Toned-down colors, suede and gladiator sandals are trending for Spring

Local retailers are stocking up on the latest trends this season for any event spring takes you to.

This year, clothing and accessory colors are toned down as opposed to the vibrant tones we are used to seeing in fashion.

Alma Wolverton, owner at Pum Bum Society, said she is excited to share neutral-colored clothing pieces that can easily be mixed and matched at her store.

“For colors, it’s going to be blush, grey and silver,” Wolverton said. “The color of the season is nude and blush — they kind of go hand-in-hand.”

Wolverton, who offers at-home personal styling services, places an importance on carrying trending pieces as well as basic staple items.

Wolverton believes neutral-toned colors on dresses are perfect for spring office wear or brunch.

One of her favorite items right now at Pum Bum Society is a blush-colored sheath dress because of its versatility.

“It’s like your little black dress but in blush,” she said.

Another trend customers can find at Wolverton’s boutique is reminiscent of the ’90s.

“You are going to see a lot of crisscross openings on shirts and blouses — it’s everywhere,” Wolverton said. “You are going to see it on pants down the leg and in the middle.”

The netted detail also reminiscent of the ’90s is back on shirts and dresses with a modern twist.

Wolverton said an unexpected trend this season is suede.

“Typically suede is only for spring and winter. Suede is all year round now,” she added. “Before, I would not see people wearing suede during spring; that’s over now.”

Not only can shoppers find all the season’s must-have items at Pum Bum Society but also jewelry with a cause.

Wolverton is excited about her boutique’s recent collaboration with local jewelry designer, Alana Little, from Make Pie Not War.

Make Pie Not War offers a unique line of jewelry that can often be customized.

Wolverton and Little collaborated together and designed a “survivor” necklace in benefit of Fresno’s Marjaree Mason Center, a nonprofit that helps victims of domestic abuse and homelessness.

Those creating their outfit list for the beach and all-spring occasions can stop by She She boutique.

She She boutique owners, Ami Dillion and Jennifer Blum, said their merchandise assortment includes cocktail dresses, T-shirts, denim, seasonal shoes, and a lot of hats.

Dillion said She She has been in business for the past 12 years and it will be moving to a larger space this year at a new shopping center off of Fresno Street and Friant Road.

Customers can expect to find the gladiator sandal trend at She She for spring and summer.

Popular items amongst She She’s customers are the locally designed hats by Sparkleme.

Sparkleme creates customizable hats with Swarovski rhinestones and unique trims.

Dillion and Blum said white pants, denim and skirts are popular this spring.

They add that white is not as hard to put into outfits as some may think.

They suggest pairing a white clothing item with one of their Chaser brand tanks for an effortless look at the beach.

She She boutique has a large selection of cocktail dresses with the cut-out trend great for spring parties.

Fans of floral and striped prints can find them on trending silhouettes like the romper at Kisch boutique.

Co-owner at Kisch, Tina McDonald, said a combination of the two prints is trending.

Kisch boutique offers women and children’s apparel as well as baby shower gifts.

“We offer a personalized one-stop shopping experience for the mom or working woman with stylish trendy looks,” McDonald said.

McDonald confirms the distressed denim style is not going anywhere as well as the T-shirt dress.

“There are not many changes from last year’s trends, the boho festival styles are trending strong again for 2016,” she said.

McDonald said there is a key tip to keep in mind while shopping for items this season.

“Always start with your basics in styles and colors that fit you best, then add a few fun trendy pieces.”

▪ Reyna Cazares is a recent graduate from Fresno State. She earned a B.A. in fashion merchandising while writing and blogging for local publications and interning at companies like Seventeen and Latina magazines in New York.

This story was originally published April 15, 2016 at 11:33 AM with the headline "Toned-down colors, suede and gladiator sandals are trending for Spring."