Ten Women's Trends for Spring 2016

One of my favorite aspects about attending Magic Market Week in Las Vegas each August and February is scouting the Juniors' fashion trends. Sure, I absolutely love scouting footwear trends, but clothing is really fun to browse as well. I usually leave the trade shows with new sources of style inspiration, an excitement for what's to come, and too many photos to count. In this report, I'll be highlighting ten spring 2016 trends for Juniors and providing retail examples for more inspiration and trend direction.

Like what you see? You can get more photos, trend information, and style ideas by catching up with me on  Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Snapchat @thekeytochic.


August 7, 2016 update - See the top 8 back-to-school fashion trends for fall 2016. 

August 20, 2016 update - See the top 7 fall 2016 and winter 2017 fashion trends for Juniors and the top 7 footwear trends for fall 2016 and winter 2017 as seen at MAGIC Market Week. 

August 24, 2016 update - See six trends for fall 2017 and winter 2018. 

1. Midi Moment

Skirts hit their stride in midi lengths, fuller silhouettes, and fun print/texture fabrications. The just-below-the knee length works well with crop tops and flirty blouses.



See more midi lengths:

2. 1970s Denim

Classic denim goes retro with a nod to the '70s. Think culottes, flared shapes, button-front styles, braided trim, medium washes, and gold-tone buttons. 



See more '70s denim:

3. Lace and Crochet Come Out to Play

Dresses and tops are injected with visual interest by boho accents including crochet panels and lace trim. Practically every booth I passed featured some form of prominent lace or crochet.



More lace and crochet:

4. Shoulder to Shoulder

In a continuation from last spring, off-the-shoulder and open-shoulder is the name of the game. I noticed the trend on many bohemian blouses, breezy dresses, and printed tops.



See more cold shoulder styles:

5. Fit To Be Tied

Lace-up details continue to be strong for spring and summer, most notably on fitted dresses and casual tops. 



More lace-up styles:

6. A Stitch In Time

Colorful embroidery is a key detail on peasant dresses, relaxed blouses, and light cover-ups.



See more embroidery:

7. Pink About It

There's no escaping one of spring's most popular colors - pale, dusty pink. I saw it on lace dresses, crochet tops, maxi skirts, and maxi dresses. 



See more pink:

8. To Dye For

In addition to the expected florals, geometrics, and paisley prints of spring, tie-dye figured prominently in many booths. It lends a strong retro/festival vibe when used on knit dresses.



See more tie-dye:

9. Want a Waist?

Waist tie details add a modern edge and create shape on dresses and shorts.  



10. Pom Pom Party

Vividly colored pom poms lend a playful edge to wedges, bucket bags, and sandals for spring. 



See more pom poms:

Quick reminder! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Snapchat @thekeytochic for more fashion forecasting information, shopping reports, and style inspiration. 

See my 2016 footwear trend report, my seven denim trends for spring/summer 2017, my top 7 fall 2016/winter 2017 trends for Juniors, my spring/summer 2016 trend forecast and my spring/summer 2017 trend forecast for additional insight into upcoming Women's trends.

July 31, 2016 update - See denim trends for 2016/2017:

Get more trend ideas:

Seven Spring and Fall 2016 Footwear Trends

Another season of FN Platform has come and gone, and with it, I'm highlighting a new set of footwear trends for spring and fall 2016. If you love shoes, you're in the right place. (Perhaps you've read my feature on mules for spring 2016 or my fall 2015/spring 2016 shoe trend report, which features four key trends.) 

October 3, 2016 update - See 12 top fashion trends for fall 2016 and winter 2017.


August 7, 2016 update - See the top 8 back-to-school fashion trends for fall 2016. 

August 20, 2016 update - See the top 7 footwear trends for fall 2016 and winter 2017 in my newest footwear report.

After reviewing all the photos that I took at the trade show, there are seven leading trend themes that have emerged as we move into spring and fall 2016. So let's take a closer look.

The Wild West

Western-inspired styles are still going strong from the past few seasons. Details to note include buckles, stacked heels, distressed finishes, embroidery, and fringe. Clockwise, from top left: Diba True, Stephanie Classic, Dumond, and Michael Antonio.



