This season’s biggest trend? Breaking the rules.

Story by Alexandra Currie-Buckner

It’s time for flowy dresses and strappy sandals to move over. Say goodbye to florals and pastels and make some room in your closet for trends that defy tradition and reimagine spring attire.  

Check Pattern

Typically reserved for the fall and winter months, the check pattern is here to stay a bit longer this year. Be it in the form of a blazer, skirt, or dress, the check pattern is a welcome update to the season’s classic floral print.

Photos courtesy of Vogue and Topshop

Crayola Brights

Crank up the volume on your outfit and look like a walking pack of crayons with this change of color palette. Switch out subdued pastels with these bright hues. Magenta, blue, yellow, red, green— pick one or choose a few to color block.

Photos courtesy of Vogue and Unif

Chunky Sneakers

Embrace the comfort of this alternative to spring’s classic strappy sandal. A nineties comeback item, the chunky sneaker is taking over footwear. It’s bulky, ugly, and kind of horrible upon first look, but it relishes in its consciously unflattering, dadcore look.

Photos courtesy of Vogue and Urban Outfitters

Clashing Colors and Prints

With this trend, what feels wrong might just look right. Throw caution to the wind and mix up your colors and prints. Some tips to start the clashing process: use the color wheel to guide you, tie together prints through a shared color, and vertical stripes go with pretty much everything.

Photos courtesy of Vogue and Topshop

Socks

Take advantage of an often neglected opportunity to make a statement with a funky pair of socks. Seen on the runway with heels, sandals, and sneakers alike, socks can be a nice way to spice up a basic look. Sheer, sporty stripes, mesh — anything goes.

Photos courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar and Urban Outfitters