Room
• Ripe Revival Delivers Fresh Produce to Southern Wake
• 3 Day Vacay! from Hank’s Downtown Dive
• A New Season for Style
• Grow & Bloom: ‘Millenium’ Allium: More Than a Spellcheck
• Meet & Greet: Pace Yourself Run Company
• FVM’s Greatest Hits