See more Western styles:

Time To Shine

High shine materials and metallics are showing up on everything from wedge sandals and heels to ankle boots and sneakers. Important details are crackled finishes, bronze hues, and  warm undertones. Clockwise from top left: Volatile, Dumond, Michael Antonio, and Michael Antonio. 



See more metallics:

A Menswear Moment

Women's footwear takes a borrowed-from-the-boys approach with menswear styles including oxfords, brogues, loafers, and wing tips. Key details are buckles, neutral hues, monk straps, bronze finishes, and suede constructions. Clockwise from top left: Luichiny Red Label, Wolverine Heritage, Wolverine Heritage, and Volatile. 



See more menswear:

Fringe Binge

Fringe continues to be a strong style statement on sandals and boots for spring and fall. New takes on the trend include knotted fringe, tiered fringe, and angled fringe. Clockwise from top left: Volatile, Volatile, Diba True, and Michael Antonio. 



See more fringe:

Fit To Be Tied

Lace-up styles are a key emerging trend. In addition to the ubiquitous lace-up ballet flat (thank you to Aquazurra for helping to launch this trend), I spotted tall boots, strappy heels, gladiator sandals, and cutout pumps with a variety of lace-up details. Clockwise from left: Diba True, Schutz, and Michael Antonio. 



See more lace-ups:

Red Road

While black, grey, taupe, and brown remain mainstay colors for fall footwear, I observed some interesting shades of red ranging from cherry red and merlot to fuchsia and mulberry. Clockwise from top left: Luichiny, Capodarte, Wolverine Heritage, and Carrano.



See more shades of red:

Rock the Block

Block heels continue to gain strength on mid-calf boots, pumps, and sandals. Details to note are high shine finishes and clear heels for a modern effect. Clockwise from top left: Luichiny, Capodarte, Raphaella Booz, and Ferri. 



See more block heels:

For more trend forecasts, see my fall/winter 2016/2017 trend forecast, my spring/summer 2017 denim trend report, and my spring/summer 2016 trend forecast on The Key To Chic.

Want even more shoe inspiration? Browse the newest trends from top brands: Carrano, Topshop, Ukies, Michael Antonio, Schutz, Luichiny, Volatile, Wolverine, and Boohoo.

Catch up with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat @thekeytochic.

More footwear trends for 2016:

DV by Dolce Vita at Target Spring 2016 Shoe Review

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links. 

You may recall the small collaboration that footwear brand Dolce Vita did with Target in the summer of 2010. They offered a well edited selection of studded oxfords, ballet flats, and ankle boots under $35. Full disclosure: I still regret not buying their buckled ankle boot. #ShoeAddict

Fast forward to February 2016 and Target has teamed up with Dolce Vita again, this time for a new collection of sandals and espadrilles under the DV by Dolce Vita line. While sandals dominate the selection, there's a notable cutaway ankle boot called the Nya that's similar to Dolce Vita's 'Noa' boot and 'Haddee' boot. The fringe peep-toe 'Josie' boot at Target looks a lot like Dolce Vita's 'Mazarine' boot. See the similarities? 

September 28, 2017 update - See new fall styles:

See the newest by Dolce Vita:

June 27, 2017 update - Shop main line Dolce Vita:

May 4, 2017 update - See my new favorites:

January 16, 2017 update - See my spring 2017 dv by Dolce Vita shoe review.

Here are some of my favorite spring 2016 styles. 



Here's a look at the bags that my Target store had to offer.





Thong sandals and espadrilles are displayed in a variety of colors, all under $30. 



Use #dvlook to share your style.



Now for the sizing. The Skye espadrilles come in two colors and run slightly small. (They remind me of the Dolce Vita 'Ceyla' espadrilles, which have studs, or the Dolce Vita 'Ciara' espadrilles, which are lacking the ankle strap and woven uppers.) If you have wide feet, I'd go half a size up for these. I found them to be slightly narrow in the toe box. They have nicely cushioned insoles and are a little stiff. 





The Ottie espadrilles come in three prints and have cushioned insoles. The black print below is similar to Dolce Vita's 'Javier' sandal. The Ottie style runs true to size and felt the most comfortable of all the styles I tried on. They're perfect for casual summer days when paired with denim, shorts, and day dresses.



I love the colors below when paired with dark denim. There's a matching wristlet for under $20. 



