Save v Splurge: My favorite 5 spring 2019 fashion trends to fit any budget

Spring is always my favorite season for fashion (despite the whole realizing I’m going to have to show my triceps again part) and this year’s 2019 spring fashion trends are so incredibly wearable!

It’s so refreshing to see fun fabrics, pretty florals, shapes that flatter lots of body types, and colors I can actually wear (goodbye forever, neons) — and best of all, you can really find these looks in any budget at all.

So I put together 5 of the trends I’m most looking forward to this spring, with a few options for both splurges and saves. Because if you want to invest in a gorgeous designer dress that you know you’ll wear a lot? Go for it. Want to dip your pinky toe into a trend affordably first? I hear you.

Whatever you love, happy spring shopping!

Spring 2019 fashion trend: Pleats, please

Those narrow, vertical pleats reminiscent of Iseey Miakye circa 1995 are back, and it’s so easy to get on trend with this very wearable wardrobe staple. In fact, if you’re not a print person, it’s a brilliant way to wear solid colors that still have some modern oomph to them — and in case you were wondering, yes, pastels are in too.

I will admit I’m not always down for pastels, but a great lavender or a not-too-orange pink is so universally flattering on every skin tone and I just love it.

Splurge:
Jason Wu Pleated Popover Dress
$595, Nordstrom

Save:
H&M Pleated Skirt in three pastel colors
$29.99, H&M

Spring 2019 fashion trend: Wide-leg jeans

Yes, we’ll be debating this spring fashion trend until they’re out again and the next denim trend is in, but right now, the skinnies seem to be making way for high-waisted, 70s-inspired, wide-leg jeans. Some of which are culotte style too, or cropped at the ankles. And the more I read about them, the more this not-so-tall (5’5″), curvy gal is willing to get on board.

A few wide-leg jeans tips (if you’re gritting your teeth right now): Tuck your top in to create a narrower waistline — there’s a reason every model is styled with a top tucked in, at least in the front. Also, try a belt to create more definition. If you have shorter legs, go for a longer cut to lengthen your legs — no culottes for us! If you’re pear-shaped or have wider hips like I do, skip the pleated front panel for a more flattering fit around the stomach and hips.

So…willing to try it out with me?

Splurge
Belted Palazzo Jeans
$250, Nordstrom

Save
Madewell x Karen Walker Blazar Zip Wide-Leg Jeans
$99 on sale, Madewell

Bigger save
Gap High-Rise Wide Leg Jean
$69.95, Gap

Spring 2019 fashion trend: Floral print maxi dresses

It took me some time to come around to maxis on the last go-round, and now I’m ready to have them back again! Loving that so many breezy, flattering wrap dresses come in florals big and small, in all kinds of colors, with sleeves from spaghetti straps to cap sleeves, short to long flowy sleeves. Whatever makes you you best, you can find it!

In fact, I may share a few more in the coming weeks — there really are so many terrific options right now, and they don’t all look like big floral tents. Yay for small favors.

Splurge
Paige Maquel Silk Maxi Floral Dress
$399, Nordstrom

Semi-Splurge
Yumi Kim Milan Story Dress
$238, Shopbop

Save
ASOS Design Maxi Tea Dress in Floral Print
$25.50 on sale, ASOS

Spring 2019 fashion trend: Woven Handbags

I still have vintage bags like these gorgeous woven handbags from my college thrifting days and I’m so glad they’re back in again! There are tons of woven handbags on trend for spring 2019 in materials like straw, raffia, and bamboo that will take you through summer — but here are a few favorites to suit any budget.

In fact, I like so many styles out there, I might just be back with a whole article on woven handbags.

Splurge
Ferragamo Margot Piccolo Cord Handbag
$1890, Nordstrom (yeah yeah, I know)

Save
Vince Camuto Kiano Leather and Straw Crossbody
$108, Nordstrom

Major Save
Round Paper Straw and Faux Leather Handbag
$24.99, H&M

Spring 2019 fashion trend: V-cut mules, slides and heels

Say hello to the V-cut shoe, friends! I’m loving this shoe trend so much, because it works with all those dresses, skirts, and cropped jeans you see above, it gives the impression of a longer leg since it doesn’t cut you off at the ankle, and you’ll find it in whatever style shoe you love wearing, in whatever height heel you love, from slides and mules, flat sandals to slingbacks to kitten-heeled pumps.

So while I’ve got a variety of prices here, I also looked around for a variety of styles so you could get as excited as I am about this trend. And yeah…I get a little stuck on black. (I’m a New Yorker!) But most of these shoes come in multiple styles and colors, if you want to go lighter or funkier, including lots in that dessert rose kind of coral color that’s huge this year. .