The Kaden thong sandals run big and have a nice back zip. They look much like the Dolce Vita 'Marnie' sandal. They were way too big in length and my foot slid around, so I'd go a full size down on these. I found them to be slightly less comfortable than the other sandals in the collection.



The Kaya thong sandals are true to size. They also come in black or tan. They're similar to Dolce Vita's 'Dixin' sandal, they felt comfortable, and have cute braiding detail on the straps.



The Kensley thong sandals run slightly big. I'd go a half size down on these. They come in three other colors. Note the metallic detail on the toe area, which gives them a dressy look. These felt similar to the Kaya pictured above in terms of comfort. 



The Nya booties are almost sold out, so had to try a 6.5 instead of my usual 7. They felt really comfortable, easy to walk in, and they fit well. 

Feb. 25, 2016 update: I tried on a size 7 (my regular size) and found them to run slightly big, so I'd go half size down on these. The same goes for the Josie fringe booties. 



Please excuse the track pants. Instead, I'd wear these booties with crochet dresses, printed rompers (like this summer-ready V-neck style under $50), and cropped denim (like this MiH pair) for spring. The Western styling and mule silhouette is particularly on-trend for 2016. In fact, you can see more of my favorite mule shoes for spring in this trend report.



There's also a selection of DV handbags under $45, including this fringe bucket bag and this chain strap crossbody bag that I have my eye on. I'm looking forward to seeing more of their shoes (especially ankle boots like these fringe 'Josie' boots which resemble the Dolce Vita 'Mazarine' open toe boot) and bags as we get closer to the spring/summer season. As far as Dolce Vita goes, I'm currently admiring this suede lace-up wedge and these lace-up stacked heel sandals. 

Love shoes? See my fall 2016 shoe trend report and keep up with my fashion and shopping adventures on Snapchat with user name thekeytochic.

Shop DV by Dolce Vita:

The Look for Less - Stuart Weitzman Nudist Sandal Dupes

Since their debut in 2013, Stuart Weitzman's 'The Nudist' sandals have graced the feet of celebrities such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Reese Witherspoon, Olivia Munn, and Diane Kruger. They've been spotted on countless red carpets throughout the years, and given their many admirers, they've reached beyond trend status and into classic territory. The minimal two strap strap style allows the wearer's outfit to steal the spotlight, so it's no surprise that their sleek, timeless design makes them footwear favorites season after season. They go with almost anything. Plus, the skinny ankle straps help to elongate the legs and show off the pedicure, making them the ideal heels to wear for weddings, proms, parties, and memorable nights out.

August 23, 2024 update - Shop Stuart Weitzman heels:

On a budget?

Shop ankle strap heels for less below:

February 21, 2024 update - Shop ankle strap heels under $200:

October 4, 2023 update - Shop ankle strap heels  under $100 for Fall 2023:

August 11, 2023 update - Get the Stuart Weitzman look for much less:

March 21, 2023 update - Snag a deeply discounted pair of Stuart Weitzman Nudist heels on sale here in black for $150.

The Real Deal

Shop Stuart Weitzman Nudist and Nudistcurve heels:

photos via Pinterest

While a pair of Nudist sandals will set you back about $398, there are plenty of look alikes for less than $110. Below are my top picks for all budgets.

1. Go Jane 'Single Strap Life' sandals, $22.80 
2. BP 'Luminate' sandals, $59.95 (many colors available)
3. Qupid sandals at Charlotte Russe, $32.99
4. Sam Edelman 'Eleanor' sandals, $109.95 (similar under $100 for 2018)
5. Stuart Weitzman 'Nudist' sandals, $398 (many colors available)
6. Jessica Simpson 'Vaile' sandals, $88.95 (shop the 2018 version)
7. Sole Society 'Talia' sandals, $59.95 (in silver, black, or nude). 
8. Go Jane 'Ready to Single' sandals, $22.70 (also in black)
9. Steve Madden 'Stecy' sandals, $79.95 (also available here and here in several colors on sale)

August 23, 2024 update - Get the Stuart Weitzman look for much less:

April 6, 2022 update - Shop heeled sandals for spring and summer:

December 10, 2020 update - Shop heels for the holidays:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Shop single strap sandals: